Odin, John M., Archbishop of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1865 November 21

Odin wished to hear from Purcell, in answer to the letter he wrote two weeks ago, before sending to Rome the list of names selected for the vacant See of Little Rock. But the wants of that Diocese are so pressing that he had to send the list on ahead. The list as follows: Father Edward Fitzgerald of Columbus, Diocese of Cincinnati; Father Thomas O'Reilly of Atlanta, Diocese of Savannah; Father Francis Xavier Leray of Vicksburg, Diocese of Natchez. Father Edward Fitzgerald was put on the list at the request if the Bishops of Natchez and Mobile. They know him intimately. The former was his professor of Theology and the latter, his fellow-student. The Bishop of Savannah informs Odin that O'Reilly is pious and disinterested. Dr. Quinlan praises his zeal. Father F.X. Leray has labored more than fifteen years in the Diocese of Vicksburg. Dr. Elder recommends him for Arkansas. Odin asks Purcell to send his views of this list to Rome as soon as possible. The Diocese of Little Rock needs a first pastor. There are only five priests in it. If Purcell objects to Fitzgerald being on the list, Odin will write immediately and have Father J. B. Duffy, Superior of the Redemptorist fathers in New Orleans, substituted in his place. :: II-5-c A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.