Lesne, Hyacinthe, St. Louis, Missouri, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1858 November 30

Once again Lesne appeals to Blanc for help. His uncle Father James Lesne has never answered the letters which Lesne's mother has written although he knows she is in need. One third of the money his uncle spends would have overjoyed his mother. What Lesne asks for now is advice. Lesne married an Irish woman about 2 years after he arrived in America. He has two children. During his stay in the North, Lesne worked in shops and never had any complaint against his wife. But when he came to St. Louis she began to show a leaning toward strong liquor. Lesne had set up a grocery and liquor store and by her frequent drinking he saw his profits swallowed up and the specter of debt take their place. Many of his friends have advised him to leave her and to go down to New Orleans where he could easily find work to support and educate his children. But he wants to submit this to Blanc's decision. He cannot decide to leave his children to the care of this woman. One of his daughters is three years old, the other six months. :: VI-1-o A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.