Nash, James P., Galveston, Texas, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 February 24

In addition to a note yet in the hands of Bishop Claude M. Dubuis who is endeavoring to get to New Orleans, Nash writes to give an idea of the conditions in Odin's once favorite city. Incessant movement of the enemy along the sea coast up to Brownsville keeps them in a state of constant excitement. The enemy appears to be afraid to leave the vicinity of the gunboats. In their rapid march from Point Isabel with a view of taking Galveston by land and water, they were marching on the Peninsula when they learned that General J. Bankhead Magruder was near the mouth of the Cany with a strong force. The Brazos, Cany, Bernard and Matagorda country is full of troops. It is supposed that there is a sufficient number of men to repel the invader if he attempts to enter the country. Galveston had visits from General Kerby Smith, sterling Price, and other notables; all expressed their admiration of the work of Colonel Salakowski, the chief engineer, who has now been relieved by General Paul O. Hébert. Governor Francis R. Lubbock in his first proclamation condemned Galveston to the flames. They were not then consumed but ever since the city is fast disappearing. The Godin premises, stables, shrubbery and all is gone; Odin's old house is a military barracks. Nash's houses adjoining are occupied by soldiers. The citizens cannot raise a vegetable, chicken, or cow that are not stolen. Flour is $150 per hundredweight in Houston, but very little reaches Galveston; corn meal is $12.00 per bushel. The college at the Cape owes Nash over $240. If Father John Hayden, C.M. would send him even $20.00 in specie it would do a great deal of good. He asks Odin to send up « pound of white and « pound of black thread. The bishop will bring it to Nash. Nash is assessing the county for the war tax at $5 per day. Old Mr. Smith is still breathing. :: VI-2-h A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo.