Brun De Villecrozey, Abbeville, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 December 26

Strange things are happening here. The foreign residents, all Catholics, are divided into two camps. On Sunday the 13th there was a collision which would have become bloody had not the law intervened. And what was the attitude of Father Jean Arthur Poyet in this affair? The plan of this clash was drawn up in the presbytery. Poyet mingled all day long with the hostile groups. The next day the judge excused Poyet on the pretext of contradictory evidence. Poyet will never regain the confidence and esteem of his parishioners. Poyet has as accomplices the Gueydan brothers who have always professed to despise him. And how has Poyet fulfilled his duties as a priest? Never Mass on weekdays, nor vespers on Sunday. And how does he spend his time? He has turned the presbytery into a cabaret for smoking, singing and drinking. It is painful to have to tell of Poyet's conduct on the 13th but in case of new storms Poyet would do well to remain quiet. :: VI-1-m A.L.S. French 5pp. folio