Anduze, Father Matthew Bernard, Lewisburg, Louisiana, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 August 20

In the grave circumstances in which they find themselves, Anduze believes it is his duty to give his opinion frankly and to seek to clear up, by the truth, what is trying to lead astray men excited by jealousy or hate. When Blanc called him thought Dr. Labatut he respectfully received the explanations about what had taken place and promised to do what he could to calm the irritated feelings; he has kept this promise as far as Blanc's subsequent actions have permitted. He said openly that he would have liked to keep his position as preacher and that the humiliating prohibition to exercise his ministry was done rather to furnish the new pastor an opportunity to become acquainted than to force an old priest of the diocese to leave the post. He refused all offers made to him, he gave up his room. He did not wish to take it back, although the trustees recalled the concession made to Father Constantine Maenhaut. In order to avoid putting the authorities in the wrong he refused to publish his justification. It would have been easy for Blanc to consult the registers of the fabrique and convince himself that the accusations were false. He begs Blanc by his 25 years of service, by the memory of Bishop Dubourg, by the prudence of Bishop Rosati, by the sanctity of Bishop de Neckere not to go further down a path which will be deadly to religion. In spite of injustice Anduze can never forget his duty as a priest; he will establish his rights with respect and submission. Copy French