New Orleans merchant Jean Baptiste Labatut, prior to his departure on a trip to France, gave his business associate Francis A. Blanc power of attorney and a detailed set of instructions. The instructions indicated how Blanc was to pay bills, collect promissory notes and other debts, disburse dividends received from the Banque de la Louisiane stock, receive shipments of dry goods and foodstuffs, handle personal and other business matters, and keep books of accounting.
