Durand, S.M., Sister Marie Xavier, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bishop Francis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1880 May 10

Certain rumors have come to the Sisters of Mercy from several sources which cause them to fear that he is under the impression that Mother Mary Austin Carroll, S.M. has exceeded the time fixed by their rule for the office of Superior. The attached coupon no enclosure should convince him of the falsity of this assertion. At the time she was first proposed, she was the only professed religious, and she was, therefore, elected only mistress of novices. Later when several new subjects had joined them, Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché named her, in 1874, their first Mother Superior. Their rule provides that the term of the first Mother Superior is for six years and that she can be reelected. This month she will have completed her sixth year. The conditions under which they founded branch missions were laid down by Perché, Bishop William Henry Elder, Bishop John Quinlan, Father William S. Murphy, S.J., Father John B. Duffy, C.SS.R., and Father Frederick Faivre. C.SS.R. Their rule does not contain any specifications or allusions about these houses. Furthermore, there is not among them any other who is old enough and experienced enough to be charged with the control of others. Father Benedict A. Neithart, C.SS.R., has never been either their confessor or their superior. Father Henry Giesen, C.SS.R., has not entered their threshold since 1877. Both are completely ignorant of what concerns the Sisters. Father Ferreol Girardey, C.SS.R., can certify that their rule and customs are strictly observed. She asks that Leray let them know personally his will in their regard, since there are certain people who are prejudiced against them. P.S. She asks his approval for her translation of their Rule. It has been examined and found good by one of their priests. :: VI-3-b A.L.S. French 4pp. 12mo. 12