Byrne, Bishop Andrew, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 December 3

After Byrne's return from the east with 9 Sisters of Mercy for Helena, he was obliged to remain there for a few weeks and so did not receive Blanc's letter until he reached home. Byrne always believed the vows of the Visitation Nuns in this country to be solemn. This is confirmed by a document lately found in the Archives of Baltimore from one of the Popes declaring them to be so. In consequence of the state of money affairs Byrne is hard put to meet his engagements at Helena in the purchase of the Biscoe place for the Sisters of Mercy. Byrne was offered $5000 to give up the place but no money could tempt Byrne. The governor and another friend will advance a loan for a few months which will enable Byrne to take up his last note from Colonel Biscoe . Byrne leaves again immediately for Helena. He is at a loss for a zealous priest for there. Byrne thinks he could obtain for Blanc for St. Patrick's and St. John's congregations Sisters of Mercy without going to Ireland for them and who know this country. The Bishop of each diocese is their only Superior and this makes everything progress well. :: VI-1-m A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.