Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1859 September 10

Elder passed through New Orleans yesterday on his way to visit here. Father John Quinlan has been appointed to Mobile, and his bulls are expected shortly. Archbishop Anthony Blanc said that Purcell had been inviting him to Cincinnati. He is loath to go but might on such an occasion as Wuinlan's consecration if Purcell invited him. Elder had been promising his visitation since May and how does not expect to finish before November. They have a smart, good girl of 12 in Natchez who has some negro blood. Elder did not notice it in talking with her. Her sister is married and living in a southern state without suspicion. He asks if Purcell could find her a place in a Catholic boarding school in Ohio without betraying her. Elder has expressed to Bishop Martin John Spalding his thoughts about Orestes A. Brownson. Elder thinks that he is mistaken and that his arguments can be answered. Elder has been told that Bishop Clement Smyth encourages the public schools although the protestant bible is read in them. He mentions this so that Purcell may inquire about it. He cannot give any authority. :: II-4-o A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.