Odin, C.M., Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1850 December 30

The steamer Louisiana entered their port today; Odin received Blanc's letter of the 21st. He replies by the Palmetto which is to return tomorrow from Lavaca. He will be delighted to see Bishop John Baptist Lamy . If possible Odin would accompany him at least to San Antonio but he has not one priest to call to his aid. The shortest way will be by the steamers between New Orleans and Galveston and Galveston to Lavaca. Odin hopes Lamy can stay a week. He could send all his boxes to Major Kerr at Port Lavaca. It would be very inconvenient to send them to Indian Point, 12 miles further from San Antonio. Arrived at Lavaca, Lamy would do well to have all his things taken to San Antonio by Mexican or German carts. He and his priests should go directly by stage to San Antonio. Odin would not advise Lamy to buy any mules at New Orleans; they can be procured at San Antonio. As for provisions from San Antonio to Passo del Norte, Odin believes it would be well for Lamy to make an arrangement with the quartermaster at San Antonio to receive rations like everyone in the convoy. Merchandise is abundant in San Antonio. Paul élot of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate has made his profession and odin ordained him deacon at the request of Father Adrien Pierre Telmon, O.M.I ., his superior. He came from Canada with the other priests. Odin thought it would be better to bring him here to study English than to send him to Brownsville. Odin had not learned of the recall and suppression of the house at Brownsville until his arrival at Galveston. Gélot's conduct has been irreproachable. If he does not object to coming to Texas, Odin will admit him and work will not be lacking. If he would prefer not to return, Odin would rather do without him. In any case Gélot must obtain his dispensation and dimissorial letters from his bishop. Father Antonio Severo Borrajo has asked permission to accompany Lamy. This inconstancy is painful. When he arrived, Odin gave him an English teacher; after a few days he wanted to give lessons to his teacher rather than take them. Odin sent him to Houston to Father Edward Clark . Borrajo was no more satisfied with his second teacher than with his first. Odin sent him to Nacogdoches. Odin had hardly arrived there when Borrajo announced he needed a year of leisure to study English. A few days later he left for New Orleans. P.S. If Lamy is not used to riding horseback, he should buy a gig at New Orleans with one or two mules. During the summer Odin made a trip of more than 2,000 miles with the same horse but the season was more favorable. The route from San Antonio to Passo del Norte is lacking in grass, water, and woods. :: V-5-n A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.