Dubernard, Father Jean Honoré, St. Martin, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 July 6

Yesterday Dubernard said his first Mass at Pont-Breau . He left New Orleans on June 16 arriving at St. Martin on Thursday. The next day he left for Grand Coteau where he went on retreat for a week. Yesterday he was solemnly installed at Pont-Breau by Father Jan. The church was filled and a large crowd was outside. After the Mass Dubernard baptized 12 slaves. Several persons wished to rent pews but he set the date for the 15th. Then they visited the presbytery which is better than he thought. Jan had put a tenant there so Dubernard will wait two months until the tenant leaves. Meanwhile he has arranged to board with Mrs. Caillet . He is very well satisfied. Today he returned to St. Martin to buy a horse. He needs an ostensorium, a censer, and a black cope. If there are any of these to be had in the churches of New Orleans, he asks Blanc to procure them for the Pont. P.S. He was not able to buy the horse he had in view. If Blanc still wants to get rid of it Dubernard will take it at Blanc's price. :: VI-1-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.