Larnaudie, S.J., Father Frederick, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1863 December 27

Unfortunately the work is so pressing that he can write only in haste. The Church of St. Joseph is still the same state, open to all the winds and rain since October 1. The materials have been purchased but funds are lacking for the labor. The difficulty he experienced in finding the $1,700 already subscribed does not allow him to foresee a brilliant success as a collector. While waiting, Larnaudie has had cold fingers more than once while saying Mass. The interest of his church compelled him to visit the pastor of Plaquemines, Father Francis C. Follot, whom he found in good health and sufficiently satisfied with his position although it is not brilliant. He has not seen the pastor of Bruly Landing since the latter's installation. He plans to visit him. He wonders if he must render a regular account to the treasurer of the diocese or if it will suffice to send Odin an account of the Easter and Christmas collections, and of the dispensations. He acknowledges the receipt of Odin's letter of September 12 on December 26. There has been so much speculation and uncertainty for the future that it seems no one finds time to think of God. However, if the parish does not prosper, it is not because he scolds. He understands. He sends no enclosure a letter hoping it will be communicated to General Charles P. Stone. Odin will decide. :: VI-2-g A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.