Follot,Father Francis C., Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1867 March 2

Odin's reply saying that he could not accept Follot's proposal has arrived. He sees scarcely any other way to buy back the church. By the news clipping enclosed no enclosure Odin will see the methods of some of their men. L. Desobry, "a great schemer", wants to reinstate the trustees, take the church property and direct everything his own way. Doubtless he would like to see a church here, not for himself but for his store, etc. If they do not buy back the property, which they could do, as at the taking of New Orleans they sent Mr.Hébert and Michael Schlatre, Follot is sure, large sums of money for safe keeping with friends, it would be a good punishment to leave them for some time without a priest. The neighboring priests would come to say Mass for the Sisters and for sick calls it would be only 6 miles to West Baton Rouge and 7 to St. Gabriel. A man at Plaquemine, a Free Mason and drunkard, died after refusing the sacraments. A fellow mason came to get Follot for the ceremony but Follot said he could not go. They got the Presbyterian minister. Their grand trustee was one of those who blamed Follot the most. Follot will come to see Odin but he still has a fever. Father Patrick F. Sheil, C.S.C. came to spend several weeks here; he is so ill he cannot say Mass nor even the office. These men urged Sheil to take the church but he refused. :: VI-2-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.