Xavier, S.M., Sister M., Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Bishop Francis Xavier Leray, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1881 August 1

She asks for Leray's prayers so that she may make a good retreat as the Sisters of Mercy go on a retreat on the sixth. Mother M. de Sales, S.M. and Mother Angela S.M. have been gone for a month to Pittsburgh. They are very much afraid for Sister Vincent, S.M. who has gotten very thin. They have another pastor, Father H. Oberfeld having gone to Jackson. They have two priests at Vicksburgh. Another, Father John H. Wood, is coming in September. Father Philip Huber is their chaplain. They will always miss Leray. Bishop Francis Janssens looks good but is still a stranger. Mother Benedict, S.M. is their Mother in de Sales' absence. Ellen Geary, Leray's old housekeeper, died. Tom Geary has to discontinue his studies for the priesthood, his health is so bad. Mrs. Binsley 's last letter was bordering on despair. Sister Josephine, S.M. has been here since vacation; she was at the Pass during the last session, Sister Stanislas S.M. too. :: VI-3-c A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo. 15