Desert, M.H.C., Sister Mary of the, Opelousas, Louisiana, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1858 July 6

Mother Mary of the Passion, M.H.C. came to visit them recently. Her first step was to refuse to talk to Father Gilbert Raymond who came to pay his respects. They were deeply afflicted in seeing humiliated one who has been so devoted to the Sisters Marianites of Holy Cross and for the Mother in particular. The first meeting of her visit was spent in reading all the acts of the minor chapter of New Orleans against Raymond. They could scarcely believe their ears. These acts accused Raymond of having plotted to have a new Superior chosen, of having interfered in the affairs of the Community, of having tried to prejudice Blanc, Father Rector and the Sisters against Father Patrick Sheil, C.S.C .. The Sisters protested against these accusations so opposite to the character and conduct of Raymond. The Sisters are only too glad to testify to his innocence. Before leaving, their Mother showed satisfaction with all she had seen and heard and left them an official report of the good order of the house. But since she did not put into the report their answers to her questions about Raymond, they felt obliged to write to Father Rector. They have just learned that their Mother, when she arrived in the city, made a new report of the visit, just the opposite of the one she left with them. Father Rector knew that they had all protested and he had the justice to send it to Raymond. They are going to send to Father Rector the report their Mother left here. Others signing: Sister Marie de Ste. Claire, Sister Mary of Saint Aurelia, Sister Mary of Elizabeth, Sister Marie de St. Sébastien, Sister Mary of St. Francis :: VI-1-o A.L.S. French 3pp. 4to. 10