98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Question

[PFunk26]

Here's the deal, my wife's Jeep is taking an all out crap lately as the catalytic converter need replacing(rattles like crazy) and today we were driving home from green bay and the ac died, then started to smell like it was burning. So tonight I messed with the fuses ( i figured it wasnt that but have limited car knowledge) started it up with the air on to a nice loud screeching noise took a spin around the block still no air, screeching stopped half way around and when I popped the hood there was smoke coming out by the AC compressor (I believe). So shut it off let sit for awhile then went back and cruised around the block without turning the air on, no smoke. Anyone have any ideas? Just thought i'd ask on here we cant get it to a shop til wednes and if i can avoid paying a shop even better.