Corresp: John Carroll and Mo. Bernardina, Clare Joseph, 1793-1813, 3/1/1793-11/13/1813

3/1/1793: Carroll to Mo. Bernardina: he has written to Mr. Brooke. Tells of a nun from France who wants to teach French for no recompense; she wants to enter Carmel. In his letter to Rome told them of "the sweet odour of your good example" and suggested they educate. Pope received news with "incredible joy." Said that "you were come hither to diffuse the knowledge and practice of religious perfection" and added that, concerning scarcity of labourers, and the "defects of education in these States" you might sacrifice that part of your institute to the promotion of a greater good." Says he is directed to encourage. Note in CJ's hand concerning Pius VI's leave to educate. 2/20/1795: C. discusses noviceship; doubtful about receivin S. Joseph's fortune. Thanks for prayers; 2 months illness: unable to say mass and writing causes great pain. Grants 40 d. indulgence for prayers you enclosed. Sister Felicity is still with Mr. Barry. 10/25/1795, C. has recived money (L 183, deducting ch) for Carmel. Will return; delayed because his two horses stolen. Reverse, note of CaJ re M. de Villegas. 11/9/1795 $813 (L181) is remitted. Pleased at increase in numbers. Every addition is a "new safeguard for the preservation of the diocese." pray that "the faithful may increase in number and piety, and the pastors in zeal, useful knowledge and truly Christian prudence." 1/28/1797. Tells of a negro or mulatto women with her daughter (11 or 12) She is "of an honest character." Both from French Islands, but speak some English. Girl is promising; excellent at needle, ironing and washing. Mistress wants to make an absolute gift of her to your community; doesn't want them "ever to be free" and daughter too, until she is 25. Then if good, entire liberty, provided she can be married immediately, or she can be kept in bondage. 6/7/1798: Norfolk Catholic donates $8 to you. He encloses a $10 bill...for share in prayers. Heard from Bishop of Antwerp but again out of communication. The woman with two negroes meant she wanted to give them after her death and she'll probably live as long as most of you. 12/20/1803: Mentions S. Angela (Mudd), congratulates her on profession; renews permission that they had "from Europe" concerning Saints not in Roman calendar; says that progress of religion is consolation of visitation at both Boston and Maine where "not only is the church enriched by the multiplication of its members, but much more by their exemplary manners and fervent piety. Everywhere indeed the harvest is great; but, alas, the labourers are few." 9/23/1804. Your request for a Confraternity of the scapular is not granted: it is not customary to establish...in chapels of religious women, as having a tendency to make them too public, and to produce an intercourse with seculars, occasioning thereby dissipation, and a relaxation of religious discipline." P.S. another packet included grant of indulgences. 6/29/1806: Recognizes that Neale's religious superior can now transfer him...and he would not suggest having novitiate at Mr. Brooke's old mansion lest "nearness of the two houses would afford, in such a country as this," an "inexhaustible source for reproach, suspicion and calumny." His way of keeping Neale for Carmel, joined with their entreaties to Molyneux, might work. 11/13/1813: Both Charles and Robert Plowden sent messages; Robert writes on behalf of Mrs. Weld, widow of Lullworth Castle, re death of Mr. Leonard Brooke--he was a chaplain of Canfordhouse and re death of M. Oswaldine Errington.