Byrne, D., Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1853 September 4

Byrne announces the death of his brother-in-law, C.B. Minnis . Although their own pastor, Father Michael? Kelly has not yet returned, Father Richard B. Hardey of Vicksburg administered the last rites. Their little church had just been completed and the first service was the funeral of him who almost unaided built and adorned it. Shortly after, Thomas Fitzwilliam also died; he too had the attentions of Father Hardey. Minnis' will left Byrne one of his executors. He left bequests which Byrne supposes will be controlled by Blanc as administrator of Natchez and the Female Orphan Asylum of New Orleans: $4000 to the Bishop of Mississippi; $3000 for a Catholic Orphan Asylum at Natchez and $1000 for the same at Vicksburg ; $1500 to the asylum at New Orleans. These legacies are to be paid in part annually out of the proceeds of the crops of Minnis' plantation. Byrne asks for authority to attend to the collection of both legacies if he has the power. :: VI-1-f A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.