Abbadie, S.J., Father J. Francis, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 March 18

He has not received any numbers of the Propagation of the Faith since May 1860. One of his parishioners has been civilly married 8 or 10 years to a divorcee who has given him several children. He has asked to have his marriage blessed insisting that he never knew about the first husband and that the latter is probably no longer living. Abbadie wishes to know: 1. If he has been correct in refusing until given proof of the death of the first husband;, 2. if he ought to continue to refuse to say Mass at his house; and, 3. if he falls sick should he refuse the sacraments. ~ Document ~ A Negress has married without a priest but before witnesses and with the consent of her master to a man whom she did not love. She lived with him for a year, but claims to have done so unwillingly, before leaving and taking another husband with whom she has been happy for 7 or 8 years. He intended to regard the first marriage as valid but she says she had been allowed to return to the church before he had come. He wishes to know what he ought to do. Father Gilbert Raymond at Opelousas, Father E.J. Foltier at Lafayette attract many of the world to their church. Abbadie is going to begin on Thursday a sort of retreat which will last all of Holy Week. :: VI-2-d A.L.S. French 2pp. 8vo.