Lamy, Bishop John, Santa Fé, New Mexico, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 August 15

They arrived here on August 4. They were received everywhere with marks of respect but at Santa Fé everything was surpassed. Almost the whole town came to meet them, including civil authorities. The governor invited Lamy into his carriage and they entered the town to the salute of cannons. They went to the church and after the blessing, they went to the fine house the old Mexican "Vicario" had prepared for them. Here they found refreshments. The "vicario" had come to wait for them a hundred miles from the capital. Some weeks before, having heard that the Americans and some Mexicans had got together to get a house for Lamy, he offered his, which was the best because it is beside the church. The "vicario" is now living in another house with his parents. Houses here are built of adobe, only one story high and with a flat roof. The churches are of the same material and all built in the form of a cross. In Santa Fé there are 5 churches for a population of 6000. There are not more than 300 Americans here. The Principal church can seat 2000. In New Mexico there are at least 65 chapels or churches and not more than 15 priests. The Mexicans are very much attached to their religion but the majority have forgotten to practice it. Lamy hopes to see Blanc at the Council at Baltimore. Last Sunday he preached in English and in Spanish. For three weeks, in going along the river, he preached almost every day, saying something in Spanish. Today they had a pontifical High Mass with an organ on which Mr. Noel ? played very well. Lamy took Noel from San Antonio; he is going to begin a school in a few days. He speaks Spanish and English. There is corn, fruits, wine here and it is very rich in animals. However, the Indians often take away the animals, especially sheep. One family lost 15,000 sheep this year alone. Today some Indians came to visit Lamy in full regalia and performed a dance. They are civilized but preserve their national customs. They ask for Lamy's blessing; he gave each one a medal. He asks Blanc to pray for New Mexico and to recommend it to the Ursulines, to show them his letter, and to thank them for caring for his little niece. He sends regards to the priests, especially to Fathers Rousselon and De la Croix. P.S. In a few days he will leave for Durango with the old vicar, 500 leagues, a great part desert and dangerous. :: VI-1-b A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.