Chambost, Father Charles, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1858 February 12

Chambost received Blanc's letter of the 11th. He has been busy repairing the ruins and he has just found lodging for all their people. The seven orphans are also housed; Chambost has made beds like steamboat berths. He has sent away a professor they can do without and all others are willingly submitting to the hardships inherent in their present condition. He has just about finished setting up the house away from the street opposite those which are left. It was vacant; Chambost rented it. It will give them 5 apartments; two will be made into a study hall. Almost all their boarders are at the homes of neighbors. On February 15 they will resume classes. The administrators have met twice; tomorrow, with Father Napoleon Joseph Perché presiding, they will inaugurate their list of subscribers. There are 6 who wish to subscribe 1000 piastres each. Chambost has made it understood that before presenting any plan to Blanc for either the church or college, there must be some idea of funds. They are almost all agreed to turn the front of the church toward the river. They will get away from the Bayou and St. Jean Place where the foolish ones create disorder. They would place the College on one of the lots behind the Methodist Church; it would cost 5000 piastres but they would have a piece of land 350 by 325. They were preparing a fine surprise in calling Blanc here to bless what the people called the fine college but Providence arranged a very different surprise. They will do better next time. :: VI-1-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.