Anstaett, Father Joseph, Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 September 24

He promised Mrs. Medard Menard to write Odin today to announce the edifying death of her son, Capt. Peter Menard. All who saw the deceased during the last four weeks of his illness are convinced that his conversion was a miracle of grace. Knowing Odin's interest in him, he knows that some details will please him. Captain Menard fell seriously ill at Houston. Mrs. _____ Styles urged him to pray but he refused. He arrived at Galveston on August 2, the same night when they had a false alarm of the descent of the enemy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Menard came looking for a priest as it was the opinion of Dr. _____ Lancton that he would die that night. Father Louis C.M. Chambodut was at Liberty so Anstaett went. However, it was only on his third visit that Menard mad a confession of faith, prayed and received Extreme Unction. The next day he received Holy Communion. His sincere conversion made an immense impression on all the family especially on his brother-in-law, Adolphe Leclerc, who had need of such an example. James P. Nash could not conceal his astonishment and, inflamed by holy zeal, he converted one of his friends, a Protestant named Mr. _____ Rice who later died with all the consolations of the Church. Father John Gonnard being at Galveston to give a retreat to the religious, Anstaett was at Houston for the affairs of the Convent when Mr. Peter faced the last crisis. Shortly before his death at 4 o'clock Friday morning he asked for his two new friends, Anstaett and Chambodut. One thing that should not be forgotten is that he charged Mr. Menard to write to Odin that he had been converted. The work on the new Ursuline Convent is stopped and it has been converted into a military hospital. Mrs. _____ Chapuy regrets to learn that Odin has been ill. It appears that the new General, General Paul O. Hébert, is going to declare martial law and have 5,000 more men come. There are already 3.000 regulars. ` P.S. Mrs. Menard sends $10 for Odin to say masses for the deceased. :: VI-2-e A.L.S. French 8pp. 12mo.