Lucas, Father Peter, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1859 January 8

The Jubilee was celebrated as well as possible. The collection yielded $24.90, $12.45 for the poor; $12.45 for the Propagation of the Faith. Lucas sends $12 more for the subscribers to the books the vicar-general sent recently. There is a rumor that Father Charles Chambost has taken the ornaments from the church at Plaquemine. Lucas would never believe that and it is not so. Chambost bought some himself and received a great quantity from Father Duplex, Superior of the Seminary of Lyon. Chambost took them to pay his passage. The Cardinal received him favorably and gave him extraordinary faculties before he left for Rome. The Ministry through the Under-Prefect of Roanne has asked him to appear before His Majesty who wishes to confer an important post upon Chambost. Lucas cannot say where as Chambost has not yet accepted. It is no more than Chambost deserves to repay for all the insults he has suffered unjustly. Lucas does nothing but cough; everything he does is painful so that he can no longer go on. Last Sunday he could not go up above. If Blanc can send a replacement for the last weeks of Lent Lucas can instruct him. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.