Gutton, Father Philibert, Pointe Coupée, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1865 December 27

A severe storm lifted most of the roof of the church at Fausse Rivière. He thought he would be able to repair it but it is impossible. The fields are flooded and the levees unrepaired. He came from Morganza, having said Mass at New Texas. A person has offered to furnish the materials on condition that the labor was paid but he wants Gutton to promise to pay him the balance on the day the pews are rented. As Odin told Gutton that he intends to have a charter for this church, Gutton will be unable to respond to that promise. He has had to dismantle the altar. He has received not a cent for the new cemetery since Odin and Mr. Bonauchaud? who promised 250 piastres for the fence, could not give it, the cemetery remains half enclosed. Burials are made at Pointe Coupée. Gutton lists money expended for the parish amounting to $280.95. On June 21 he received $250 from the trustees; $191 for burials, $90 for marriages, $179 for baptisms, $141 for Masses. He went to see the brick chapel begun 14 years ago. It is on the other side of Chenal, 18 miles from here and three miles from Father Victor Gavard. Father Jean Arthur Poyet is known in Pointe Coupée and from what is said it would be well not to station Poyet here. During the jubilee there were 122 communions. Gutton asks for a dispensation for disparity of cult. ` P.S. The jubilee offerings amount to $67.70. :: VI-2-j A.L.S. French 8pp. 12mo.