Hilliard, Father J., Chevaigné, France, to Bishop Francis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1880 October 8

Hilliard received Leray's letter of September 13, the eve of the latter's departure for America, but he did not reply sooner because he wished to let the first impression pass. He does not believe he merits Leray's reproaches. Leray charges he wrote to Cardinal John Simeoni and accused the Roman Court and Leray of injustice, when, Leray claims, he did not even have any knowledge of Hilliard's transaction with Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché . It is true he wrote to His Eminence, but he made no accusations of injustice. He only told the history of the debt, which Leray knows perfectly well, since last March 29 he wrote to Hilliard about it. The loan was contracted legally and in concert with the Holy Father and the Roman Court. Bankruptcy would be a crying injustice. In his difficult position and knowing that Leray was to be at Rome, he felt justified in asking Simeoni to plead his case. Leray also charges that 6% interest was usurious, but the law allows 8% and he believed he was doing a good work when he loaned the money at a lower rate. Leray claims he has a million and a half of debts to pay, but that is no defense against his just claim. He does not understand how Leray can say that the debt does not have even the appearance of legality. He received his bonds in the name of the diocese and signed by Perché and Father Joseph Marie Millet . He begs Leray to have pity on his position. Perché has paid the interest already due, but at the end of December another 450 francs will fall due. He voluntarily consents to have the diocese retain the 15,000 francs if the interest is paid. If not, he will be obliged to seek reimbursement. :: VI-3-b A.L.S. French 8pp, 12mo.