James Hervey Otey Papers Box 1 Folder 15 Document 109

March 19, 1861 Otey from Lay

My Dear Bishop Otey,

You have requested me to reduce to writing the views expressed in conversation respecting the Pastoral lately issued by Bishop Polk.

I trust that the privacy of this discussion, and the common interest which we have in this matter, will exempt me, the least wise and inexperienced of our body, from any resemblance of presumption in frankly expressing my opinion.

I dissent from the main position of that Pastoral. Its language is "The State of Louisiana, having withdrawn &c has by that act removed our diocese from within the pale of the P.E.C. in the U.S."

I deny that the State has it in