Odin, Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 December 9

Odin has completed his pastoral visit for this year. He has been away from Galveston for 7 months and 10 days, covered 2105 miles, confirmed 11,000 persons. He has traveled in places overrun with Indians and never was in danger. On arriving here he learned of the erection of the new archbishopric and rejoices; he will try never to grieve his metropolitan. He is alone at Galveston; the parish has been without a pastor for 5 weeks. Father Mariano Maller, C.M. has dealt a terrible blow to Texas. He has also decreed the rain of San Antonio; he is going to withdraw the two priests there. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate whom Odin brought from Canada have also been withdrawn. San Antonio with 6000 Catholics and Brownsville with 8000 are going to be without pastors. The resources are sufficient or soon will be and it is unfortunate that the religious are abandoning the posts where they could do immense good. All the expenses Odin paid for their trips, are lost. In going through Houston, Mr. Kennedy told Odin that Mr. McIntee 's brother intends to withdraw the $5000 in Blanc's hands. He will go to New Orleans toward the end of this month. :: V-5-n A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to.