McGarahan, Father James, Mobile, Alabama, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1859 June 13

Because of the death of Bishop Michael Portier, McGarahan is worried about the condition of the diocese. The venerable Archbishop Anthony Blanc is supposed to have appointed his relative as well as Portier's relative, Father Gabriel Chalon for his successor. Chalon is vain, impetious, temperamental in the eyes of McGarahan who will give evidence to these facts rather than have such a person appointed bishop. He hopes Purcell will somehow be able to influence the appointment of another. He hopes God will not permit such a thing to happen. He wrote to Bishop William H. Elder concerning the subject but fears it may be too late because a meeting of some of the Bishops of the Province was held in New Orleans at which likely the nominations were made. He hopes Purcell will aid him as well as all American Hierarchy by doing what he can to prevent Chalon from being appointed Bishop and that he will hold this letter in confidence. :: II-4-o A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.