Odin, Bishop John Mary, New York, New York, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1849 October 6

He has just arrived from Philadelphia and Bishop John Hughes has just given him Blanc's letter of September 24. Monday he will take to Father Annet Lafont the 150 piastres Blanc wishes to give him so Blanc can write to ask for the things he needs. The death of Father Anthony Chanrion affected Odin deeply. Several days before he had learned of that of Father James Fitzgerald at Victoria. Odin received only one letter from Jules Garesché to which he hastened to reply telling him that the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who would accompany him were destined to work in the valley of the Rio Grande. They will have charge of Pointe Isabelle and all the little towns along the river. They will have at least 4000 Catholics to serve. Odin collected almost $1100 at Philadelphia. The Bishop allowed him to preach in the churches. The city was full of collectors. Here Odin has little hope. Hughes advised him to come only at this time and he is busy with a collection for his seminary. Odin must knock on doors; Hughes cannot permit him to make an appeal in the churches. When the Ursulines arrive here from Quebec, Odin will start for New Orleans and hopes to arrive November 6 or 8. V-5-l - A.L.S. - French - 3pp. - 4to. - {8}