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Scope and Contents Blanc's letter with the accompanying documents was received on the 14th. In so serious a business Elder was afraid he might act rashly if he did not allow 2 or 3 days for reflection. Although some strong reasons, especially his own deficiencies make Elder wish it had been otherwise yet he cannot conscienciously decline to obey. The kindness of Blanc's letter adds to Elder's encouragement; he will very much need a friend who will speak with truth and charity. Elder would like to see...

Scope and Contents When Elder wrote that he planned to be at St. Mary's on the 17th he did not reflect on how near it would bring his departure to Pentecost. Elder would like to celebrate that festival in Natchez. So he will defer his visit to New Orleans until afterwards. He has written to Father Grignon to that effect. He will make stops on the way and Blanc could send any communications to either Archbishop Purcell, Bishop Spalding, or Archbishop Kenrick. Elder would like Blanc's opinion as to a vicar...

Scope and Contents Leray's letter of September 2 followed Elder to Bay St. Louis along with a letter from the Sisters of Mercy saying they could not supply Vicksburg, and another came from Nazareth which said that they could not for a year or two. Since writing to Nazareth Elder thought of the Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky, and asks Leray to write them or the Bishop of Louisville. Elder is willing that Leray rent out the house for another year, but he should consult with his parishioners to raise their...

Scope and Contents Father Francis Janssens has a private letter from Cardinal John Simeoni saying his bulls for Natchez will be sent as soon as possible. He wants to be consecrated by Archbishop James Gibbons and consults Elder about the place. Elder thought of New Orleans but sees two difficulties: Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché might feel hurt at it being done there by Gibbons, and the expenses since the interests of religion demand that no additional burden be put in the way of his saving the credit of...

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Elder's necessity is a little more urgent than he expected. He came to Vicksburg yesterday and to Jackson this afternoon. Father J. O'Connor is leaving as soon as possible. Father Francis Xavier Leray has consented to take charge of Vicksburg and Elder has just written to Father F. Pont to come to Jackson by the 23rd. Elder will stay a few days in Vicksburg. Elder received the printed letter from Propaganda about the Blessed Sacrament. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. 1p. 12mo.

Scope and Contents Elder thanks Blanc for the valuable document concerning matrimonies in this diocese. It is satisfactory in some respects but so indefinite in its applications. Does Blanc think there is any use to try to have it revoked? Elder has written to the Bishops of Chicago and Alton, to Rome and enclosed copies of both his letters to the Cardinal. If Blanc writes to anyone connected with the Propagation in France, he is to recommend their case. Elder read only cursorily the letter Blanc wrote before...

Scope and Contents Some of the leading Catholics here—among them General W.W.? Wood, recommend that they send the proceedings of their meeting to their Senator in Washington, to be given to the Secretary of State and transmitted through their minister at Rome. If it should go should Elder write to Cardinal Antonelli or to Barnabo to explain what has been done? Father Maturin F. Grignon has gone to Ireland and France to get Sisters of Mercy and priests and to recruit his health. He will return in August or...

Scope and Contents For the Rector of the American College at Rome, Elder has heard that Bishop Michael O'Connor of Pittsburgh wants a coadjutor, partly so he can devote himself to the establishment of the institution—whether as rector or in some other capacity Elder does not know. Elder thinks O'Connor the best choice, if he would accept and Rome consents. Other Bishops would be good, too; John McCloskey of Albany, Martin John Spalding of Louisville, and James Frederick Wood, Coadjutor of Philadelphia. The...

Scope and Contents Father Albino Desgaultiere 's letter was there for some time while Elder was in New Orleans. Elder answered it June 22, and told him that Canon Law prohibits alienation of priests or nuns from a diocese at least during the first year of vacancy. Elder wants to open an academy at Vicksburg and has written to the Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondelet, and to Nazareth, Kentucky. They have purchased Mr. Cobb's house adjoining Mr. Crump's. He asks for suggestions. He thinks the pension of $150 is...

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Father P. McGrane has consented to preach for Elder and Elder is writing to Bishop Augustus Mary Martin, inviting him for the 14th. He asks if Blanc thinks they can offer the Mass Pro Gratiarum Actione on the occasion of the opening of the cathedral, and gives a few reasons why he thinks they could. P.S. He asks Blanc to ask any clergy from Blanc's diocese who would be free, to attend the festivities. :: VI-2-b A.L.S. 2pp. 8vo.

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Two of their missionaries are passing through New Orleans. Father Francis Orlandi is going to make a retreat at the seminary at Bouligny, preparatory to his duties at Canton, residing for the present at Jackson. Father Henry Leduc is going to Bay St. Louis to replace Father Stanislaus Buteux. As both are inexperienced in American travelling it will be a favor if Blanc asks someone to direct them. Elder hopes to see Blanc before December 4. :: VI-2-b A.L.S. 2pp. 16mo.

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Father L.R. Mulot tells Elder that Blanc was surprised at his coming away. During Blanc's sickness Father Stephen Rousselon told Elder he need have no scruples about accepting Mulot. If Blanc wishes Mulot to return, Elder is willing. Elder's mother died on the 20th. The bearer of the letter is Mr. Podesta, an old Italian who wants to return home. If Blanc thinks proper to help him, Elder thinks it will not be misapplied. Elder has not received the altar stones. :: VI-2-c A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.

Scope and Contents Mr. Martin, who spent two months in the New Orleans Seminary, offers his services for the diocese. Does he have any obligation to Blanc? Martin says he left with Blanc the letter given him by Bishop Goss of Liverpool, his Ordinary by origin. Martin tells him that Mr. Marion, a Frenchman, is disposed to follow him. A man living in northern Mississippi expects to go to Spain to marry. He is a Catholic convert and must take his certificate of baptism and certificate from the bishop. Father...

Scope and Contents He will be glad to receive F.M. Marion to learn English. Mr. Martin talks about asking Blanc to receive him again. Elder has left him perfectly free. In his absence their schoolteacher is to give one lesson a day and two on Saturday to young men in the house. It would be better for Blanc to ordain Marion himself. Elder has no objection to ordaining him amd perhaps he can arrange with Father Anthony Verrina to ordain Mr. Hearns at the same time, say at the beginning of June. :: VI-2-c A.L.S....

Scope and Contents Blanc's letter of the 10th with Mr. Martin' s reached Elder yesterday. Elder fears Martin's changeableness might have an adverse effect upon another young man who is here. It would be better for him to return to the Seminary to prepare for ordination. His conduct has been perfectly good. Elder has no objection to ordaining F.M. Marion and will write Father Anthony Verrina to send Mr. Hearns up if he is ready for the priesthood. Their school teacher gives lesson in English to any...

Scope and Contents Enclosed Blanc will find receipts for Brownson's Review and the New York Tablet with authority to pay to O'Donnell. If Blanc does not have the receipt for the Philadelphia Herald, Elder will hunt it out. The trustees have negotiated a sale of the site of the old Catholic church in Commerce Street. They have been waiting for Elder's signature; he has never received any authority from Rome to sell it. He asked it from the Cardinal seventeen months ago and again last summer. Elder thought he...

Scope and Contents Elder will try to be in New Orleans for the 15th. He wrote as soon as possible last week about selling their church lot on Commerce Street; the committee are afraid of losing the opportunity. They have an offer for $3500. Rome has not answered his letters of July 1857 and last summer. He thought he might sell it without express authorization. It is of no use, the legal title is in the trustees, not in Elder. The Cathedral residence and lot was transferred to Bishop John Chanche by the...

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Elder has Blanc's letter. It will be better if Elder stays home until Sunday evening or Monday. Father M.F. Grignon is not due back until Sunday and there is fear of a plot to burn out one of their neighbors. Elder will see Blanc the 17th or 18th. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. 1p. 4to.

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Elder would like his copies of the Pastoral sent by steamboat. The "Princess" comes up Tuesday, but any other that stops will do as well. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. 1p. 12mo.

Scope and Contents Elder received Blanc's letter of the 1st just after he sent Blanc a note today. Elder will keep Father F Pont if he is willing. Elder has hopes of his doing great good in the diocese and has asked him to make a visitation along the gulf back in the country. Elder believes there is work for a priest on Jordan and Wolf Rivers. Elder has never understood clearly the distinction between priests incorporated into the diocese and those not incorporated. The question of priests passing from one...

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William D. Gale is leaving soon for Rome. Elder has advised him to ask Blanc for letters. He is recommended by Mrs. Finucane, formerly Willett of Kentucky. Gale seems to be a Protestant; his wife is a daughter of Bishop Leonidas Polk. Elder has sent Gale a letter for the Holy Father. Gale can be reached at R.W. Elsin and Co., of New Orleans. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. 1p. 4to.

Scope and Contents Elder has appointed Father Gabriel Chalon as one of the three to whom he entrusted extraordinary faculties. He now finds it necessary to give them to Father Ghislaine J. Boheme so he withdrew them from Chalon. Elder asks what are considered ordinary powers. He encloses the faculty sheet printed by one of his predecessors no enclosure. He gave a letter introducing William D. Gale to Pius IX and now is worried that the Pope will think it too familiar. He would like to know if it is right as...

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Apparently in some states olographic wills do not convey all property, which explains the difficulty in St. Louis concerning Bishop James Oliver Van De Velde, S.J. 's will. Elder has made new copies of his own will and sends a copy to Blanc no enclosure. The old one should be destroyed. :: VI-2-a A.L.S. 1p. 12mo.

Scope and Contents Would Blanc consecrate the Holy Oils and Chrism for Natchez this year? Elder has no place to celebrate but a part of their basement. There are only three priests and no master of ceremonies. The time at which their Cathedral will be finished is uncertain; he hopes some time next month or by Pentecost. Is it out of place to invite Blanc for the blessing? Whom would Blanc recommend to preach? If it were a consecration he would call on Bishop Martin John Spalding or Archbishop John Baptist...

Scope and Contents Elder is obliged to write earlier than he intended about Father F. Pont . Father J. O'Connor is about to leave Vicksburg and Elder must send Father Francis Xavier Leray there and Pont to Jackson or directly to Vicksburg O'Connor will probably not return. Elder is sending someone to Vicksburg today with great reluctance; Elder may not keep him in the diocese. Elder accepts Blanc's suggestion about the blessing of the church. He hopes it will be at Pentecost. It seems that Blanc could obtain...

Scope and Contents Elder has been concerned about Blanc's loss of another priest. He cannot see what other arrangement he could possibly make about Vicksburg and Jackson. He offers Blanc Father Frederick Miller or Father Andrew Bennett, or both. In the 15 months Miller has been here he seems perfectly correct in his conduct. He has gone to help the Germans in Yazoo and has an appointment to be in Woodville in June. After that if Blanc desires, he could go to New Orleans, Elder will call Bennett here and send...

Scope and Contents Elder explains the reasons Father J. O'Connor changed his plans to leave Vicksburg. O'Connor would now like to offer his services to Blanc. O'Connor has at times drunk too much; for the past eight months he has been trying to be careful. If there should be no scandal in his staying here Elder would be glad to have O'Connor at Natchez, for he seems an efficient, estimable man. Father Peter M. McGrane C.SS.R. is acquainted with his behavior. The Ecclesiastical Conferences, if directed toward...

Scope and Contents Elder feels the need of establishing a diocesan fund for the education and other expenses of clergyman and for other works of religion. Something could be done here by following Blanc's suggestion of a tariff on funerals. If Blanc has any instructions they would serve as a guide. Does Blanc think it advisable to put a tax on dispensations? Something could be obtained from the publication of banns but Father Grignon says it has been so hard to get it established and even now persons go to the...

Scope and Contents Elder has learned through the papers of Blanc's accident; he had already been grieving over the loss of so many of Blanc's priests. Elder is just now about to start for Baltimore. There is little fever here. Last week in Vicksburg, Father Jeremiah O'Connor had it badly. Yesterday Father Leray wrote that O'Connor was getting well and that the fever was chiefly at the hospital. Elder's brother, Thomas Elder has written that he will leave New Orleans tomorrow and Elder hopes to meet him in...

Scope and Contents Elder arrived at his new home on Saturday morning. He thanks Blanc for having priests enough here to enable him to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost and his possession in a fitting manner. Elder was met at Vicksburg by Father Francis Rene Pont and two of the leading Catholics, Antonio Genella and Mr. O'Donovan, who sat on the boat with him for more than an hour. At Natchez Elder was met by Father Mathurin F. Grignon and six or seven gentlemen including Elder's brother John Elder and Mr....