Larnaudie, S.J., Father Frederick, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 December 5

Several persons have asked to have a Midnight Mass at Christmas. He did not wish to promise anything without consulting Odin. There will be some advantages but also some very grave inconveniences in having this extraordinary ceremony. Father Anthony de Chaignon, S.J communicated to him what Odin told him in regard to the affairs of the Church. The future is not brilliant. He does not know if they will be able to hold on very long. He has a great repugnance to appealing to the charity of the faithful. Perhaps the trustees would consent to leave the administration of revenues to the pastor contenting themselves with receiving a periodic accounting. He wonders if he ought to propose this. De Chaignon is going to prepare a report of their affairs which he hopes to send to Odin next week. De Chaignon also spoke of the work of instructing the Negroes. It would be a pleasure for him but he sees grave difficulties. To begin, he can only give the instructions on Sunday, and Sunday is a day when the services, instructions and catechism classes scarcely leave a free moment. De Chaignon speaks very little English and Larnaudie fears he did not understand very well and that perhaps these lessons would have small profit. He does not know if it is prudent to make these attempts in a parish where so much work has been begun and has miscarried. The catechism classes will begin soon according to the new plan. :: VI-2-e A.L.S. French 3pp. 12mo.