This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XLIII.. THE MOTHER. SUPERIOR'S LETTER. To the Editor of " The Citizen." "St. Joseph's, near SmmetUburg, December 1st, 1854. "Sir, --As numerous misrepresentations have appeared in the public prints in relation to Miss Josephine Bunkley's connection with and departure from our institution, I have, from a sense of duty, though with very great reluctance, concluded to communicate to you for publication the following statement of facts, exhibiting the exact truth of the matter. "About two years ago, Miss Bunkley, of her own accord, came here and made a spiritual retreat, that is, spent some days in meditation and prayer. She then expressed an ardent desire to become a Sister of Charity--a member of our society. As she was yet young, and a convert to the Catholic faith, she was required to take time for mature consideration, and was not received. One year after this she again applied by letter to be admitted as a candidate, and was authorised to come here on trial. She accordingly entered the novitiate, as others always do, to try her vocation, perfectly free to leave us at any hour, or on any day she might please to select, and with the express and often-repeated assurance given her by us, that she would do wrong to stay with us, unless she did so freely, and from the conviction that she was doing the will of God, and seeking her own happiness by remaining. "During the ten months that she was with us, she not only appeared happy, but constantly professed to he so, and thus continued to express herself up to the very eve of her departure. Everyone who knows anything of us at all, knows that she had only to say the word, and she could have left us without difficulty, and in a becoming manner, at any time she pleased. Many novices have...