Odin Bishop John Mary, Galveston, Texas, to Father Stephen Rousselon, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1860 December 29

He has received Rousselon's letter of the 24th but has not received any other letters from Rome on the succession and believes that it has not yet been decided. Bishop Thaddeus Amat was not on any of the lists and he doubts that the Holy Father intends to name him motu proprio. Perhaps one of the Archbishops proposed him. He does not understand clearly the nature of the dispensation which Rousselon has requested. A ratified but non-consummated marriage is automatically dissolved by the solemn religious profession of one of the parties and the other party may marry without dispensation. However, if the individuals, having badly married, have separated before consummation and wish to marry different persons, Rousselon cannot give them permission. The Holy Father himself will not give it. If a refusal would entail very grave consequences Rousselon might write to Cardinal Barnabo and beg the parties to wait patiently for his reply. :: VI-2-c A.L.S. French 3pp. 12mo.