O'Brien, O.S.D., Mother A., St. Joseph's Convent, Somerset, Ohio?, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 February 12

She writes about a young clergyman, a particular friend of hers. He had been with Bishop Andrew Byrne, ordained in that diocese. He has extremely poor health now in New York. His bishop insists on his return to Arkansas; it would be almost his death. Byrne has prevented him from officiating at all, merely to force his return. He is an excellent priest, unable to stand the severe labors of a missionary life in Arkansas. Byrne refuses him an exeat on account of his great utility to him. She appeals to Blanc as the Metropolitan. The young man is doing nothing; he should not be left as he is. His name is Father John Whelan :: VI-1-e A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.