Llebaria, C.M., Father J(hn Francis, Ascension, Louisiana, to Father Etienne Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 October 8

Father J.M. Masnou, C.M. has spread injurious rumors about Llebaria, not only in the seminary but also among those whose confessions he has heard for the last 10 years. He seems to have forbidden those at the seminary to set foot in his house although they often come to Donaldson; and this only since the July accounts. In accord with these Ladies of the Sacred Heart, they claim that Llebaria was the author of certain articles in the papers. Llebaria swears he has been faithful to the advice Rousselon gave him to remain silent. He has heard that Masnou was trying to find some one to refute an article by one of the parishioners of Assumption in which he spoke of the labors and hardships Llebaria had endured at Assumption. One thing which consoles Llebaria is that some bishops have encouraged him and one has written three letters saying that his house is Llebaria's. Llebaria made the vows of obedience, chastity, etc. but he did not renounce his reputation. If Rousselon can do anything to make Masnou more charitable, Llebaria would be grateful all his life. He has all the documents to attack him for libel, if necessary. It is enough that Father Joseph Tichitoli, C.M. died a victim of like attempts. P.S. Masnou thinks he is the "fac totum" of the diocese; he thinks the Bishop does everything he wishes. Llebaria heard this from his own lips. One of the Ladies, Madame Louise Leveque, R.S.C.J. said, "In October, he is going to be pushed? out." V-5-l - A.L.S. - French - 4pp. - 4to. - {5}