Dumartrait, A., St. Martinville, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1841 March 29

On the 25th Dumartrait received Blanc's letter of the 16th telling him of the letter supposedly signed by Messrs. Rousseau, Sexton, Bienfesane, and Nicolas. He did not answer immediately because the trustees were to meet day before yesterday and Dumartrait wished to show them Blanc's letter. Rousseau and Sexton, two of the most respectable persons in town and friends for many years of Dumartrait, were surprised to see by Blanc's letter that someone had used their names to call attention to the character of Father Charles Henry Boutelou de St. Aubin and unfortunate Father Maurice Berel who inspires all the sympathy possible by his physical state which cannot long endure such an illness. To convince Blanc of the falsity of the letter Dumartrait had Nicolas Dessege come at the time of the meeting and in the presence of two witnesses. Charles Fayot and Charles Olivier Duclozel, trustees, he said he had never written or signed any letter to Blanc. The trustees want Blanc to send them the letter so that they can see if it is the same writing as those received last Christmas Eve addressed to St. Aubin and to Nicolas Detiege and unsigned. Bienfesane, the fourth person, is a baker; he is very peaceable and they did not judge it necessary to have him come. This malicious letter should not worry Blanc any more than it does them. St. Aubin, while not yet recognized by the fabrique as the definite pastor is esteemed no less. He fulfills his duties with zeal and Berel could only evoke feelings of compassion. Charged with overseeing the church and also as a resident of St. Martinville Dumartrait will set the police to search for the author of this letter. They have said nothing to St. Aubin or anyone. St. Aubin blessed the chapel at Pont Breaux, 4 « leagues from Martinville; yesterday he said Sunday Mass there. Berel could only say a low Mass at St. Martin Church; he is too weak to sing. The new church will be finished in a few months; Dumartrait would like to have the dedication before next winter. Election of trustees will take place a week from today; several do not wish to continue. His only wish is to see the new church finished so that the wishes of Father Marcel Borella may be carried out. :: V-4-l A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.