Gaudet, O.M.I, Father Augustine, Brownsville, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 June 26

He wrote to Odin at Galveston and then at New Orleans to find out if he had received a draft for the sum which Mrs. _____ Gautier deposited with him plus the amount collected for the diocesan seminary. He fears that neither letter has been received. At least six weeks ago he wrote to P. Rotchford about a small account which should have been sent to him by Father Stephen Rousselon but he has received no reply. The regular arrival of the "Propagateur Catholique" is proof that correspondence has not been completely interrupted. He sees that Father Napoleon Joseph Perché valiantly defends the Confederacy; he only wishes that the political arguments were conducted by a layman with the faith and talent of Perché. He fears that Odin without wishing it will be at least implicitly implicated since Perché has become one of the Vicars-General, if he broaches the question of conscience which he has announced for later. The Catholics of the North are not without talent to demonstrate the justice of their cause and the equity of the proceedings any more than the Catholics of the South. He wonders if this is not a hidden trap tendered to the Catholics of the United States by the enemy of everything good. :: VI-2-d A.L.S. French 3pp. 12mo.