Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Utica, New York, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1868 July 6

Elder reminds Purcell that when he wrote to Purcell last winter asking permission to solicit funds in Cincinnati, Purcell told him that Bishop Patrick N. Lynch was expected on a similar errand. Elder desires to know what Lynch has done since then. The charity of Philadelphia helped Elder a great deal. Elder paid off one-sixth of the mortgage on the school house, but there is $350 more to pay each six months. Several priests of the diocese are asking for help. Even money for Elder's intentions is given to the common fund. If the present year's crop is good the people will be a little relieved and encouraged. Elder asks to be addressed in care of Bishop James F. Wood, of Philadelphia. Bishop-elect William O'Hara, of Scranton asked Elder to assist at his consecration on the 12th. He shall remain there till about Wednesday, then return to this neighborhood for a week or more. If Elder should leave Philadelphia before receiving Purcell's letter, he will leave word where it is to be addressed. At present Elder is enjoying the hospitality of Mr. John C. Devereux, Mrs. Devereux being formerly the youngest sister of Mrs. Basil Spalding of Baltimore. Their earthly abundance seems to be a reward for their piety and charity inherited from their parents on both sides. Elder describes his activities on the Fourth of July. He sends his regards to the Archbishop's brother Rev. Edward Purcell and to the other priests in the diocese. :: II-5-d A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.