Elder, William Henry, Archbishop of Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1862 April 5

Odin's letter concerning a chaplain for the Washington Artillery was received. He designated Father Julian M. Guillou and gave Odin his address care of Honorable O. Luckett, Canton. He has not yet heard from him but he wrote just before, expressing his regret that, on account of the irregularity of the mails, Odin had been disappointed in the case of Colonel Augustine's Regiment and expressing his willingness to go wherever sent. He presumes he has already gone to join the artillery. Elder has already gone to join the artillery. Elder has experienced so much kindness from the Catholics of New Orleans that he felt it a duty to render any service that was in his power. He presents his respects to Mrs. Brousseau with his hope that her son, with all his companions, may enjoy the protection of God. Guillou has no money of his own and has debts. Elder asks Odin to see that there is a fixed arrangement as to his salary. He thanks Odin for replying to his enquiries. He wrote again on March 24 asking whether Father John Scollard might be relied on to visit Woodville without danger of giving any pain to the Catholics there. He asks Odin to consecrate Holy Oils and chrism for the Natchez diocese. One difficulty is the impossibility of performing the function with proper solemnities. He has only three priests and one seminarian to assist, and one of these may be hindered in coming. Another is not well and the third has no experience. There are eighteen priests in the diocese besides Elder. Several, being along the coast, always do receive oils from New Orleans. :: VI-2-f A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.