Odin, Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1842 August 20

Odin is back in Galveston after an absence of 5 weeks. He has just spent a month at Houston and 10 days along the Brazos. On July 18 he opened the chapel at Houston; it is a small building 50 by 25 feet and suitable to the present situation. When the people are better off he will have it plastered. A Protestant gave Odin 6 acres of land on the Brazos for a church. There are about 95 Catholics around there, originally from Kentucky and very fond of their religion. They have promised to build a chapel in the fall; the Protestants will assist them. Several have asked for instructions in the Faith. At Houston also several wish to become Catholics. Perhaps the jubilee will renew the fervor of the Catholics. Odin began it here last Sunday. Their political horizon is dark. The president called Congress to meet on June 27; they passed a bill giving the president full power to start war at once against Mexico. To the general dissatisfaction of all in general, the president vetoed it saying that it gave him more authority than the constitution allowed him and pointing out the impossibility of war in the miserable state to which they are reduced. 500 volunteers dispersed for lack of provisions and clothing. There are no more hurrahs for Texas. They hope that the United States and England will recognize their independence. If it is true that Mexico has received two warships, it will be very embarrassing. Odin has had news from Fathers Eudald Estany, C.M. and Michael Calvo, C.M.; they are well and seem full of courage amid their troubles and privations. Odin has learned lately that the firm of Benoist and Hackney has suspended operations. Father Bonaventure Armengol was to have deposited some money with them to Odin's credit. He counts on this to pay $300 which he owes on the house he bought in Galveston. Odin has written Armengol to give the money to Father Stephen Rousselon. Odin still has some money with Benoist and Hackney but he will need it to pay the debt on the church at Houston. :: V-4-m A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.