Elder, William Henry, Coadjutor of, Cincinnati, Ohio, to Bishop Franncis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1880 April 29

Leray should hasten the nomination for Natchez . Since he last wrote, Bishop Willaim G. McCloskey has begged him to remove the name of Father M. Bouchet . McCloskey is disabled with rheumatism and says it would to disastrous to lose his vicar general. His health is said to be more feeble than Elder had Known. All at Cincinnati recommend very strongly Father Nicholas A. Gallagher, administrator of Columbus . He was second for that diocese and several preferred him first. Also Father Henry Harry P. Northrop of Charleston is recommended for third. Elder's first preference is Father Francis Janssens of Richmond. He is energetic prudent, amiable, a favorite of the priests and a careful manager. Elder has heard rumors that Leray would be disposed to take Natchez but thinks it would be better not to seek such a change. It would throw New Orleans again into a ruinous confusion and still worse it would be very hard to get Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché to agree to a new appointment. It would be still harder to find any one suitable. It is a cross and Elder has a heavier one. If Leray will interest some of the Bishops to give names and qualifications, he thinks he will fill all the vacant places in the Province. He should not make Natchez wait. Father Mathurin F. Grignon 's health is bad and there are many things already suffering for want of direction. :: VI-3-b A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo. 11