Lefranc, Father John?, St. Mary's Seminary, Barrens, Missouri, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1841 August 1

Blanc's letter plunged Lefranc into the deepest discouragement. Blanc's considerations are just; it would be desirable to make them before concerning himself with the fate of a guilty one who does not deserve it and to ask for his exeat. Lefranc foresaw it and that is what made him put off his departure for eight months and resist Blanc's wishes and cause him dissatisfaction several days before Blanc's departure for the synod. Lefranc does not complain of having come here; he has the happiness of celebrating Mass. He will not go to Indiana; he does not know English; he could do nothing there. He will not remain at the seminary. In Blanc's diocese he is known only as a priest; he is known to many of the young people of Louisiana who have left the college and returned to their families. He rejects all ideas of entering the Congregation. He does not know what will become of him when he has spent the little he has. Blanc perhaps thought after the letter from Mr. Soniat that Lefranc would want to be placed near him; Lefranc would never consent to that. They know, Blanc said, around Carrollton that Lefranc was a priest. He fears he may not be able to bear this trial. Father Joseph Paquin, C.M. Pasquin has commissioned him to say that his letter is very important, that it contains a receipt for $500; he asks Blanc to try to have it delivered safely. :: V-4-l A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.