Your letters will not reach the Archbishop for many days, as he has left home and I will not know his stopping place for a little while. His Grace left home full of misery and sympathy for you. But I cannot, I regret infinitely do anything for your relief. It is a very sad business and may God forgive the authors of it. Poor Sr. M. of Providence will I fear end badly. I suppose you are anxious to get back, and I do not know that you can do any more, but still you must have all the patience you can to sustain yourself until I can forward your letter to the Archbp. which I will do without a moment’s delay as soon as I receive an address.
You know the state of the poor man’s health, but yet he said that your letters he should see as you had no one else to look to for support and encouragement. You may rely; his sympathies are all with you.
During my writing of the Pastoral for him whenever a pause would occur he would say “Poor Mother Edward, now is the hour of her trial. God help and direct her”. And after he got your telegram, all day it was “Oh, God help us”. He had us all to say Mass for his intention on Sunday, giving each $1.00 stipend and the intention was that all might proceed well with you.
I read your letter. I have His Grace’s permission, but I was moved I must acknowledge by natural curiosity. It is awful to have a Religious Community set topsy-turvy by these men, but what can be done? Everything now must go to Rome and I fear Springfield will not have a good name with Rome when the matter is through.
Meanwhile an almost irreparable injury is done to the Community through one foolish member.
Accept my earnest prayers and hearty sympathies and hoping for a speedy return from captivity.