Chambost, Father Charles, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 November 4

Blanc's letter of October 30 arrived last night. Chambost agrees wholeheartedly with what Blanc desires in regard to Henry Riordan . When he asked that the ordination take place at the College, it was necessity that forced him. Chambost still does not know who to put in his place. So two weeks before December 8, Chambost will send Riordan to Father Napoleon Joseph Perché to be examined and prepared. Chambost will be present for his ordination to the priesthood. The help which Chambost intends to ask from the Legislature is not from resources of the State. Iberville Parish pays 9000 piastres for the schools every year and withdraws only 2300. The members of the "juri de police" are asking Chambost whether he will accept a certain number of poor children belonging to the parish in case they obtain this surplus. Chambost would be under no more obligation than he assumes with each father that sends his child. There must be almost 50 poor children who receive a free education every year and of this number 7 or 8 are boarders. The governor has said that it is only the Catholics who teach the poor gratis and ask for nothing; as a result the funds for education are in the hands of the enemies of Catholicism. In his last letter to Perché, Chambost insisted on the point of the Sisters. Chambost has 60 little girls not attending school while awaiting a reply. He has asked Perché to see, with Blanc, whether they could not have just two Sisters. Another of Chambost's cousins has arrived for the college and some young people for the service of the house. :: VI-1-k A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.