Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1862 March 16

A committee called on Elder last night to ask for one of their cathedral bells for cannon. They say they have a list of 65 from planters, etc. They have not received answers from the Protestant churches. He wonders if he can or ought to give one. He explained that articles used in the immediate service of God ought not to be turned to other purposes, still less to those of warfare, except in the very last necessity. They agreed but they thought from General Peter G.T. Beauregard's appeal, that all would be needed. Their cathedral is the only church in town that has two bells. One large and elegant one cast expressly for Bishop John J. Chanche with his name and title upon it, was a present from Prince Torlonia of Rome. It was canonically baptized by Chanche. The other is a common bell bought by Bishop James Oliver Van de Velde, never blessed. He has been told that some of the Protestant gentlemen wish to give their church bells at once and that some are opposed. The Catholic gentlemen agree with Elder that they should be left to the last. If Odin can give him positive advice that would not be understood by telegraph operators he would be glad to have it. There is danger of injury to religion if they fail in their duty to the country; and there is equal danger if they allow fear to make them prevaricate in their duty to religion. No answer yet from Father Julian M. Guillou but he thinks he will make no difficulty. He hears the Sisters of Charity have left Pensacola. They are expecting two or three hundred sick soldiers in Vicksburg. They wanted the Sisters of Mercy but they have not enough to teach their school. He recommended them to apply to Mother Regina Smith, S.C.. If they do, he asks Odin to second their application. It will do great service to religion in Vicksburg to see them at the hospitals. There are two priests there. He was going to send one to replace Guillou but as the sick soldiers are to be there he will leave them both. Father Francis Pont has gone from Pensacola to Jackson, Tennessee. Father Ghislain Boèheme is going to the 10th Mississippi Regiment which has been quartered near Colonel C. Robert Wheat's battalion. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.