Follot, Father Francis C., Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M,, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 December 21

At the beginning of December several ladies came to ask Follot to say a High Mass for some of their friends in the 30th Louisiana and to announce it in the church. Follot hesitated a long time about this announcement; they came back three times. He made it, thinking it would be viewed favorably by the authorities. Then when the Major in command advised Follot to write to General Sherman for a pass, Follot learned that when a favorable reply came the Provost Marshal sent it back. The following Sunday Follot explained that he had not acted in a spirit of revolt, that he had also had services for Federals, etc. Yesterday the Major summoned him and read a letter from a Captain Harper and provisionally condemned Follot to have no more divine service in his church until further orders. That evening Follot rang the Angelus and the Major sent him an order to turn over the key of the church to punish him for what he called Follot's disobedience. Probably the Major will write to General Sherman or to his adjutant, Captain P.A. Speed. Follot asks Odin to tell him what to do. The congregation of Plaquemine is getting smaller; the closed lines prevent many from attending services. :: VI-2-h A.L.S. French 4pp. 8vo.