Mènard, Father Charles M., Thibodaux, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 August 4

Mènard received Blanc's letter concerning the affairs of St. Mary's Church of Lafourche . This ridiculous affair gives all the advantage to Father Améée Beccard and lets the malice fall on those who supported it, especially Edmond Bourgeois . Several weeks ago two girls 13 or 14, one the daughter of Bourgeois, the other of Widow Rodrigue, called Germeil, cleaned the church. Beccard gave the Germeil girl 25 cents rather as an alms than as payment. The Bourgeois girl, through jealousy or spite told that the Rodrigue girl said that Beccard had taken her hands and had lifted her dress up to her knees. Mènard soon learned that Gratien Thibodaux had much to do with it because of a dispute about pews. Mènard called on Evariste L'Epine who had reprimanded his son Charles L'Epine for circulating a petition with Thibodaux, Bourgeois, and Neuville Mayet . The Americans, Know Nothings, and bad Catholics had signed it. 3 or 4 respectable residents including old Babin signed with the condition that it be proved. The Forest ? and Zeringue families and neighbors did not sign. Thibodaux said he had nothing against Beccard; he had to avenge the honor of Miss Rodrigue. Babin put Mènard on the right track to the principal accuser: Bourgeois. Mènard went to Mrs. Rodrigue's and made her sign a statement that all the rumors were false. The witnesses who signed were Leon Grabert, Francois Rivet and Mènard. Bourgeois ended by saying it was all gossip. The people were delighted and promised to crush rumors in the future. Mènard considers Beccard innocent of all they imputed to him. Beccard is going to the city tomorrow. :: VI-1-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 15