Larnaudie, S.J., Father Frederick, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 October 31

He has just learned something in an indirect manner about one of the priests of the diocese. The person who gave him the information is entirely unknown to him. There are no precise, determined accusations, but in speaking of Father J. Francois Raymond, he said that even the children and the negresses are talking about the scandal he has given and the abominations he has committed. While he believes there is much exaggeration, nevertheless he cannot let Odin remain ignorant of such grave accusations. Their position at Baton Rouge is the same. There is much to do an although circumstances have reanimated the fervor a little they have not had any influence on the men. Finances have not improved. People are beginning to speak about ceding the church and its dependencies to Odin but there will certainly be a conflict on the question. Perhaps the arrival of his successor would be a favorable time to make other arrangements with the trustees. He wishes to know when Odin is likely to visit his parish. He begs Odin to let him know the results of his investigation of the charges against Father Raymond. If there is no foundation for them he believes he will be obliged to reveal their author. He asks Odin to recommend Miss _____ Sage to the Ursulines at Opelousas. Having come from France with them to become a religious, she has not been able to realize her hopes. The Ursulines hesitate to receive her without Odin's recommendation for fear of displeasing Father Gilbert Raymond. He can recommend her, and Father Claude M. Dubuis, C.M., who knows her better than he, can tell him how much she merits his interest. :: VI-2-e A.L.S. French 4pp. 8vo.