Desgaultière, Father Albino, Franklin, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 December 3

He has spent the first days since his arrival visiting all the families of Franklin and he has received a benevolent welcome. In many of the homes they learnt with joy that he had come to stay. He bought in the name of the congregation a small house which will be moved on to the church grounds at the end of the week and, once repaired, he will establish himself there until he can build a priest's house. The church is standing but it satisfies no one. Much money has already been spent on it and it is still far from finished. However, it will continue to serve until one can do better. He saw Father P. McMahon who did not seem completely satisfied with his appointment to Franklin. Nevertheless they parted good friends and McMahon himself suggested Centerville ought to belong to Franklin rather than Patterson. When he asked him if the church pews brought in $1000, he laughed and said they brought $200 or $210 with difficulty. That would not suffice for his upkeep but he hopes that in time he will be able to make both ends meet. The absence of a priest has done much harm, many sheep have strayed and perhaps are lost. He will have need of Odin's prayers and perhaps financial aid as well. He asks Odin to send him 3 or 4 dozen English catechisms immediately as there are none at all and the children know nothing. :: VI-2-e A.L.S. French 4pp. 8vo.