Byrne, Bishop Andrew, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1851 November 26

Byrne received Blanc's letter and since it is Blanc's desire that a new diocese be formed of the upper part of Louisiana, Byrne fully concurs. Regarding the three clergymen Blanc mentions, Byrne knows only one but he has confidence in Blanc's judgment. Should Blanc stand in need of one who has devoted 28 years on the American mission, Byrne would suggest Father John Barry, vicar general of Savannah. He is distinguished for piety and zeal and is well acquainted with the southern people. Byrne has much pain in walking or ridding. This city is not advancing much; some of his best people have left. He has not 100 Catholics, in Little Rock. He suffered a great loss in the death of Judge Lincoln ; he died a good Catholic, embracing the Faith, which gave much trouble to the Odd Fellows who wanted to claim his remains. They attacked Byrne in the papers but he put them to rest quietly. Byrne is convinced a good Catholic paper is a necessity in the province. :: VI-1-b A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.