Hart, Father Martin, Ballycastle near Killala, Ireland, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1848 January 27

The sympathy shown to the Irish in their distress by the Americans and the numbers saved from starvation, emboldens him to address Blanc. Hart is pastor of the union of Doonfeeney and Kilbride. The inhabitants heretofore lived on potatoes and fishing, both of which have proved a total failure for three years. Last year he registered 1000 deaths by starvation and dysentery. Scarcely getting any revenue, his curate left him with a parish 15 miles by 6 and a population of 800 families. Many proselyting agents take advantage and endeavor to change his parishioners from their old creed by giving money and bread. He appeals to Blanc to make his situation known and he is certain the many Irish laborers would respond to his call. P.S. For the truth of the above he refers Blanc to his Bishop Doctor Feeny. :: V-5-i A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.