Byrne, Bishop Andrew, Helena, Arkansas, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1857 December 14

Byrne reached here last week after suffering much from the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi. He finds it necessary to stay until after Christmas. He feels the loss of Father Patrick Behan . About the unfortunate to whom Blanc refers, Byrne cannot to anything for him and it is useless for him to apply after withdrawing and knowing that Byrne has not the slightest doubt of his guilt. His accomplice has acknowledged that she swore falsely before a magistrate at Little Rock. She had been assured that by doing so he would get a place in Louisiana. Byrne advised him to make a retreat with the Trappists in Kentucky. Byrne has discovered that he was a professed monk and not dispensed by the Bishop of Tuam when he came to this country. If Blanc's charity permits him to do anything for him, it should be done only on condition that he has true contrition for his crime in that he changes his name and will never officiate in any province in the United States. Byrne has a young student here whom he brought from Ireland. Byrne asks Blanc to take him this year; he is an excellent young man. If the Council does not meet soon after Christmas, Byrne must visit Blanc. :: VI-1-m A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.