Elder, William Henry, Bishop of, Natchez, Mississippi, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1867 January 27

He has received several communications from Robert Murphy of New York about the Papal Loan . In his last of January 9 he suggests the method of taking up collections and investing the proceeds in loans for the benefit of the Church or some other pious purpose. Elder is afraid he cannot get much done; he has been pressing the people for their asylums and a school house. They are deeply in debt for the latter. Elder has subscribed two bonds at $100; Father Francis Xavier Leray of Vicksburgh says he will do the same. Father Mathurin Grignon has subscribed for two of the $25, as have six gentlemen here. He would like to try the plan of church collections but fears the smallness of results. The ladies are must be raised every month for the school. Yet Elder looks on the Holy Father's claim as one of justice. Does Odin expect to go to Rome; Elder thought of leaving after Easter. He thanks Odin for the payment of the legacy of Mr. O'Donnell :: VI-2-m A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.