d'Asti, O.S.F., Father Augustine, Houston, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1861 November 26

They read in the "Propagateur Catholique" that Odin's institution with the pallium was to take place on the 24th but had to be satisfied with a participation in spirit. Providence has enabled the Franciscans to provide the parish with a good school for boys and girls. The blockade of Galveston prevents parents from sending their children to the college of Galveston so they have two of the Brothers of the Christian Doctrine teaching their Houston boys in the old priest's house which they ceded entirely to them. As Mr. _____ Cunningham has enlisted in the Confederate Army, they could give the old schoolhouse to Mrs. Cunningham and Mary B. Browne, already a nun in San Antonio, to be used as school rooms for the girls. The improvements amount to $300 but they have the satisfaction that it has become the most numerous girls' school of Houston, the best spoken of, the best patronized and a good paying school. When the number reached 70, the door was shut and only the poor Catholic girls will find an exception made in their favor. The expenses surpassed the first calculation. People wonder why they can do so many things. The secret consists in economy and parsimony. Their debt amounts to $800. The people are poor and tired of so many calls. But Providence, they hope, will smile again. They wish Odin would visit them and see what was done in less than a year since he gave the first movement. Had they only intentions for Masses they could get along more freely. He presents his humble respects and those of Father Felix de Connobio, O.F.M. and Brother. :: VI-2-e A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.