Letter (number unidentified). To the Municipality of Avila, Avila, December 7, 1568

Difficulties about hermitages built in the garden of St. Joseph 'j- convent.

JESUS! Most illustrious Señores,

AS we were told that no damage would be done to the aquedud: by the hermitages we have built, and of which we stood in great need, we had no idea that you would objed: to them, used as they

' This letter was first published by P. Grégoire. The signature proves that the Saint must have written it while still a nun of the Incarnation.

are solely for the purpose of praising God, and set apart for prayer in which we especially beg Him that this city may persevere in His service. Since, greatly to our regret, you are annoyed by the buildings, we entreat you to inspect them. We are ready to sign any contrails, agreements, and promises of fines that your lawyer may require as security that no damage shall result from the hermitages at any time, as to which we were already resolved.

Should this not satisfy you, we are quite willing to have them pulled down, but we ask you to examine them first so as to see for yourselves that they are an improvement rather than a detriment. To avoid displeasing you, we would forfeit the pleasure they afford us, although, as it is wholly religious, we should regret losing it.

May our Lord ever watch over you and keep you in His service! Amen.

Your unworthy and most respeótful servants. The poor sisters of Saint Joseph's.