May 29, 1640
Monsieur,
Just a word to express my humble gratitude for all your goodness to our daughters and for sending me news of them. May God be your eternal recompense! I am very worried about our poor Sister Elisabeth1. do not know if she is having a recurrence of an old illness. If such is the case, I think that it would perhaps be well, Monsieur, after conferring with the doctor, to see if she is strong enough to send her back to us. I am asking Sister Turgis, after she has had you speak to the two good girls who want to come to us and after you have given your approval, to send them here. Our good sister could travel with them. Excuse my brevity. My weakened condition prevents me from writing more and makes me close here by assuring you, Monsieur, that I remain, your most obedient daughter and servant.
- Elisabeth Martin of Argenteuil, one of the first Daughters of Charity. In 1636, she was at the parish of Saint-Paul in Paris. She left for Angers with Mademoiselle. There she assumed responsibility for the hospital community from 1640 to 1642. Her weak health forced her to rest often. After a short stay at Richelieu, she returned to the Motherhouse (1643). The young sisters were placed in her hands. She then went to Liancourt. The Founders recalled her from there in order to entrust her with the responsibility for the new community leaving for Nantes (1646). In 1647, difficulties within the community.