Coudray, Josephine, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1867 January 22

She has doubts about God's will for her. Since the age of 20 many times her confessors have confirmed her opinion that she was called to the religious life. Her mother did not want her to leave her; her mother is a widow and Josephine an only child. She did not want to remain in Brittany but thought of the foreign missions. When she was 29. Sister Josepha, O. Carm. of St. Augustine's came to Fougères. Coudray left with her. But on arriving at St. Augustine's she saw she was not in mission country. She did not leave Mount-Carmel because she did not like the rule but she realized she was not in the right place. She could not stay in spite of what Father Raymond said to have her stay. They took her to the Sisters of St. Joseph where she has now been for six weeks. If she remains it will be only for want of something better. She believes there are so many poor girls, especially negroes, who lack instruction. She would like so much to give them religious instruction. This St. Joseph house teaches only the whites. She longs for the religious habit for it inspires the respect necessary to do good. For a long time she has thought of founding a new religious society. She begs Odin to reply or permit her to talk with him. :: VI-2-m A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to.