Chaland, Father Louis, Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1882 January 7

The Monday after Christmas, before reading the preambles and conclusions which Father Theodore Buffard added to Perché's circular letter and when everything was already at the printers, Buffard asked Chaland to sign it as chancellor. Chaland replied that if he wanted his signature, he would have to wait, as Chaland had written to Perché for instructions. On January 4 the council met. Father Victor Gury was there; Father J.L . Bussant was not invited. Gury had been invited before the receipt of Perché's telegram. Chaland cannot explain Bussant's non-invitation as it was evident he was reestablished as a councillor. Father Anthony M. Truchard 's letter was the first thing presented to the council. Fathers Joseph Quérat and Joseph Chromoik, who were the ones whom Truchard had put forth as having made the accusations against Gury, found themselves hurt by the repeal of these unfortunate things and tried to excuse themselves. Quérat testified that he had told Dufal that he had seen Gury intoxicated at Houston several years ago. Chaland was in France at the time of the synod and Quérat was the one who told him how things had gone; that Gury had at first been named vicar general, then Buffard had been put in his place because of accusations against Gury. Chaland added that he had not signed the letter because Truchard had only recalled an historic fact which could not be proved. Then a letter of congratulation was written to Bishop Nicholas Aloysius Gallagher. Then Buffard announced that there would be no more meetings since the new bishop would arrive soon. Bussant has a strange talent; without being present, he silenced the diocesan council! Last may Chaland announced that Bussant was a member of the council, now at Perché's order he is reinstated. Chaland doubts that Perché will receive the letter of blame against Truchard. If he does it will be easy to explain why they agreed to sign it. Outside of Father Thomas Hennessy, Buffard's advisor, the others are all concerned in the affair. Truchard wrote too severely but he has the reputation of being truthful. If an investigation is held, it will be harmful. :: VI-3-d A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.