at Angers

Archdeacon and Canon of the Church of Paris—fie de la Citi

(May 1640)

Monsieur,

The fever which has racked me for the past two weeks with some rather bad effects prevents me from having the honor of writing to you myself to thank you very humbly for the great concern that your Charity has for us. I thought that in my last letter I had stated clearly, Monsieur, that I expected good things of the two girls about whom you had written and that you could always be certain that with a recommendation from you they would be well received. Nevertheless, Monsieur, since you want a more specific directive, let me say that Monsieur Vincent has no objections. As for me, I beg you to honor them by accompanying them yourself. I hope that they will be free of the weaknesses to which girls from Angers are subject when they come to this area. I believe that Sister Marie, whom I brought [with mej, will be the first of those who will be energetic and strong. The two girls who came just before her became chronically ill as soon as they arrived. They were sickly from the beginning and are now on their deathbeds. I am speaking of the Perrine girls, whom I think you remember, Monsieur.

I rejoice in the hope that you give us of having the honor of seeing you again. On the other hand, I am fully aware of the loss that this will be for our sisters and the need in which they may find themselves, especially if the Reformed Canons Regular of Saint Augustine take over the hospital during your absence.

I beg you, Monsieur, for the love of God, to leave some directives with them and with whomever your Charity will assign as their director, concerning how they should act should this happen. I supplicate God to grant you the strength and health necessary to accomplish His designs upon you. I remain in His holy love, Monsieur, your very humble and most obedient servant.