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POLK Letters: July 12, 1861
1861, July 12
The Rt. Rev. James Harvey Otey, Beersheba Springs, Tenn., to Bishop Polk, re: Mr. George West of Helena who wishes an appointment under the orders of Bishop Polk - explaining his position in the matter as not wanting to attach any opinions or suggestions; making generous offers to get onto the Diocese of Lousiana in his absence to help with my parish where he is needed; offering his rooms in his house in Memphis for whatever time he wished to make convenience of them. 2 pp.
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Beersheba Springs July 12/61 Jas. H Otey
I wrote you a few days ago in reference to the desire of Mr. Ash to be under your orders &c. Last night I received two letters one from Col.. J. F. Mills of Memphis in behalf of Geo West of Helena & the other from West himself, asking my interest with you for the appointment of Brigade Qr. Master of West. Now all I can say is that Col Mills is an honorable man and speaks well of the West. I have no knowledge about these matters, and therefore claim & expect no influcence to attach to my opinions or wishes or suggestions, as indeed there ought to be none.
I dare say you will be annoyed much by applications for office from all quarters & from all sorts of men. I certainly shall not be made instrumental to add to that annoyance and write this chiefly to say as much. If I could in any way relieve you of any of your cares it would afford me infinite pleasure to do so & I am sure you believe this. It occurs to me to say in this spirit, that if I can serve you in any way in the concerns of your diocese, I shall be glad to do so. You have my
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to designate any duty you would have performed any where and at a season when I can reach the point without taxing too much my feeble body. It may be that you will desire parishes to be visited in the winter if the war is prolonged. In that event you have only to command my services.
Another thing my dear Bp. if one, two or three rooms in my house would suit your convenience, they are at your service. My young friend Mr. J.B. Wetherill of the firm of Daring Wetherill occu-pies one of the rooms as a sleeping apartment, and will open the house and give your choice as to the occupancy of a part or the whole if you wish. The House is pleasant, & has some con-veniences not found at a Hotel. It is quiet and retired %c. But you know the sit-uation & I shall not want it till the Fall of the year, "if the Lord so will." You have my prayers daily my beloved Bro: that you may be kept in perfect health & peace with your heart staid up on God, by Him guided & directs in all your ways- Yrs as ever Jas. H Otey
Rt Rev Bp. Polk etc. etc. N.B. Shall I retain this as your military title? I will use the latter superscription this time J.H.O.