Murphy, S.J., Father William S., New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1864 August 27

As agreed on with Father Stephen Rousselon, Murphy has devoted some time to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. 1. The presence of the former Superioress is a great inconvenience. Four of the Sisters are so attached to her that they cannot bear the sight of her successor. These are Sisters Scholastica, Aloysia, Euphrasia, and Catherine. The other seven are pleased at the change. ~ Document ~ 2. The new Superioress, a German lady of high birth and finished education, is naturally affected by the independent and free ways of this country and the absolute, irresponsible administration of Father Henry Riordan. She came over with the most unfavorable opinion in consequence of letters received by the Mother General at Angers. ` 3. As things now are there is no possibility of entrusting another with the temporalities of the house. Murphy was the bearer of a letter for Father Rousselon and one for Odin from the present Superioress. These were written before Murphy's visit and probably contained statements which the writer would modify at this date. She is a superior woman but the sphere is too contracted for one of her ability. The accounts showed balance due $7,750; the debt is now reduced to $6,000. :: VI-2-h A.L.S. 4pp. Folio 8