Elder, William Henry, Bishop of Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 July 12

He encloses two letters from Father Peter Holton. If Holton is still in New Orleans Odin is read them and then have them delivered. This may be a good occasion for Odin to speak about his position; Elder does not wish to impose any inconvenience on Odin. Odin's letter of the 2nd was just now received. Elder has sent a little paragraph to the Baltimore Mirror which he believes will be corrective of the mischief done. It concerns the paper only and not the hierarchy. The order about prayers for the President has been received here; Elder has definitely refused to comply. He has set forth his reasons in a letter to the Commander. The Commander is very civil; he has not enforced the order. Elder is writing to Bishop John Quinlan today. Elder received another letter from the Cardinal. The Sacred Congregation has responded about the publishing of banns for mixed marriages. In Vicksburg the Sisters of Mercy came from Alabama to resume the care of the schools. They are now two months in a private house with no definite prospect of getting their convent soon. :: VI-2-h A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.