Elder, William Henry Bishop of Natchez, Vicksburgh, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1869 September 21

Elder thanks Purcell for his consent to solicit in the diocese of Cincinnati. His visitation has been lengthened owing to the lack of railroads and the scattered condition of his people and missionaries. He will not be able to go in person to Cincinnati, as he cannot have more than a few days before his necessary departure for the Council. There are yet three churches for which Elder has given heavy personal obligations by notes and verbal engagements. One of these has had three suits, suspended by his paying part and promising the balance this winter. This is his chief worry in going to Rome. He will delegate Father J.B. Mouton, the dean of the district in which these churches are to act in his name. He is a most worthy priest, zealous of pleasant manners and if Purcell can extend to him a welcome it will facilitate his mission. He sends his respect to Father Edward Purcell, and acknowledges his indebtedness to Purcell as the president of his college days. :: II-5-d A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.