April 22 (1641)

Monsieur,

At the very time that I received the letter that you did me the honor of sending to me, I was reflecting on a directive which your Charity had given me. This confirmed the thought I expressed to you the last time I had the honor of seeing you and of discussing the subject treated in your letter. Therefore, since you wish it, I shall write to our sisters for Wednesday. I will leave the name blank so that God may make known which of our sisters, Sister Cécile or Sister Madeleine¹, He wills to take the place of our dear Sister Elisabeth, whose departure has touched me very deeply. I believe her to be a good and true servant of God. I ask your Charity please to be so good as to fill in the name. I am astonished that the good gentlemen of the administration said nothing about her illness when they sent me the documents concerning the establishment, which I received last week². This led me to believe that you had not returned, since they were not sent to you. May God will that the business that is keeping you here in the city succeed for His glory. I would be distressed, Monsieur, to cause you to waste your precious time. The knowledge that God has given me of your charity suffices to make me confident that you will exercise it for the needs of her who is truly, in the love of Jesus Crucified, Monsieur, your least worthy and most obedient daughter and servant.

1. Cécile Angiboust or Madeleine Mongert. It is the latter who was chosen to replace Elisabeth Martin, who left to rest.
2. The contract with the hospital and the Rule of the Daughters of Charity were recorded on March 18, 1641 by the civil clerk of the seneschal’s court at Angers.