De la Ruelle, Dr., Opelousas, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 May 12

De la Ruelle has such a perfect knowledge of the people of this area that he has no confidence in their morality. This is why he writes to Blanc. The prophet has said "70 to 80 for the strongest" so De la Ruelle must hurry as he is already 70. Two of his slaves, mulatresses aged five years, 6 months and 7 years were born under his roof. Their mother is dead. His intention was to free them at his death but the new law prevents him from carrying this out even though he has it in his will. He cannot turn them over to their father who would sell them. Could De la Ruelle will them to Blanc who would set them free and place them in a religious house where on coming of age they could take the veil or follow a career in the world. He asks Blanc to show him what to do. :: VI-1-l A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.