The Minister still thought that Eugene was asking too much in wanting a direct approval from the King, but gave him a face-saving substitute. “The Minister could not obtain this Ordinance but replied by declaring, in his own name: “You can, while waiting for the day which cannot be far away, continue with your worthy collaborators in the functions which you have so happily begun” (August 4, 1817, I b.) For want of something better, the Founder was satisfied with this token and, in order to amplify its effect, wrote the enthusiastic letter of the 5th of August” (Yvon Beaudoin – footnote O.W. VI n.19):
You can let it be known throughout the city, my dear friend for the consolation of worthy people and to the despair of the wicked, that we are recognized by the Government and authorized to continue the functions that we have so happily begun These are the very terms of the letter which the Minister has just addressed to M de Mazenod, superior of the Missions of Aix.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 5 August 1817, O.W. VI n.19
Leflon comments:
The Founder, who had feared a total failure, declared that he was delighted with this partial success and to increase its effect upon the people of Aix, exaggerated its significance to the point of claiming total victory. “You can tell the whole city, my dear friend”
Leflon II p. 63