Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1863 September 14

Dr. Henry S. Hewit, a Catholic surgeon in General Grant's army, told Elder last month he would write to Purcell suggesting that some religious be sent to Vicksburg and other places to take care of colored orphans. Elder approved this action. Elder asks Purcell to send some priests for the Negroes. He has taken care of many baptisms and deaths but there are only two priests in Natchez Elder and the pastor. There is only one priest at Vicksburg and many Negroes die before the priests can see them. They are disposed to religious services and instructions but Elder needs more priests to take care of them. There are only 14 priests in the diocese. Father Basil Elia asked to go to Vicksburg to care for the great numbers who were dying without a priest. Elder gave him permission and Elin died of dysentery soon after he arrived in the camp. Two more priests have died. Elder asks Purcell to send priests if he can. Purcell may communicate to other bishops but Elder asks him not to publish this letter in the papers. ` Part of final page has been cut out. Note on back in Purcell's hand: part of a letter referring to the care of Negroes, the Nashville Cathedral, and Bishop James Whelan; also to Bishop John Bernard Fitzpatrick. :: II-5-b A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.