Nash, James P., Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1863 December 6

Bishop Claude Mary Dubuis, C.M. arrived on the 1st and filled the throne which has been vacant since May, 1861. The appointment is admirable and worthy. Dubuis proposed that if Nash would transmit the amount of Dubuis' indebtedness and make Odin his debtor, Dubuis said he had funds in Odin's and that the money would bear the same interest until called for. The greater part of it is the property of the minor, Byrne, of whom he has heard nothing since Odin left them. Nash has the effects and property of Captain Matthew Waldron Maume, as administrator, who died of paralysis in Galveston on June 28, 1862. Among his papers there is a letter fromOdin and a letter in Maume's handwriting showing that there is an amount due of Odin to him. All his money and Mr. Reybaud's notes together did not amount to the price of the premises sold. Judge Cole requested Nash to write to Odin whose letter would be satisfactory to the court. Odin should see if Philip Rotchford paid the drafts which Odin gave Maume. He died intestate. Nash has a great many things to say which it is more prudent to withhold for the present or until it will no longer be treason to speak or write their sentiments. Galveston is almost in ruins. The beautiful trees and even greens, flowers, etc. are now decorating their rival city on Buffalo Bayou and many other towns of the interior. The two Mr. Potters, David Gilbert, William Armstrong of the bookstore, and several others, whom Odin knew well are dead. Gilbert died on July 15 of a violent bayou fever. Nathan Smith had a severe attack of typhus fever contracted on a visit to Mr. Spann's; he is very feeble. The Godin cottage and trees are destroyed, also the Painter's cottage at the market. The other houses are in tolerable condition owing to the attention Nash gave them. The cathedral and dwelling were several times struck but not seriously injured. The Tremont House is a complete wreck, so are all the houses on the Strand. From the Strand to the Vansickle houses, the houses have been used as a military barrack for two years. Nash is living since May 1861 in his place out of town. ` P.S. The bearer of this will in all probability carry a deed for Odin to sign. If not, Bishop Dubuis will when he goes to New Orleans February next. When signed, Nash will fix the dates under his notarial seal when it comes back. It will need no witness. :: VI-2-g A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.