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Scope and Contents Blanc's kind letter of welcome back to Donaldsonville had scarcely reached Austin when she received a summons to leave it. She called to see Blanc the day before leaving New Orleans but did not find him home. A sojourn of ten or eleven years in Donaldson could not fail to elicit her deepest interest. Not the least was Blanc's unvarying kindness which soothed the sacrifices there. She hears nearly every week from the Sisters of Charity and children in Donaldsonville. It seems there are...

Scope and Contents Sister forgot, when Blanc was here, to tell him that they Sisters of Charity contemplated putting up a small frame building at the end of the children's apartments. They procured the lumber and engaged the carpenter without being certain where the means would come from. In a short time, through the liberality of Narcisse? Landry and Mr. Lehman, a Jewish merchant, they were presented with $500, a sum nearly sufficient. They have 30 orphans. Mr. Bonnecaze of Baton Rouge will attend to...

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All at St. Vincent's send wishes of the season. All are well. They have 29 orphans. For their annual retreat, they will ask Father Blaise Raho, C.M. . Father John M. Delcros, C.M. has too much to attend to, to accommodate them this year. :: VI-1-d A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.

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Blanc's kind letter came to hand; they thankfully receive the donation reserved for this house. Sister has engaged Mr. Barrett to draw on Father Rousselon for it. It will procure blankets for the children's winter covering. They have heard of the great number of orphans in New Orleans; their Sisters of Charity and children continue well. But there are still severe cases in the ward. :: VI-1-e A.L.S. 2pp. 12mo.

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The Lord has laid his hand on Austin. During retreat her mind was but desolation and obscurity. Doubt and perplexity prevent the influence a director's words ought to have. She asks Blanc to say a Mass for her. All are well at St. Vincent's; can Blanc not visit them before going on his long visitation. :: V-5-n A.L.S. 1p. 4to.

Scope and Contents Sister arrived safe at home and found the Sisters and children well. Sister Florence, S.C. left them for St. Louis; Austin cannot complain as she ought not to be selfish. She would have been glad to keep Florence as they know each other. As a Sister of Charity, she is bound to endeavor to be submissive. Her health and strength are very much improved. The school is going on on a small scale. The carpenters have not yet finished their job; they have run her into debt. She has just received a...

Scope and Contents Their Sisters of charity are all well, also their orphans who number nearly forty, an increase that obliges them to still greater abandon to Divine Providence, and still more necessary since their good manager, Sister Angelica, S.C. has been removed. She seemed gifted for a poor mission. Many times the store room was empty and the market so high; she would find resources through her management. She saved this house a large amount of expenses during the years. She is placed now where she is...

Scope and Contents One of the novices, Elizabeth Ivis has been affected with hoarseness since the first month after her arrival here last February. Sister has had two physicians examine her. They pronounce it bronchitis with tubercle on the right lung and say she will never perfectly recover. Her parents are living in Mobile. Shall one of them accompany her to New Orleans if Blanc thinks it necessary for her to return to her parents? All the sick Sisters and novices are up. Austin made wrong calculations when...

Scope and Contents Sister had to go to the city a few days ago to accompany two novices who are to go with Sister Emily, S.C . to St. Joseph's. Time did not permit Austin to see Blanc. She has received instructions that postulants of the Sisters of Charity , applying here will he received at St. Joseph's. All here now will remain. Austin has received 5 or 6 more orphans; there are 12 in all. She asks Blanc to let them make such alterations as will better suit their convenience. She would like the bell removed...

Scope and Contents She would not have any objection to Mary Ann Hogan 's admission. That pride and spirit of independence as a school girl may make place for the more profound humility. Sister only wishes there were someone here more experienced to receive her. The French lady not entering as a postulant, Mother would have objections to their giving lodgings to a secular. They will procure lodgings for her at Mrs. Zoraid e's or Mrs. Gontran 's. Their novice, Sister Ambrosia. S.C. will make her vows next...

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Hearing that Mr. Lewis intended going to Texas, put Austin in mind to remind Blanc of several things in the contract which remain to be finished; conductors for the water, two chimneys to be prevented leaking, and a lock. The examination of their pupils will take place on the 29th. P.S. Sister Regina has sent Sister Marcella, S.C. home for health. Austin has sent Sister M. Magdalen, S.C. in her place before consulting Mother, viewing it as a necessity. V-5-l - A.L.S. - 3pp. - 12mo. - {4}

Scope and Contents They have not yet moved into their new house. They find it difficult to procure a workman to do some necessary work. They will do their best to enter towards the end of January. She has not seen Narcisse? Landry but Father Joseph Giustiniani, C.M. thinks those gentlemen intend presenting a petition before the legislature. Sister thinks Giustiniani feels a delicacy in interfering in their temporal affairs without Blanc's approbation. Mr. Lewis this morning brought two pipes for the back of...

Scope and Contents They are partly moved in to the new house. The children, with one Sister, will occupy their dormitory this week; they will follow them the next. It is through trial and humiliation they enter their new dwelling. They have at last procured a good carpenter at $40 per month. Their income is in prospect less than last year. They will receive nothing from the state fund for free pupils; the amount received last year was $600. Since Father John Boullier, C.M. left they receive nothing from the...

Scope and Contents Father Joseph Giustiniani, C.M. told her he had a letter from Blanc sanctioning their undertaking the public school; they Sisters of Charity have agreed to do so. Does Blanc think it necessary to inform their Superiors before doing it as it is something new. They exact nothing more than to teach reading, writing, and cyphering in French or English at the rate of 50¢ per month, $6 per annum. They will continue to make the catechism their first lesson book. But the word "public" brings...

Scope and Contents Sister Angelica, S.C. is not well. Austin has sent her down to be seen by Dr. Wederstrandt Wedderstrandt; it seems like a disposition to dropsy. She will return on Saturday. She is a very useful, edifying Sister. Austin begs through Blanc of Father Mariano Maller, C.M. : as a regular noviciate of the Sisters of Charity, cannot a regular officiating priest be granted to it? She craves the privilege of Mass every morning. She is sure the Congregation would not support a priest for their...

Scope and Contents The words of the act as presented to them are as follows: "An act making appropriation for the general expenses of the State up to 31st Dec. 1851." "For the benefit of the Sisters of Charity Donaldsonville $1000." Mr. Landry says he knew nothing of the petition being made until some time after. Sister does not know why it should have been given for their use unless it was given as bait. It is in Sister Emily, S.C.'s hands and Blanc is the proper one to direct its use. The school directors...

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They wish Blanc to attend their examinations next Thursday. They heard through Father J.M. Masnou, C.M. that he was to be here on his way to the Seminary. By coming on the mail boat he will be here Thursday morning. :: V-5-j A.L.S. 1p. 4to.

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Mr. Mullen has requested that Sister Marie, S.C. go down immediately; that there are some family concerns which cannot be fixed without her. Austin would feel responsible for exposing her to any prevailing fevers. She asks Blanc to tell her what to do. They would be happy to oblige as Mullen asked the favor through Sister Regis. :: V-5-j A.L.S. 2pp. 4to.

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Blanc's letter of the 14th came his morning. She was shocked but not surprised at its contents. Mr. Mullon' s letter to Sister Marie, S.C. convinced Austin of his intentions. The devil is jealous of the peace and happiness of their house. Marie has written a firm letter to her uncle. She has always shown marks of a true vocation. Austin has written to Mother; Austin hopes she will not leave them much longer alone but send someone to guide them. :: V-5-j A.L.S. 3pp. 16mo.

Scope and Contents Sister received a letter a few days ago from Mary Ann Hogan . She had applied to be admitted in to their Community Sis ers of Charity a short time previous to Sister Loretta's death. She wants to know if it is absolutely necessary that she bring a certain sum as she is an orphan and dependent on her friends. The regulations of St. Joseph's require $150 for the first year's board; there have been exceptions. Sister asks that Blanc will not send her until there is a Superior here. Mary Ann...

Scope and Contents Blanc's letter of the 19th was received. They are ready to receive the postulant he has recommended. Their means are slender but sufficient. Their school brings a tolerable income. The classes must necessarily be neglected in the French department. Their French postulant seems determined to make the trial. She has a nervous irritability of temperament. etc.; she will write soon to her family. The novices turned out and nursed the cholera cases with much zeal and courage. V-5-k - A.L.S. -...

Scope and Contents On Friday Mr. Mullon called to see Sister Marie, S.C.. She withstood his powerful arguments for some time and then said, "Here I am, take me and make me miserable for life." He extracted a promise from her to leave on the 25th. After he left she said, "If I go I will throw myself away." Austin had sent for Father John Boullier, C.M. who asked her if she recognized in the voice of the Director, the voice of God. He told her to write to her Superior and Bishop and abide by their advice. Their...

Scope and Contents Sister sends their thanks for Blanc's visit. They have to thank him for the happy result of Sister Marie, S.C.'s trial. She received a letter this morning from her uncle expressing satisfaction at her decision of remaining in the Community; he commended her for it. Sister Austin fears their poor weak Creole postulant will not hold out. She has a terrible temper. She has a good understanding of the spirit of their rules and marks of a vocation. All are well. They expect Sister Serena, S.C. on...

Scope and Contents She received Blanc's letter of the 10th. They heard this morning that Sister Francis Regis, S.C. is much better. Next Sunday will be the consecration and renewal of vows. They beg the favor of having Mass in their chapel; the novices will be able to be present. Some time ago she asked Sister Regina to ask Blanc about the propriety of having some person to keep the lot in order. Her brother at Opelousas has offered to send them a servant. Sister thought they would let him know they accept....

Scope and Contents She is sorry the expenses for completing the building are so great. There is much to be done. How would trying to borrow from the bank answer? She will ask Narcise? Landry and Mr. Aristide to endorse a note. If the money could be drawn in a year or two, St. Vincent's house could pay the interest. They are in want of lumber for a corn house, stable for the cows, wash house, etc. Sister Regina Smith, S.C. has sent them a strong Irishman at $10 per month to clear off the rubbish and put the...

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Sister thinks it will be better that Sister Antoinette, S.C. leave at the earliest opportunity which will be with Sister Gabriel, S.C. who is here on a visit. Sister is convinced that Antoinette herself will finally leave and it will be better for them to decide as soon as possible to save her from acting on her own responsibility. Blanc is to apprise her mother of it; it will be no shock, rather realizing her anticipations. V-5-l - A.L.S. - 2pp. - 4to. - {3}

Scope and Contents Mrs. McAuliff has nearly gone through her term of postulant; she often expressed the fear of the return of a disease she underwent treatment for some years ago in New York. They have consulted a physician who said she had a shattered constitution. This decision is a relief to her and to Austin. She is a good, amiable person but the Lord has other designs. She will leave Wednesday by the Streck. Their second postulant has been here four months. The last week she is in bed under the care of a...

Scope and Contents She asks Blanc to excuse her for not acknowledging receipt of his letter of July 28. She was engrossed in the subject of postulants. They were gratified to see Mr. Lewis and his workmen take possession of the new building; they had always hoped to see it completed. Labor and occupations do not depress her; she cannot bear to see herself in a situation for which she has not capacity. There are some hinges, locks, and nails left of what Father John Boullier, C.M. procured on Mr. Landry's...

Scope and Contents Yesterday, Caroline Lee of Plaquemine requested to be received as a postulant. Sister was surprised as she had received no letter from Blanc or her director. Sister soon recognized Lee as a child whom Father John Boullier, C.M. presented three years ago as an orphan. Sister was struck by her edifying deportment in the short time Lee remained with them. She was soon placed as an orphan at St. Michael. The last four months she spent as a postulant with the Ladies after which she was told that...

Scope and Contents Sister has seen Narcisse Landry and Judges Duffel, senior and junior. They advise her to keep the house locked to prevent the sick being put into it, and not to move into it until other arrangements have been made. There seems to be a party here determined to force them to receive the sick. They say the appropriation by the Legislature was made for that purpose. If they enter under present circumstances they will have no room for the orphans, nor themselves. The donation of the land,...