Menard, Father Charles M., Thibodaux, Louisiana, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1860 September 12

He has received Rousselon's letter and the circular containing the penalties addressed to those who had taken part in the attack on Father Amedee Beccard . He does not believe that it is necessary to publish them yet. The principal actors are beginning to fear the law suit which has been instituted against them. A certain Charles Leblanc who took part in the affair, although not named as a defendant, has decided to seek pardon. Yesterday he went to see his brother Toussaint Leblanc, a principal actor in the affair, to try and persuade him to disavow his ignoble action and to bring an end to the affair. A meeting has been arranged for the end of the week. He is enclosing a plan for a compromise upon which he seeks Rousselon's advice. L. Bush will defend the accused in court. Beccard's lawyers have withdrawn from the case fearing that they would become unpopular if they argued against Bush. They have returned their fee and he encloses it along with a note for Beccard. Beccard has written to R.L. d'Alger that the churches here will be closed for 2 or 3 months. It will be an imprudence and even a misfortune if he should continue to write. He ought not appear here anymore. Even his presence at the trial on Oct. 29 will endanger all the efforts which have been made for an accomodation. As for a lawyer they will make an arrangement among several colleagues and some Catholics who have come to his assistance in order to have one of the best from the city. He already has assurances that the money to pay him will be found. A.L.S. French Enclosure: