Gutton, Father Philibert, False River, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1868 February 10

He is sorry for the delay in writing, but he wanted to await the voyage of Mr. Roy who will be able to give more details in person than Gutton could in writing. At the moment of sale an objection was made by one of the creditors. Gutton has consulted a lawyer from the city, A. Denys, and he has said the most simple means would be for Odin to leave the property to whomever wants it, and to place one independent priest on the land belonging to the diocese. Thus, the dispute would quickly be settled. As for Mr. Poydras, he says he no longer wishes to involve himself in the matter because there are too many hidden intrigues. Gutton sends Odin copies of some of the important documents concerning the property. The first is a copy of the bill of the sale dated July 29, 1822 by the widow, Mrs. Barthelemy Olinde to Arnaud Beauvais, head of the churchwardens. The land was sold for $260 under the conditions that a church or chapel would be built upon the property, and that the eldest branch of Olinde's family would always have one pew in the church free of rent. The act was ratified by Judge Dormenou and witnessed by Father Anthony Blanc . The second document is a copy dated February 11, 1823 of an agreement by the builder, P.L. L'hermite to construct a church on the property. The third document is dated October 19, 1823 and records that the majority of the town was on hand for the blessing of the church of St. Mary by Father Anthony Blanc assisted by Father John Baptist Blanc and the churchwardens, Arnaud Beauvais, J.B. Dèsormes, and Louis Chenevert . The church was built with funds from two fund drives among the inhabitants of False River. The ceremony was followed by a sale of pews. The bell was blessed on May 18, 1825, and was a gift of Father L. Boué and Father J. Boué of Lyons, France. :: VI-2-n A.L.S. French 9pp. 12mo. 15