French-Language Manuscript Materials

Peniston, A. Notebook, 1854. 1 ms. vol. Location: M:20. Notebook containing medical memoranda. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 339.

Pennaud document, 1764. 1 item. Location: Misc.:P. Merchant of New Orleans. Lease of a house, property of the heirs of Mr. Pennaud, to Mr. Gabarret, signed by Mr. Duchros, legal representative of the heirs. In French. Mss. 111.

Periche, Philippe. Document, 1764. 1 item. Location: Misc. Resident of New Orleans. Louisiana. Sale of land and a house of Philippe Periche to Jean B. Rousselle. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 340.

Perrault, M. Letter, 1788 April 30. 1 letter. Location: Misc:P. Six-page letter (in French) with English translation gives a first-hand account of the 1788 fire that destroyed a large portion of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Discusses his own personal loss, and that of a man named "Leveau" as a result of the fire. Also discusses some unwise investments that his sister made in a Canadian mill, as well as unprofitable "seigneurie" investments. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4935.

Perret, Frank. Document, 1837. 1 item. Location: Misc. Resident of Le Havre, France. Power of attorney by Frank Perret to John and Lubin Garnier. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 341.

Perrin, E. Notary Receipt, 1880-1889. 1 item. Location: Misc.P. Receipt of money paid by Leon Lefranc, notarized by E. Perrin of Montmirey-la-Ville, a village in the Jura department in France. Mss. 5342

Jules and Auguste Perrodin. Records, 1864-1901. 0.3 linear ft., 26 volumes, 1 microfilm reel. Location: M:19, M:29-30, U:227, OS:P, MSS.MF:M (EDVIN MATT COLLECTION). General merchants of Opelousas, Louisiana. Records consist of daybooks, ledgers, letter file books, and waybills showing charges for freight on packets operating in the Opelousas and Atchafalaya area. Some loose records are in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2395, 2422, 2423.

Pestel papers, 1863-1877. 6 items. Location: Misc.:P, OS:P. Minister of the Netherlands to the United States. Official letters from Mr. Pestel to Amadee Couturie, consul of the Netherlands in New Orleans, La.. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 343.

Peters, Samuel J. Family Papers, 1789-1914 (bulk 1820-1863). 71 items, 1 ms. vol., 1 printed vol. Location: E:49. Prominent New Orleans merchant, financier, civic leader, and political figure. Papers consist of an autobiography, diary, political speech, and letters by Samuel Peters, Sr.; a biography of him; family correspondence; a printed volume of novelist and artist, Rodolphe Topffer; and a manuscript volume containing genealogical data. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1346.

Peyroux, Constance. Papers, 1832, 1835. 2 items. Location: Misc. Sale of a plantation and slaves in Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans, Louisiania, by the estate of Marie Eulalie Peyroux to Constance Peyroux (1832); and sale of a plantation and slaves in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, by Pierre A. Peyroux to Constance Peyroux. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 668.

Peytavin, John Ludger, b. 1859. Papers, 1806-1937. 342 items, 43 vols. Location: C:27-29, O:17, OS:P, 99:P. Attorney, author, composer, and planter of Ancient Domain Plantation in St. James Parish, Louisiana, and of New Orleans. Business and professional papers concern the operation of Peytavin's plantation and law practice. Personal papers include correspondence, manuscript copies of poems, songs, speeches, and historical sketches. Collection also includes programs for New Orleans theater, opera, and concert performances. Most of the legal papers before 1843 are in French, as is some of the post-1885 correspondence. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 465, 1067, 1071, 1072.

Philharmonic Society of St. James Parish. Records, 1875-1876. 10 items, 1 ms. vol. Location: Misc.:P, M:19. Journal contains miscellaneous records of the Society including a copy of the constitution. Loose items consist of bills and receipts in French, and a list of subscribers. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 345.

Pichon Family Papers, 1769-1856. 28 items. Location: A:5, OS:P. French settlers in the Bayou Black region near Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Collection of papers including a land grant with notes by Governor Charles Phillipe Aubry; a baptismal certificate; land documents; and papers of Don Juan Acevedo including a will. Partly in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1588.

Pistache, Jean B. Letter, 1828. 1 item. Location: Misc. Copy of a letter by Jean B. Pistache to his Uncle Eustache, published in New Orleans. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 935.

Polignac, Camille de. Letter, 1861 March 22. 2 items [one a photographic copy]. Location: Misc. Letter from Prince de Polignac of Paris, France, to Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard, expressing his sympathy with the South, suggesting the possibility of a foreign legion, and offering his services for the Confederacy. In French with an English translation. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1651.

Pothier & Faucheux. Letter, 1859. 1 circular letter. Location: E:Imprints. This circular letter announces the dissolution of DeBlanc & Faucheux, merchants and importers of New Orleans, La., upon the death of Mr. Louis D. DeBlanc, and the formation of Pothier & Faucheux, which will continue the same services at the same location. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3705.

Poydras de la Lande, Benjamin. Papers, 1820-1844. 3 items. Location: Misc. Resident of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. Papers include a copy of a transfer of property from Paul More to Julien Poydras (original 1775); a power of attorney of Benjamin Poydras de la Lande to John and Lubin Garnier and Laurent Millaudon (1839); and a receipt for rent in New Orleans (1844). In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 352.

Pradel, Jean Charles de, 1692-1764. Family Papers, 1719-1954. 407 items on 1 microfilm reel. Location: Mss.Mf:P. Native of France and soldier and planter of New Orleans. He was married to Alexandrine de la Chaise de Pradel and operated Mon Plaisir Plantation. Papers include correspondence of Jean Charles de Pradel and his wife. His letters deal with business matters, the development of the Louisiana colony, and the discipline of slaves. Her letters deal with his estate and their daughters in France. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2866.

Prevost family papers, 1786-1814, 1843-1845. 30 items. Location: U:230, OS:P. Letters, legal documents, and related items of Pierre Prevost of St. Domingue; his daughter, Emilie Prevost Majestre of New York City; and his son, Maurice Prevost of New Orleans. Partly in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1560.

Printers' type specimens collection, 1799, 1850. 11 items. Location: E:83. Includes printers' type specimens for shipping papers, receipts, and legal documents. Includes items in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1178, 1189, 1919.

Prudhomme, P. Lestan. Family papers, 1836-1868 (bulk 1862-1863). .25 linear ft. (27 items; 3 vols.). Location: A:5, H:10. Confederate officer, native of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Collection includes Prudhomme's correspondence to his family from Civil War camps in Mississippi and Louisiana, a family photograph album, and other family letters. Includes some correspondence in French. Available on microfilm 5735: University Publications of America Confederate Military Manuscripts Series B, Reel 15. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 625, 665.

Prudhomme, P. Lestant. Diaries, 1850-1852. 3 v. (on microfilm). Location: Mss. Mf.:P. Son of a Natchitoches Creole planter. Personal diary reflects plantation life detailing social events, family affairs, personal activities, and local area news and weather. Entries also include possible sale of slaves (Feb. 12, 1850), visit to a former slave (April 27, 1850), and comments on secession (May 11, 1850). Several entries pertain to his many relations among the Metoyer, Cloutier, and Lambre families. Entry in French (page 133) discusses the birth of his cousin and significance of "baton" when a female child is born. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1578.

Pugh, Josephine Nicholls, 1820-1868. Record book, 1846-1939 (bulk 1846-1868). .3 linear ft.; 1 microfilm reel. Location: H:12, Mss. Mf:P. Wife of Colonel William W. Pugh, planter of Woodlawn Plantation, Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Record book documents public recognition of the Nicholls and Pugh families and includes published reports of Louisiana-related events from the Mexican War through the Civil War. In English and French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4275.

Randon, Fran?ois. Ledger, 1876-1888. 1 ms. vol. Location: M:21. New Orleans dealer in sugar mill supplies. Ledger contains accounts for plantations along the Mississippi River from False River to New Orleans and on Bayou Teche. The volume also includes a record of household expenses. In French. Available on microfilm 6061: University Publications of America Records of Southern Plantations from Emancipation to the Great Migration, Series B, Part 3, Reel 15. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 992.

Reed, William. Papers, 1860, 1870. 2 items. Location: Misc.:R. Resident of Ville Platte, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. Letter from a cotton broker in New Orleans to William Reed regarding sale of cotton (1860) and a receipt for money paid by Read J. Tate to Blancand and Guite, New Orleans (1870). In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Regan, Godfrey Z., 1908-. Legal Opinions, 1948-1973. 25 vols. Location: 8:62-63. Member of a prominent Creole family; Justice of the Peace for the 2nd District of New Orleans, director of the Louisiana State Bank. Correspondence, essays, and business papers include letters describing civilian life in occupied New Orleans during the Civil War and conditions in the Confederate army. A record book describes a business venture of Polyxene Reynes. Some items in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1038.

Reggio Family. Papers, 1771-1860. 9 items. Location: MISC:R. Sugar planters of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Papers include a petition (1771) by Francisco Maria Reggio to the King of Spain; papers (1812-1834) of Nicholas Reggio concerning property sales and mortgages; and papers (1836-1860) of Auguste Reggio, among them slave sales, mortgages, and accounts. Partly in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 363.

Regnier, Peter. Letter, 1811 January 19-20. 1 item. Location: Misc.:R. Letter to the Honorable Seth Lewis, Judge of the Parish of Attakapas, Louisiana, relates to measures taken after the slave revolt in Saint John the Baptist and Saint Charles parishes, La., in January 1811. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 364.

Remy, Henry, 1810 or 11-1867. Collection, ca. 1843-1855. 315 items, 2 ms. vols. Location: B:46-47. Louisiana historian, essayist, and teacher. Research notes and materials covering the period 1704-1848 compiled by Remy for his history of Louisiana, entitled Histoire de la Louisiane. Includes copies of extracts from archival materials, newspaper articles, correspondence, and secondary sources. Two bound manuscript volumes contain a catalog of documents in the collection. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 938.

Remy, Henry. Collection, circa 1843-1855. 1 linear ft. Location: B:46-47. Louisiana historian, essayist, and teacher. Research notes and materials covering the period 1704 to 1848 compiled by Henry Remy for his history of Louisiana, entitled Histoire de la Louisiane.  Includes copies of extracts from archival materials, newspaper articles, correspondence, and secondary sources. Two bound manuscript volumes contain a catalog of documents in the collection. Mss. 938.

Reynal document, 1795. 1 item. Location: Misc. Resident of St. Louis, Illinois. Sale of a slave of Mr. Reynal to M. de Blanc, commandant at Natchitoches. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 366.

Reynès, Joseph and family. Papers, 1743-1929 (bulk 1862-1869). 624 items, 37 volumes. Location: C:87-88; P:20, OS:R. Resident of New Orleans and member of a prominent Creole family. Reynès was Justice of the Peace for the 2nd District of New Orleans and was later appointed as director of the Louisiana State Bank. Correspondence, essays, and business papers include letters describing civilian life in occupied New Orleans during the Civil War and conditions in the Confederate army. A record book describes a business venture of Polyxene Reynès. Some items in French. Available (with some omissions) on microfilm 5735: University Publications of America Confederate Military Manuscripts Series B, Reels 15-16. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 493, 494, 1033, 1034, 1038, 1039, 1240.

Robin, Jean. Document, 1764. 1 item. Location: Misc:.R. Resident of New Orleans. Sale of the plantation of Jean Robin to Phillip Perriche of New Orleans. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 423.

Rolling, Hubert, 1823-1898. Scrapbook, 1843-1898. 15 items, including 1 vol. Location: H:16, MISC:L. New Orleans pianist, composer, and music teacher, and a native of Alsace, France. Scrapbook (with some loose items detached) documenting Rolling's professional career. It includes articles from New Orleans and French newspapers and periodicals, correspondence from Louis Moreau Gottschalk and others, and two photos of Rolling. Some correspondence and newspaper clippings in French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 997.

Roman, Alfred, 1824-1892. Papers, 1864-1887 (bulk 1884-1887). 38 items (photocopies). Location: A:4, Mss. Mf.:R. Military reports (1864-1865) and transcripts of letters (1874-1887) of Alfred Roman to General Beauregard discussing the writing, publishing and subsequent criticism of Roman's biography of Gen. Beauregard, and letters of Beauregard to Roman. In French and English. Originals are the property of Duke University Library and must be so cited. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 776, 815.

Roman, Jacques Etienne. Land patent, 1806. 1 item. Location: OS.:R. Jacques Etienne Roman, father of Andre Bienvenu Roman, governor of Louisiana. Patent (registered in 1806) for land in St. James Parish, Louisiana, probably purchased by Jacques Etienne Roman and containing a survey (1781) authorized by Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 254.

Rosenbaum, Max. Family Letters and Photographs, 1898-1945, undated. 92 items. Location: S:136. World War I veteran and shopkeeper-resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Collection includes a series of letters written from Max Rosenbaum to his son, Bert Rosenbaum, who was in Europe serving in the United States Army during World War II. The collection is also comprised of photographs of Ruth (Elgutter) Rosenbaum's German-Jewish immigrant family. Mss. 4878.

Rouquette, Adrien, 1813-1887. Letter, 1860 May 6. 1 letter. Location: Misc. Adrien Emmanuel Rouquette was a Catholic priest in New Orleans before becoming a missionary among the Choctaw Indians. Rouquette writes to Charles Gayarré expressing thanks for Gayarré's compliments of his work. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4384.

Roussel, Adelaide. Document, 1841. 1 item. Location: Misc.:R. Resident of St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Gift of a slave (copy) to Madame Julien Vienne from Adelaide Roussel. In French. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 374.

Saget, J. Receipt Book, 1873-1896. 1 volume. Location N:1. This receipt book records payments received and repairs made on various types of guns by J. Saget.