Odin, Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 January 10

When Bishop John Baptist Lamy was leaving for San Antonio, Odin promised to let Blanc know some ideas he suggested to Lamy. Seeing Lamy set out alone toward his Vicariate with the intention of making a short appearance there and then leaving almost at once for Europe, Odin could not help but say that, in his place, he would not have wished to go to Santa Fé unless accompanied by six to 12 zealous priests. Lamy will find, in New Mexico, some scandalous men and a public, especially among the Americans, who are waiting for a reform on the arrival of their bishop. What can Lamy do alone if he finds it necessary to interdict a priest giving scandal and has no one to substitute for him. The people will cry out and perhaps want to keep the unworthy pastor against the will of the Bishop. Odin advised Lamy to go to France before going to Santa Fé and bring back a number of subjects. During the trip he could study Spanish. If he would procure some vestments to replace the old ones which Odin found in all the churches of New Mexico, he could dissipate a great scandal. Many times, along the Rio Grande, Odin had to use the vestment he carried with him, as those they had were so dirty and torn. Arrived at Santa Fé with his little band, Lamy could wait for the proper time to act. If all the clergy were worthy of his confidence, those he brought along could give missions or teach. It seems to Odin it would be better to keep the status quo for 5 or 6 months than to leave so soon without introducing the necessary reform. Lamy was to stay at least 2 months at San Antonio and he could use this time for a trip to France. If the vicar general he expects presents himself, Blanc is to tell him to start out for San Antonio as soon as he can; he is to stay until Lamy's return from Europe. He could practice Spanish and learn to know the people. :: V-5-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.