Letter (number unidentified). To Mother Mary of St. Joseph, Seville, Toledo, October 5, 1576

Don Lorenzo purchases la Serna, Teresita's rings and Agnus Dei, 'The 'Jesuits and the postulant. Father Acosta. The water supply for the convent of Seville. Father Buenaventura Franciscan, Father Gradan s health. Carmelite news,

Jesus be with your Reverence.

HOW could you let the muleteer leave without a letter from you, especially as our Father is at Seville and we should like to have news of him every day? I envy you greatly for having him with you. Do not treat me so, but write and tell me all that passes, for our Father's letters are very short. When he is too busy, will you write instead, for I have told you how you can send messages frequently.

I was glad to learn from the note brought me by Father Mariano that you and all the nuns are well and that the matter of the duties is settled. Father Antonio has not arrived.

My brother is in good health and is always glad to hear from you. I have already told you to write to him from time to time. He has bought an estate about which he was negotiating while at Seville; it is a league and a half, or even less, from Avila and has pasture land, corn-fields, and woodland.

The price is 14,000 ducats, but the deeds have not yet been signed for he says he takes warning by what happened at Seville and unless everything is made perfectly plain and secure he will not buy the property as he wants no lawsuits. Persevere in praying for him and his sons whose marriage he is already planning so that all may serve God faithfully.

You must know that as when I came to Toledo I expedled to leave at once for Avila, I sent oflf the luggage and parcels we brought with us by a muleteer. I do not know why Teresa's large Agnus jDí'/ and her two emerald rings cannot be found; they may have been taken out but I cannot remember where I put them, or whether they were ever handed to me. I am sorry as it impairs her joy at the thought of being with me again at Avila. Indeed, there are many reasons why she should miss me. Will the sisters try to recoiled: whether the jewels were in the convent when we left: perhaps, if you ask Sister Gabriela she may know where I put them. Pray that they may be found.

I am much astonished at what you tell me of the Fathers of the Society The young girl who thought of entering tells me that they, in their turn, were surprised at what they consider the rigour of our life. It would be well if Father Garci Alvarez explained it to them. Recommend the matter strongly to the prayers of my daughters and of the Father Prior of las Cuevas, for whose health we pray fervently. May God restore it ! I am deeply grieved about his illness and shall not write to him until I hear that he is better. When possible, let me know how he is.

It would be well, in spite of this trouble, if some father of the Society of Jesus could be got to come and hear confessions occasionally : it would do much to destroy their fear of us. Father Acosta would be very suitable if you could get him. God forgive them! For if this postulant was as rich as they say, all your troubles would have been over. However, as His Majesty does not bring her, He will take care of you, and perhaps she was more needed where she has gone.

I thought that as Fray Buenaventura was on the spot, you could have made arrangements about the water supply more easily, but as far as I can see, you have not succeeded in doing much. God help us to pay for this house and then, when we have money in hand, we can do as we like. Be patient, for you have good wells. We would give much here for one of them as we have great difficulty in getting water.

Let me know whether Father Buenaventura is satisfied with his visitation, also what is going to be done about the Priory near Cordova which was destroyed, for I know nothing.

I am in good health and your obedient servant', as they say. Also let me know whether our Father takes his meals in your house sometimes and if you are able to treat him suitably, as they cannot do so in his own community nor do I think it would look well if they did. Tell me everything, and may God be with you ! In future we will write to one another frequently as we ought to do.

I am very glad you have the old woman to serve you. How does the staircase suit? Tell me whether you still have the errand boy, or who does your errands.

The Mother Prioress of Malagon wrote saying she was better, but this slight improvement gives me little comfort, considering what her malady is, so continue to pray for her. May His Majesty protect you, my daughter, and make saints of you and all the rest. Amen.

The enclosed letter from Sister Alberta will show you how things are going on at Caravaca. I was very glad to hear from Veas, (having received no news for a long while,) and pleased that a rich postulant has entered there. Everything is satisfadtory, thank God.

Pray much and perseveringly for our Father and for me, as I need it.

Yesterday was the feast of Saint Francis.

I enclose the cost of the messenger which is heavy. And remember this: if you cannot afford to give good meals to our Father when you find an opportunity, you are to tell me and not to feel ashamed of it, which would be absurd. And let your Reverence take care of your own health if only for the sake of not killing me, for I assure you that the illness of my Prioress of Malagon has cost me dear. May God cure her and restore her strength. Amen.

Yours,

Teresa de Jesus. If the muleteer takes the parcel you may enclose the payment, otherwise, you know what happens, and you run the risk of losing the letters too. I warn you, so that you may avoid doing so.