Gaudet, O.M.I., Father Augustine, Brownsville, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1862 March 20

At the reception o f Odin's previous letter Gaudet was reassured about the deposit the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have with P. Rotchford so that what Odin told him in his last letter, although a little alarming, will not change his earlier decision. Thei8r reverses are very great but they only confirm his hopes for a success more quickly than is thought. There is no doubt that their cause is just, but he wonders if they are without wrong. In one way or another Europe will come to their aid for he cannot persuade himself that she will permit the union of the people of a nation whose formidable armies could cause her unrest. In regard to the request Odin made of him concerning St. Michael's, Louisiana, knowing that Gaudet plans to go to Europe at the first favorable occasion, Odin will understand that it is impossible to accede since there will remain at Brownsville only Father Peter Parisot, O.M.I. to serve the English part of the mission. If the blockade is not raised before the end of May, he will be obliged to embark directly for Europe from the mouth of the Rio Grande. Now that the warships of England and France are there to protect commerce, the opportunities will not be wanting. He received a letter from their house in Marseilles, dated November 24, inviting him to return to France to render an account of their mission. They do not speak of his letters but they say that they will give him everything he asks for the benefit of the mission. The general chapter for the election of a superior general should have taken place December 5. Bishop Joannes Francisco de Paulo Verea of Monterey is at Madrid and it is not known when he will return. Before leaving for France he would like to know what turn things will take as well as who will be bishop of Texas. All the priests are well, also the Sisters of the Incarnate Word whose school is stronger than ever. He has just bought 12 lots for their college. They lack only peace to begin it. ` P.S. He sends the newspaper to Father Napoleon Joseph Perché by the same mail. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo.