Kramer, O.S.B., Father Amandus, San Antonio, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1862 January 7

Kramer speaks of the loss of Odin in Texas. The most interesting thing for Odin would be if Kramer could inform him that San José is improving but he cannot. If he considers the time, circumstances, and the means, how much could have been done and what a nice home the Benedictines could have had in Texas. Every communication with Abbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B. is cut off. The wall is up as far as the second story but Father Alto Hoermann's, O.S.B. idea is always for three stories as he heard; but since last summer Hoermann had to stop his work because he had no money. The wall - without roof - the church just as before - is all the improvement of San José. In regard to Hoermann's debts, he never hears one word from him, only what they occasionally find out by other people. He knows one man from whom he borrowed, he guesses, $800. If there are any more he does not know. On December 13, 1861 Father Gallus Erhardt, O.S.B. informed him that Hoermann was going to Mexico to collect money. Kramer wanted to see him before he left so he came. He said he would come back in 4 or 5 months. He does not know what to think of Hoermann. He supposes Odin knows about the change in Castroville. Father Peter Baunach, O.S.B. is in Fredericksburg and is well satisfied. He is building the church. Father Emilian Wendel, O.S.B. is in Castroville and is doing very well there. They are all well and happy. He is anxious only for one thing - a church for the poor German congregation in San Antonio. He knows nothing can be done in matter for the present. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.