Byrne, Bishop Andrew, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1847 December 20

Within the last few days, Byrne has succeeded in effecting the purchase of the sixteenth section with the buildings thereon lately occupied by the U.S. troops and situated between Fourteenth and Van Buren. The location is one of the very best in the western country for institutions. The buildings and improvements must have cost the United States four times the amount it has cost Byrne. He has signed articles of agreement and to meet the terms he must ask Blanc to loan him five hundred dollars. He must meet the conditions of sale immediately after Christmas. To support the few priests on the mission and promote religion Byrne has for the last twelve months, with the two seminarians whom he teaches, cooked the meals and made up the rooms, for his circumstances would not permit him to pay 8 or 10 dollars a month for a servant. :: V-5-h A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.