Gutton, Father Philibert, Fausse Rivière, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1865 April 4

His trip to Pointe Coupée was fine. He went first to Fausse Rivière. Pointe Coupée is isolated; the nearest house is a mile and a half away. The abandoned presbytery suffers every day from the passage of troops. The presbytery at Fausse Rivière is much smaller than the one at Jefferson. At Fausse Rivière he is in the center of population. An old widow, respected by all, has come to his aid. He unloaded his provisions at her house; she brings him his meals. As for his predecessor, Father Francis Mittelbronn, the sad experience which caused his departure was as he explained it. His brother alone was compromised and it was purely a political affair. Mittelbronn left good memories with the public. The only complaint Gutton heard was that he was sometimes too sharp with his trustees, who, less than indifferent as Catholics, took pleasure in opposing him. But the records have many omissions. Mittelbronn and Father Hubert Thirion kept their register separately, on loose sheets, some without signatures, etc.; no death registered since January 12, 1862; no baptisms of Negroes for 5 years. Gutton thinks Mittelbronn had wanted to leave for a long time and when the Federals took everything, he went to his brother's home. The presbytery was robbed of everything except chairs. The people are indifferent, except for the widow. The church at Pointe Coupée is in passable condition; the one at Fausse Rivière is in a deplorable state, the entire roof is rotted. The trustees took the revenues and did not pay the pastor nor make repairs to the church. Father Victor Gavard is very well; he asks for circular letters. Gutton also forgot to ask for one for the parish, as well as the one of December 6, 1861 in order to give a copy to the trustees. They have had quiet here for 2 weeks because of an armistice for this parish but now the government has stopped all communication; boats no long stop, they are in serious straits. Gutton must come to the city for nails if he is to cover his church and most of all to get a horse. The Federals and Confederates have not left a one. He does not go out except to go to Pointe Coupée when Doctor J.H.? Windall? can lend him his horse. Gutton asks for the following marriage dispensations: Auguste Grémillion and Frosilla Major, related, who wish to validate their marriage and Michel Porché and Marie Emélie Fabré, related in the second degree; Marie is a widow. If communications are resumed Odin can write by the Bella Donna bound for Waterloo and Bayou Sara, in care of Mr. Trudeau. The same address for Gavard. ` A.L.S. 7pp. ` On the same paper: