Cooley, Thomas J., Pointe Coupee, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1859 September 18

Cooley has Blanc's letter of September 15, in answer to Cooley's letter requesting advice on a matter of consicence and religion. Blanc's answers are just as Cooley expected, except that the engagement could not be contracted prior to reception of the dispensation. He asks for the necessary dispensation. Cooley was married young and lived with his wife for over 25 years, until she died 3 years ago. He is unhappy as a widower, and his 3 young children, two of whom are daughters, need a mother's care, since his oldest daughter does not superintend them, and she may marry soon herself. He believes someone who has some interest in his children would be best suited to care for them. The woman's father is agreeable if the marriage can be arranged according to Church law. The woman is Armantine Ledoux, daughter of Zenon Ledoux, whom Blanc Knows. She has no fortune and is 28 years old. Her father is old and infirm and has three other unmarried daughters, whose mother is dead. For all these reasons Cooley should like the dispensation as soon as possible. :: VI-2-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.