Cénas, Father Francis J., New York, New York, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 December 1

After a trip as agreeable as useful to his second homeland, Canada, Cénas has just returned to New York not to settle but to assist Father Annat Lafont during the winter. Cénas has confided to the Bishop of Montreal and especially to Bishop J. Larocque the cause of his leaving New Orleans. He did not conceal the sad not state of his heart after this new mishap. He found only kindness and affection. Their sympathy and that of the priests and Canadian faithful has greatly compensated for the trials experienced since 1849. His irreparable fault was to have left Canada in the first place. Even before he left New Orleans his life was a torture because he did not have the sympathy of the priests. Against Blanc's advice, Cénas made several contacts by letter with the family who made so much trouble for him; he is convinced it was speculation on their part or vengeance. An irreligious woman will not forgive a slight. Cénas' fault must have the full confidence of his bishop and his fellow priests. He does not suit him. His health cannot endure the missions. The Bishop of Montreal seems to want him as a canon or to edit a journal. He hopes to return to Canada to stay. Just now he is happy with Lafont. Cénas is thinking of going to see his family in 4 or 5 months. He wrote Father Rousselon to tell him that he will try to pay as soon as possible the debt he contracted in regard to St. Augustine Church because of indiscreet alms. :: VI-1-k A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.