Odin, John M., Archbishop of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell of, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1863 March 17

He just arrived after an absence of nine months. While in Rome he received the news of the death of Bishop Andrew Byrne of Little Rock, Arkansas. The Cardinal Prefect of the Propaganda advised him to postpone the selection of names for his successor until his return to America. Archbishop Francis P. Kenrick recommends Father William O'Hara and Father C.J.H. Carter, both of Philadelphia. Archbishop John Hughes seems to be of the same opinion. He has written to the bishops of the province but he is doubtful whether the letters will ever reach them. Odin asks Purcell's opinion and would be please dif he suggests a third name. Poor Louisiana is entirely ruined. Most of the plantations along the river are abandoned. Rich families are almost reduced to beg. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.