Blanc Anthony, Archbishop of, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1860 March 10

The reception of Purcell's letter reproached him for not writing. He had been delaying his letter hoping that his strength would return. He went last Saturday to the country to the Parish of St. James and returned better. Purcell probably knows that he was taken sick the day previous to the second session of their council. He tried to attend the private session of the bishops but was unable to continue. He was forced by his physician and his colleagues to confine himself to his room. On the day of the close of the council, despite the desire of the people for a demonstration of faith he was scarcely conscious, and knew about the demonstration and of Bishop William H.Elder's reply to the lay address only when he read of it in the Telegraph. Before the bishops left, however, the decrees and acts were expedited to Rome. Bishop John M. Odin remained ten days with him. Before he left he forwarded to the Cardinal Prefect the names proposed by the Council, and promises to communicate the names to all the metropolitans of the country. He has not heard from the letter they wrote at the time of the consecration. He had intended to send copies of the answer to all who subscribed the original letter. He was told that the Picayune had an account of the Catholic demonstration in Cincinnati. P.S.—He has just received a pamphlet form collection of the letters written on the occasion of the opening of the American College. He does not know who sent it. He fears that their collection for the Pope will not be very great. Cincinnati deserves great credit for what it did. :: II-5-a A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.