Lefranc, Father John, Barrens, Missouri, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1840 October 5

It is impossible to express his gratitude to Blanc for sending him to this house after all he has done. He follows all the exercises except meditation which is in English. The Blessed Virgin has always granted him favors: he celebrated his first Mass in a long time on her birthday. Lefranc's progress in English is not great but he has had very few lessons. Father John Timon, C.M. was gone, Father Joseph Paquin, C.M. Pasquin was gone for 12 days; most of them are on vacation. Retreat lasted 9 days followed by the retreat of the ordinands. They were then busy getting ready for classes which resumed today. Father Donatien Olivier has not said Mass for some days; Lefranc offered to read to him but he said it tired him too much. Lefranc believes Olivier will go suddenly when they least expect it. :: V-4-k A.L.S. French 4pp. 8vo.