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We arrived safely in Verona yesterday, at three o’clock, after a very good journey, my dearest Carolina. Here I found all my teachers in good health. If you were here together with all the other friends of Milan, I would be fully contented, though I know that would wrong, because I would not want to take away so much good from your Country. I thank you again, my dear friend, for showing me such goodness. I am and always will be very grateful to you. I wish to hear good news regarding your two patients, about them, and about you as well. This time I will not write more, since I have already written another letter. Kindly convey a thousand wishes to Visconti, Meda, and Canoness. I recommend myself to their prayers. Rest assured of our poor prayers. I embrace you wholeheartedly, and I am

PS. I inform you that my brother, before I left, told me that next week he will come to see you because of my business. I was in trouble. Since I did not want to disclose the person you know about, I said yes. But I think that in this case, if he finds you at home, you should reply that you are waiting for an answer. Meanwhile, speak about it also to Marquis Casati, so as not to expose the other person.

I am very pleased to hear, my dearest friend, that your patients are getting better. Let us thank the Lord. I, too, am well, in spite of the severe cold, which, up to now, did not bother me not even with a cough. I did not start what I should have, on the day of the Holy Immaculate Virgin, because my friend thought it better for me to delay up to the 2^nd of January. Tell this to dear Viscontina, and both of you please remember that at that time, I will be in need ever more of your prayer. I too will not miss praying for both of you in particular. I am very grateful to Marquis Casati for favouring me out of his goodness. Thank him and convey to him my compliments. My brother informed me that he came to you, but you told him that you had no Papers. I suppose that you have said so, in order not to disclose the person who is doing me a favour.

I inform you, however, if I have forgotten, that I handed over the Papers to Fr. Pietro, so that he might get someone to copy them. I will hand over a copy to you in case either the person who is doing me a favour or Casati would like to see it. Send the original back to me. I am trying to get information from the person you know. I recommend the matter again to his goodness and to your friendship. I notify to you that today, 20 December, I have received 100 Milanese Liras, to be given, if I am not mistaken, to Mrs. Valenti. Kindly inform Marquis Casati about it. Together with the money I received a letter from Lady Marianna, who tells me what I should do with them.

I hope that your works will flourish ever more. Know, my dear, that sometimes the thought comes back and I ponder over them. May the Lord bless them. However, a thought came to my mind regarding the Convent at Porta Tosa which is so beautiful. If you remember, lady Teresina told us that she does not follow the girls at recreation, because, I think she said, the girls would feel more controlled. The teacher is present instead, and since she is so good, the girls make her do what they want. I confess that seeing that there is only one teacher with the girls of this kind and with such a number of them, it would be very little supervision, even if the teacher is very attentive. What will happen if even this is lacking, and at a time when they are free, which is the most dangerous. Know that I regret very much for not having said this to the Canoness and to Marquis Arconati, since I only praised the Institute, which is very beautiful and whose Superior I like very much. For my peace, please tell this to her, as something I have been reflecting on, but had no courage to tell. I do not know why. It is not because my opinion should be taken into account. I do it only out of duty, for not having disapproved but praised something which, before the Lord, I think, is not in order.

At the first chance I will send you and our friends the books they wish for. Meanwhile, I recommend myself to the prayers of all of you. My compliments to all, as well as to your husband, your sister-in-law and your aunt. Good-bye, my dear, I thank you again for everything. Accept the greetings of my country teachers. Embracing you with great affection, I am heartily

I received your dear letter on the 3^rd instant, my dearest friend. It tells me of the many troubles you all undertook to favour me. I do not have any information yet from Marquis Casati. Since my brother is coming back tomorrow, I hope to hear how things are, and if there is any step I have to take. Meanwhile, I beg you to convey to Marquis Casati as well as to that person who wants to be anonymous, my deepest thanks. You, my dear, accept my most cordial ones. I cannot do anything else to repay my obligation to you except with the many prayers of my girls.

It is superfluous for me to beg you to help me in completing this matter, since I know how good you are.

I must trouble you once more. Though it concerns the fashion, it aims, however, to draw a newly-wed bride to agree with our project about neatness and modesty, so as to get others to follow the same aim. Kindly provide me, therefore, a beautiful dress without a train, with the fringe at the bottom, broad at the waist, long sleeves, and enough cloth to get some special fashion at the neck, without dressing the person like a statue. If there is none in Milan like this, kindly get one without the Florence fringes and similar to the pattern I am enclosing, if it is for the summer season. In case it is only for winter, the cloth should be adapted to the season, since the marriage will take place during the hot season. Provide 18 arms, I say eighteen arms of it, and see to the expenses yourself. If there are fringes, about eight zecchini would do, and if it is another type of cloth, according to its value, but if it is possible round about that price. As for the colour, white should be better, and as for other colours, not pink, neither light, nor deep pink. The cloth should stand out because there is no other cloth in addition to it. Beside this, I am begging you to get a big shawl from Madras , elegant. Of any colour you like, as long as it is neither light or deep pink, or yellow or Napoleon colour.

I do not remember, but I think that you did not mention receiving the laces I spoke to you about. If they have not been given to you, I beg you to ask a certain Mr. Carlo Barbiellini for them. He lives in Bigli road no. 1272. Inform me when you have them. Please, forgive the many things I trouble you with. Pray for me so that I may take advantage of this time. You know how much I have to account to God for it. Goodbye, my dearest friend, I embrace you wholeheartedly. My compliments to your family, to dear Viscontina and to your friends. Please pray for me and get others to pray for me.

I reply at once, dear friend, not to lose this chance, so that you may hand over what I begged you to provide for me. You may spend four or five zecchini for the shawl, which should be beautiful. Then hand over everything to Mr. Verdari, since there is a chance, if it is not yet over. Otherwise you may help me when you have a chance yourself.

I wrote to the Canoness to send me some remedies so as to prevent some of the diseases mentioned by Viscontina. Kindly try to ask if she has any and send it to me, at the same time, but separately from the gown and the shawl mentioned above; I mean in another parcel.

I must beg you to run an errand for me, as well, as I still have to make some gifts in the name of the convent. I would like you to buy for me also a big shawl from Madras, costing not more than 3 zecchini. My hurry in writing does not allow me time except to embrace you, assuring you that we have been praying for the matter that concerns you so much, and we will continue doing so in earnest. Tell Meda whom I embrace, that I tried to ask at home if they have a chance, but for the moment they have no chance and here, enclosed as I am, it is not easy for me to have a chance. I wholeheartedly thank you

I received the dress with the two big shawls, my dearest friend, and I thank you very much for everything. I am trying to find a chance to pay back the money I owe you, and I am very much obliged to you. I am writing in a great hurry, my dear and I cannot tell you everything I would like to. I have been informed that you have asked Fr. Pietro Leonardi to come to Milan to conduct the Spiritual Exercises for domestics. Through me, he wishes to inform you that he accepts your offer and that Monsignor Pacetti, of whom I have spoken to you, is also willing to come with him. If this is alright with you, please let me know at once. Even if not, please write and let me know, as soon as possible, because neither of them will accept any new assignment of preaching from others, until you have given me a reply. I embrace you wholeheartedly, I thank you, and I am

PS. If you do not need them for the domestics’ retreat, they could come for other Spiritual Exercises, at least the Canon, but a precise reply is needed.

I beg you to write to me about the price of the various items you have kindly sent to me on different occasions.

The Abbot Gilio has written to Fr. Pietro, who together with Msgr. Pacetti, will leave for Milan this week. I have been told to tell you, on their behalf, that, because of their other various commitments, if it pleases the Abbot Gilio, they would start the Spiritual Exercises for the hairdressers on the fifth of the month, rather than the sixth. However only if this can be arranged. They would not have any difficulty if it can be arranged to give the Exercises to the servants at the same time, the servants in the morning and the hairdressers in the evening. Do not be upset dear Carolina, if I tell you that they have other commitments. The Canon assures me that he will take care of them after the Exercises, and that he will come back to Milan anytime that you wish, if there is work to be done. With them I will send you the samples of the works of dear Meda , all the books which have been commissioned to me and the money I owe you.

Dear Carolina, pray for me, many greetings from me to all our friends. I also recommend myself to their prayers. Wholeheartedly I truly embrace you, and I am

Accept the greetings of my friend here, and of all the others. When you kindly write to me, tell me how Luisa d’Agèné, the Prioress of the Stella is. I know she was almost dying.

To be faster, I write to you through another person, my dear friend. You will get news about me from the one who will hand over this letter to you. I have spoken to the Canon about your hospital as you have told me to. However I did not go into details, which I leave to you. For the rest I do not add anything. Speak directly to him, since I am in his hands, as you know. I send you the books at this time, if not all of them, at least a part, which you and Viscontina have asked me. You will also find the acts of Faith. I do not remember whether Meda has ordered them. Tell her, whom I embrace wholeheartedly, that she will see also the samples of the English pattern, of both wools. See if she likes them and let me know, so that I may get the work done and then send them to her.

I wish to know if you have received from Mr. Carlo Barbiellini³ the Venetian laces I asked you about. This matter is important for me. Rather, I beg you to see if it is better to get some of those articles washed, so as to get more money for them. Well, do as you think best. I am sure you will take great care to sell as much as possible. The price was written on top, but since it was lowered a bit, tell me if the above mentioned Barbiellini has informed you about everything. Otherwise write to me and I will send you the prices.

I did not write neither to you, nor to Marquis Casati regarding the affair of my house, because up to now I have had no answer from here. I am resolved to try other ways, rather than to get it as a gift. Meanwhile, I include a signed sheet. In four or five days’ time, when I will have the definite answer, I will give you this trouble as well. If I can include also the money in the parcel, I will do it. Otherwise you will receive it through my brother. My friend greets you and I embrace you with my whole heart and beg you to greet all our friends for me. I assure you of all the prayers you wish. I am, with deepest affection

My Dear Carolina, I beg you to hand over the included letter to the addressee, as I do not know his address. My compliments to both Religious. I embrace you wholeheartedly, and in a great hurry.

I have received your very dear letter, but I beg you to write in another one, the prices of those articles you kindly bought for me. Since I could not hand over the money to the Canon because the parcel was too big, you will receive it through my brother. "I am happy that our two Religious have begun their work. May the Lord bless it with abundant fruit. Please convey my congratulations to Msgr. Pacetti and tell him on my behalf, to write to my brother, if he has some spare time, because my family wishes to have news about him. Dear Carolina, you already see that I do it for the greater good. Tell him also to remember Fusconi of whom he had been reminded already.

With regard to me and your hospital, I put the matter in the Lord's hands. I am ready to do whatever He will dispose, but I think it is a matter that needs much prayer. I, too, will get others to pray, but you pray as well and get others to pray. When the Canon returns, I will hear what has been planned. My friend, who conveys to you her greetings, asks you to convey them also to the Canon on her behalf. I thank you for your care about the Venetian laces. Do the best you can and sell them separately, if you think this will fetch more. And as Mr. Barbiellini told you, lower the prices by 15 per cent of the first price. In the parcel of the books that you say you have given to Viscontina, there was also the small book of Bellarmino’s Catechism, and the novena of Jesus the Nazarene for you. Excuse me if the latter is not new, since I did not find any in Verona. On another chance I will send our friend, the books of Thesaurus. I am afraid that the Prioress of Stella is already dead, since you do not give me any news about her. I embrace you wholeheartedly, and with my deep affection, I declare I am all yours

I have received your last letter dated 22 April. Today I cannot reply to it. You do not say anything about whether Casati has paid my debt, that is, one part of it, and Count Castiglione the other, as I agreed in this way with the former and with my brother. When you can, please inform me about it. I am begging you to send the enclosed letter to Lyon by post. I have taken the liberty to ask them to address the answer to you. It will contain a cheque. I beg you to get it since it is supposed to be paid to you. Keep the money because, you see that we always have accounts to settle, and it is not always easy for me to pay it back. Let me remind you that in the answer for you, there will be no separate envelope. Open the letter all the same, even though it is addressed to Lady Sofia Gagniere .

P.S. The letter you will receive will be addressed not to Mrs. Sofia, but to Mr. Giovanni Battista Verdari. Anyway, open it and keep the money.

A person, who is dear to Durini, evidently Fr. Pietro Leonardi, is ill. He asks Magdalene to thank her Milanese friend for all the care she has shown for him. The Countess should convey to the Canoness, information about a lady, who will be very good for directing the work of the Converts in Milan.

I am very pleased that at last you are reimbursed. For goodness’ sake, excuse this delay which has happened because of the affairs which made my brother forget about it. The person you are asking about is in Verona . I have seen him once after his return, but he is in bed with fever. At first it looked serious. But now his illness is turning for the better, and this morning I had even better news.

Yesterday, he sent another of his friends to me, to ask me to convey his thanks to you and the gratitude he feels for all you have done for him. At the same time, he begs you to join the highly esteemed Canon Tosi regarding the affair you know about.

Then, my dear, I am begging you to spare me the time to write to the Canoness. Inform her that somebody whom I greatly esteem, has suggested a lady who could be suitable as superior or head of the Converts. She is in Venice, where for 20 years she has been in charge as Vice –Superior of the Home of the Converts of Venice. It will not be difficult for you to guess who suggested her to me. But what is necessary is that we need a prompt and decisive answer, since she is already requested for in another place. My dearest friend, accept the compliments of my friend in Verona. Pray the Lord for me and believe in my great affection for you. Many greetings to Viscontina, Meda, the Canoness and to all the others.

Magdalene points out to Durini the surest means to send to her the remainder of the remainder of the money of the cheque from Lyon. This sum should also be sent to her by Marquis Casati, who is the intermediary between the grand-mother Valenti and her grand-daughters.

You make me laugh by mentioning that you have been stealing. When doing your accounts, you and Viscontina always find that you have debts, instead of credits. Kindly, hand over to Mr. Marzorati¹ the money of the cheque from Lyon² . If I am not mistaken, you have handed to him also the dress you have bought for me. Give him also the money, in the name of Mr. Giovanni Battista Verdari³ of Verona. If Marquis Casati agrees, he may hand over to Marzorati, even that money you say he has to send to me. I presume it is for the Valenti⁴. Send this too in the name of the same Verdari. Convey to him as well as to our Viscontina and to all our friends my distinguished greetings. I embrace you with all my affection, and convey to you also those of my friend in Verona. I assure you of my poor prayers and declare myself

PS. I am waiting for the answer regarding the vice-superior of Venice. Fr. Pietro is better.

I thank you for the money I have received according to your account, my dearest Carolina. This time I have to trouble you to complete the affair of the house¹ we dealt with, when I was in Milan. But, before anything else, tell me, please, how is our dear Meda²? The Canoness wrote to me that she is seriously ill.

You Milanese, hurry so much to sanctify yourselves, so much so that when you get sick, you make me tremble. Let us return to business. I am inserting a petition for His Excellency, the Minister Pensa³, as they told me to do here. Note that I have no debts here, regarding the interest of the capital, having paid up everything before sending you the annexed petition. Moreover, note that a person known to that minister told me that he is favourable to this kind of work of charity and the same person does not doubt that he will sign it. Besides, note that, being again constantly pressed by our State Property Office for the franchising of the capital, I asked for a delay, so as to refer the matter to Milan. I was granted it, but, then, it was done only orally. I was also told to ask for the same thing in writing, as I did, inserting also the request that it be dealt with in Milan, and adding for our Director, the copy of the petition, which I am including here. The other day, I had to write to Marquis Casati for the Valenti⁴ girls . I mentioned to him this petition I am sending to you and I begged him to involve himself in it, with his usual goodness.

I think that, when I have concluded this, I will have completed my business with the Royal State Property Office⁵. Cordially greet all our friends for me. Recommend me to the Lord, as I am more in need than usual. Full of gratitude and affection, I embrace you with my whole heart.

P.S. If by chance the petition is not accepted for lack of some legal terms⁶, besides the other troubles I am giving you, kindly get it copied again, as you already have papers signed by me.

The other day I wrote to Meda that I would send back to her the miniatures, that she kindly showed me how to finish. I have this chance, so, my dear, I address them to you so that you can hand them over to her. The person who will give them to you is Mr. Annesio Fusconi, a person of great virtue, who is coming to Milan for business. I recommend him to you in case he is in need of your assistance. I embrace you heartily and I declare myself all yours. My friend conveys to you her compliments.

I am sending you the letter for Carlotti . Read it and please add the address, which I do not know. I received a letter from the State Property Office here. It tells me that by order of the Minister of Finance, I should pay in one year, all the amount for the house, in three installments: the first by the end of next December, the second in April of next year and lastly the third one in September of the same year. Therefore, since I cannot afford to pay any of these, when the Viceroy comes this way, (they say it is probable because of the armistice), I am thinking of presenting the petition to him myself, so as to get a further extension, that I can fulfil. I do not say anything about this to Carlotti, thinking it is better not to. However, in case, dear Carolina, you think otherwise, burn the letter I have sent for him and on your advice I will write another one.

I owe you many thanks for what you have done for Mr. Annesio Fusconi whom I recommended to you. He wrote to me begging me to thank you also on his behalf. As for me I did not wonder as I know your friendship for me, and I was sure that you would involve yourself for a person I recommend to you. Goodbye, my dear friend. Greet Meda, the Canoness Melzi and Viscontina for me, and believe me from my heart.

I received such a fine letter from Senator Carlotti , rebuking me very gently for not having told him the answer of the Minister. Because the Viceroy’s coming to this side did not come about, and it does not seem to be close at hand, I though of writing him the letter I have inserted, begging you, as usual, to add the address, as I do not know the titles of Carlotti. I confess that I cannot pay one thousand ducats within 5 months. At the first chance I will send you a knitted jacket. Kindly convey my greetings to Marquis Casati and tell him that I received the 1100 Milanese liras for Valenti, that I will send the receipt at the first occasion, and I will try to write to him at another time. Greet our friends for me and believe me heartily.

I beg you to hand the enclosed letter to Casati. Convey to him my greetings and kindly ask him to hand it over to the lady Valenti. When you see Meda embrace her for me and tell her not to think that I forgot her errand, but that, as much as I tried to search, until now I did not find that wood-cutter she is looking for. However, I will continue searching and I will write to her what I can find. Tell her also, that about the flowers I myself did not write to her that it was possible to help her, because Mr. Pinali told me that he would inform her about them himself. With that chance I will send her the finished jackets. I embrace you wholeheartedly. Accept the greetings of my friend and believe me heartily

I enclose a letter to be handed over to the Canoness. I have been asked by the one who wrote it to recommend her to the same. Convey my greetings to her too, and tell her that I heard very good news about her. I also beg you to tell Casati that I know that Mr. Antonio Valenti has written to his mother and I think that he sent her a receipt, in which there is the summary of all the amount that I have and that I will send to him at the first chance.

Convey my regards also to him. My dear friend, soon it will be a year since I had the pleasure of seeing you.

Good-bye, dear friend. A thousand greetings to everybody. Accept the regards of my friend here, and believe me heartily

I want to know whether you have returned from the countryside, my dear Carolina, not knowing whether you are living or dead in Milan. I have sent the jackets to Meda. I have written to the Canoness and to Casati. I do not know if the former has received the things I sent her and what has happened to all the rest. I depend on your usual goodness to receive some news. Through this letter I inform you that Marquis Casati wrote to me two months ago that he has some money to be sent to you for the Valenti daughters and for their father. When he sends it, if you do not have a chance soon, see whether you can send it through Marzorati, if he can send it immediately. Otherwise send it by post. With you, my dear Carolina, I can speak freely. I do not dare do so with others. As you know, when one is at the head of a work of charity, however small it may be, as you may have noted, there are moments when it is not possible to save even a small sum of money. On the other hand, the persons who have to receive it are in such dire need, that you really have to give them something. So I appeal to your friendship and tact. Without disclosing what I have just told you, because I am poor and proud, see if Casati can get the money and then send it to me urgently. Accept the greetings of my friend. Convey mine to all our friends in Milan, particularly to Visconti. Remember me to the Lord. Love me and believe that I am all yours

P.S. Ask Casati if he knows anything about the clauses for the restrictions of the Monasteries . I had written to him about this some time back.

I hope you have arrived safely in Milan and that you continue to be in good health. In order to spare myself having to write two letters, for lack of time, I ask you to do me a favour regarding what I want to write. Please tell the Canoness that Ferranti is very happy about the trunk. She will receive a letter from her. On my part too, tell her that I embrace her. Thank her very much for the wool she has sent to me and for the books on the life of your dear sister. I read it with great spiritual advantage. Please tell her also that she had written to me that she would send me two copies, one for me and one for Fr. Pietro. But I found four copies. Ask her if these are all for us, or whether we can pass them around so as to do good to many more people. Then tell Marquis Casati, giving him my compliments, that I have promptly received the money of the Valenti family. Tell him to tell Lady Marianna that I will not fail to do all that is possible for their advantage. Tell him also that when he finds a suitable moment, that he would do a great charity to procure, as they say, an assurance for the dowry of these girls.

What you said you heard from the Canon regarding my going to Venice, if nothing else happens, is to be evaluated, since they wrote that they want me there by the end of this month. How nice it would have been if this had happened last month. Then I could have joined you and enjoyed your company. Do not say a word about this to anyone, since my family knows nothing about it yet. Wait for a few more days before talking about it. If you come to know that some lady from Milan has an occasion of going to Venice at this time, send her to me with the excuse of giving her a letter or something else for me. Then, if I have to leave, I could join her, without inconveniencing her, but only for the sake of company, although as you know, I will be taking a companion. I would also be grateful for a letter of recommendation for your sister. This is only because, when one goes to a strange place, it is good to have a few acquaintances there. In this case, it is to come to know the sister of my dear Carolina, to whom I am so attached and to whom I owe so much.

I received your dear letter, when I had already written the greater part of this one. You will be served with the greatest attention. I will also enclose the funeral prayers for the archpriest Balestra.

I have one of the books that you asked me to get you. I assure you they will give me the other book before the octave of Easter. I will try my best to get it. Regarding your brother-in-law’s sister passing by, I would not mind if she proceeds to Venice because of the mail, or if she has no place in her carriage. So as not to stop in any inn, I would wish to go directly in my carriage and with the mail, to Venice. So, if she will sleep in Verona for just one night, we could agree on how to meet. But in this uncertainty, if the lady, as I told you, stays for a night, you could give her a letter for me, but wait to tell her anything more until I write to you.

You make so many beautiful assumptions, my dear, on my supposed courage and generosity. I assure you, with the confidence of a friend, that when it comes to words, I have plenty. But as to facts, I have neither one nor the other. If I were to tell you that Canon Pacetti has asked me not to go to Venice, it will be because of the lack of what you think I have. If I tell you that I am going, you would imagine that I have what you believe me to have, and that Monsignor has gone ahead with the matter. Since I am only at the beginning, I feel very uncertain, and may have to draw back. Please, pray for me to the Lord that He may grant me what I need and He may forgive me for the resistance I showed when I should have served Him. My friend conveys to you her regards. Goodbye, my dear, love me and believe me to be,

Through Mr. Marzorati¹ I am going to send you the two funeral Prayers of archpriest Balestra². I could not send you the other two books you asked for; one, because I have not got it yet, and the other because it is too bulky. I have not taken advantage of the occasion of Marchioness Saporiti’s³ visit, that you so kindly had procured for me, because of the delay of my journey, which will probably not be before the middle of May. Entrust me much to the Lord during this time of great need. Here I am again to beg you, and also Marquis Casati, to inform me as soon as possible, if the news about the restrictions and suppressions of Monasteries⁴ is true. My Terese commend themselves to you and to Casati. Quickly, I embrace you with all my heart and convey to you my friend’s regards.

I am writing at the time of my departure, overwhelmed by affairs as you can imagine. I will be in Venice on Friday evening, God willing. Saturday, being the day that some good work¹ will be started, please pray for me and get others to pray to the Lord so that everything will turn out well.

I will write to you when I arrive. My friend², who is taking my place, is going to send you the books at the first chance, and I beg you, my dear, if you have any news about the convents, please write directly to my friend, if you permit it, as you have always done, in so many cases, when, out of friendship, you have always helped.

My dear friend, I beg you again to let me know if Viscontina, whom I greet now, has received the letter I sent her, asking for information about the matter of Lyons³. I wrote a letter to her, I think more than two months ago. As I have not received any answer, I am afraid she did not receive it, and the matter of Lyons is important to me. Please, let my friend here know about this matter and whether you have received any letter from that city. I beg your pardon, dear Carolina, because I trouble you so much. Your friendship and the trust I have in you, makes me daring.

Goodbye, I embrace you. Believe in me wholeheartedly. Please give my greetings to Meda⁴. Ask her if it would be possible to do something for the flowers there, because now we can do what it was not possible to do last year.

PS. Please send the letters to Leopoldina. Address them to "Mr.Giovanni Battista Verdari⁵,Verona". Near the seal add these words, "To be delivered intact."

I thank you and Marquis Casati for the letters both of you wrote to me, and which I received the other day. I will perhaps take advantage of the charity of Marquis Casati in favour of this Conservatory of the poor Capuchins¹. Meanwhile, my dear Carolina, I have to trouble you again. Please send me, as soon as possible, a copy of the Catechism² that you use to instruct the sick in the hospital³. If it is possible, give me a brief description about your work there, as there are some good ladies here who would like to imitate what is being done in Milan, since they know that the Sovereign is in favour of it. But here, it is to be carried out as a private enterprise. My dear Carolina, I think you will be very happy about the fact that both of us can cooperate in this good work, at least with these papers.

I am very well. I am staying with a certain Lady Priuli⁴ whom I think you might know. I come whenever I can to this Boarding House of the Holy Spirit⁵ Parish, where the school started five days ago. When this is stabilized a little better, I will return home, if God permits. I could only go once to visit your sister⁶, who, as you can imagine, welcomed me with such goodness. The considerable distance between our houses and my activities, makes it impossible for me to have the pleasure to see her more often. Sometimes, I felt as if I was with you because, although she does not physically look like you, at times her speech reminds me of you. I am going to see her again as soon as possible.

Do me the charity to pray much to the Lord that I may do well the little I have to do. My best regards to our friends, whom I beg to pray for me. My greetings to Marquis Casati. I embrace you with all my heart. Very truly yours, my beloved Carolina

I am finally back in Verona after a journey, my dear Carolina, and am in very good health. I am pleased to send you very good news of the health of your sister¹, whom I had the pleasure to see before my departure. She troubled herself to come and visit me many times, but she could never find me. I thank you sincerely for the book for the hospital, and for the rules regarding it. Those Venetian ladies wishing to be involved, had a booklet on the matter since a few years ago. Yet the way of supporting the work frightens them. They have decided to set up first a fund and then start visiting the sick in the hospital. They want to follow your way of doing that.

Therefore, they have organized a way to form it. I can see very well that it will take a long time but past experiences suggest that this is the best way. To train themselves, they will begin first by visiting the small hospital for elderly ladies. Then, when the funds are settled, they will go to the bigger hospital. I could give you some more details, but I will defer them for next time, because now I am very busy. However, do not think that I have finished troubling you about this business. It seems that truly the Lord wishes to have the same charity done for the poor and sick of Venice, as is being done in Milan. All the more so, since it can be done with a government that encourages it. You have given me the rules for the ladies. Now I beg you to send me those for the men. Please, without hurrying, tell me also how the two Unions are connected, and how they help each other.

Please give my regards to our dear Marquis Casati to whom I do not write now, so as not to multiply letters. Please thank him for me because of his charity for the Capuchin Sisters² who have obtained a favourable Decree from Milan. Now they are expecting confirmation from Paris. Then, please tell him to have the kindness to give the money of Valenti³ to Count Alfonso Castiglioni⁴

I embrace you with all my heart. I send you regards from my friend who is very grateful to you because you have willingly accepted the troubles she gives you, and I also thank you for this. I beg to remind you about the matter of Lyons, though it seems superfluous. I send my best regards to your family. Again I declare with all my heart, that I am

Just a few lines to tell you that I have received the money sent to me by Marquis Casati.

I am going to write to you a longer letter on the occasion of Lady Teresa Frasconi¹’s visit.

When you see the Canoness, please give her my regards and also tell her that I have received the money she sent by way of Canon Tosi².

I am taking advantage of the occasion of Lady Teresa Frasconi¹’s visit, to confirm good news from my side, and to tell you, at the same time, how much I was struck by the piety of this lady. A certain Fr. Michael², who was a very good Augustinian Religious, is coming to Milan with her. He wishes to know about the holy works carried on there. If, without troubling yourself, you could let him see some of them, I think, you will do a double good, by consoling such a good soul and stimulating him to make others do the same. Coming to Milan, he would also ask you to enlighten him on how to obtain a permission, he will tell you about. He already depends on Lady Teresa, but if you know any other suitable way, please do suggest it to him.

Please, do forgive my new secretary. I cannot get the one I used to have. Give my best regards to our friends as well as to your family. Fr. Pietro is back from Venice, where he has done some astonishing good work. Good-bye, dear friend. I embrace you with my heart and beg you to pray for me. Goodbye

For the matter of Lyons, it is necessary to get the signature of the French Minister. Therefore, Magdalene begs Durini to ensure that the paper is signed by him. She also suggests to her to settle a prisoner who needs much hep. She asks her to buy a gift.

With great pleasure I have received from Marquis Casati news of you, my dear friend. Regarding the debts that you say you have with me, I think it is a question of your usual scruples, because if we had to make an account,

I think I would be in debt to you, rather than you with me. With regard to that piece of jewellery I asked you to procure for me so that I may offer it as a gift to a certain Lady, I think you are right about the fact that everything can stir up vanity, because it is possible to misuse everything. But whenever it is a question of honest things, and according to one’s status, there is nothing to be said. Therefore, I beg you to do me the favour and procure it for me. As I already told you, the gift should be something of good taste and not too costly. It can be a shawl, fashionable nowadays, or something to wear on the head, as you think best.

I am sorry to keep disturbing you always. It is because of your great goodness towards me.

My friend¹ conveys to you her best regards. Please, do the same for me with the good friends of Milan. Good-bye my dear, pray for me to the Lord and trust my sincere friendship.

As you can see, dear Carolina, I have more energy. I am starting to write by myself again. It means that my health is good. Now, I am going to tell you what you wanted to know about Sr. Vincenza¹. At the time of my stay in the place where she lives, I went to see her three times. Seeing all the material, it seems we cannot judge differently from what everybody else has judged. With regard to the person, I did not treat her confidentially.

All the more so because she tried to hide everything so much, that even had I the wish, that I really did not have, as I am just the perfect opposite of what she is, I would not have been able to do so. Moreover, to tell you sincerely, certain sentiments accidentally expressed by her during her speech, made me have a great veneration for her.

Just after I had written these few lines, I received a letter from Marquis Casati, who notified me, to my regret, how sad you are, my dear friend, because of your bereavement. It is your pain that makes me sad, since the virtues perfectly practiced by your excellent aunt² makes me see her death as the beginning of true peace.

I am reminded, my dear Carolina, of a saying by St. Paul: "I have finished the course. I have served you faithfully." It seems to me it is apt for all she did, and I think she now owns the crown God had prepared for so faithful a bride. Anyway, I will not omit to have Masses celebrated for her, although her soul will perhaps not need them. As for you then, you know my dear, it seems to me that God detaches you slowly from everything, because He wants you to be all for Himself alone. I assure you that although I am sorry to see you afflicted, I am consoled to see how much He loves you. Please, pick up courage and take care of yourself, as much as possible.

I regret to bother you with some small things, even now when you are absorbed in serious thoughts. I beg your pardon for this, but I cannot do otherwise. I would like you to tell me, if you remember, the cost of the wool you sent me last year. My dear friend, I write a little everyday to get used to it, little by little. Today I have received your esteemed letter and I thank you for it. Tomorrow, you will see the letter I have interrupted and I myself will hand it over to Fr. Cristofoli ⁴ and tell him what you conveyed to me.

Accept the best regards from my friend⁵ here and convey mine to our Visconti. Be sure of our feeble prayers. Please, pray for me too. A thousand greetings to Meda, to the Canoness and to all the others. Love me and believe me to be from my heart,

Forgive me if I delayed so much in writing to you, after having received what you sent me so promptly, dear Carolina. The many things I have to do sometimes prevent me from carrying out my duty. Therefore, I thank you now, and I assure you that I liked everything. Everything was according to my taste. I beg you to trouble yourself to write to me how much was the cost of the wool you sent me last year, the cost per ounce, because perhaps I will ask you to provide me with some, again. Furthermore, please tell me something about the result of the Letter of Attorney for Lyons, as it concerns me greatly.

Convey my compliments to Marquis Casati, and tell him that with regard to the letter we agreed upon, I could not do anything yet, as I had no opportunity at all. Cordially greet my good friends for me, and accept the greetings that my friend here conveys to you. Recommend me to the Lord, and believe my sincerity as I heartily, and in full friendship, sign myself

P.S. I always forget to tell you that Fr. Luigi Medici thanks you a lot for the pictures you sent him, and although the person who brought them, lost them on the way. In spite of this, he expresses to you the same gratitude and thankfulness.

As I know how much you welcome the news of the good carried out in the hospitals, I am sending you the consoling report that the noble Ladies in Venice are ever more interested in the work they have begun in the hospital. Already nine of them are visiting the hospital. They are planning to go soon to the big hospital, which is the prime objective of their charity. Therefore, they would like to have a dozen books, like those you kindly sent me when I was in Venice. (I think I did not even thank you for this. I do so now). Therefore, I beg you for the favour of sending them to me as soon as possible. When Marquis Casati draws the money from the Valenti¹ family, get from him the amount I owe you. Please do not forget to convey my greetings to him. Greet cordially our good friends for me. I recommend myself much to their prayers and to yours as well. Our friend² here greets you. Meanwhile, with all my affection and sincere friendship, I am proud of being, dearest friend,

I need a piece of information, my dearest Carolina, but I beg you not to tell anyone about it. I would like you to tell me if, in the setting up of your Christian Doctrine in Milan, there were funds which could be used for the dowry of the girls who frequent the Christian Doctrine, and for little prizes which are given to the same, when they answer questions correctly; if these funds were existing before, if they exist, partly or totally, even now that they belong to the pious work of Christian Doctrine, or if truly they are administered by the Congregation of Charity. Besides disturbing you, I am also soliciting your reply. I hope that your health is good, my dear Carolina. Lots of greetings to our friends. Accept the compliments of Leopoldina¹. I wish that the Lord, in the new year, may complete His work, so that you may be wholly His. I recommend myself to your prayers, I embrace you and declare myself

Clarifications because of Durini’s wrong interpretation regarding the delay of a letter.

My beloved Carolina,

You have to forgive me, my dear Carlina. It was not Abbot Bucchetti’s fault. He took the trouble to come to me as soon as he arrived, and delivered to me the money and the book you have sent me, of which I thank you without end. It is my fault. The shortage of time, so as not to miss the ordinary post tomorrow, forces me to embrace you. I again beg you to convey the usual compliments.

Your Magdalene

Canossa

ST. Joseph - 1.(1).(1)811

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Magdalene, because of too many occupations, is compelled to use a secretary again. But she is well. Now, she only asks for a book that will be helpful to instruct the patients on how to receive the Sacraments.

My beloved Carolina

Do not be afraid if again, I get the help of another person to write to you, my dear Carolina. I am very well, but a lot of business prevents me from doing it myself. I share the favours I need between you and Viscontina. What I am asking for now is about the hospital. I would like you to send me, as soon as possible, the title-page of the book you use for instructing the sick over there. Please send a copy to me in Venice. I beg you to convey my usual compliments. I embrace you with all my heart. In a hurry, I declare before God,

Dear Carolina, to be

St. Joseph, Verona. 11 January 1811

Your Magdalene

Canossa

Do you think, my dear Carolina, that I will not come to trouble you even in Venice? Certainly I do. I hope that you had a very good trip. I assure you that, on Friday, when you left here, I often thought of you because I was afraid that the strong wind which was blowing on that day would be such and even stronger on Saturday, in the lagoon. Here it was less, and I guess it was so even on the water. I also hope that you have found your sister¹ in good health and happy about your sudden visit. Kindly convey my regards to the same, as well as to her husband² and yours³. I must trouble you, taking advantage of your usual goodness. Fr. Lorenzo Piazza⁴ will hand you the Baptism Certificate of one of my girls. Please, see to the possible expenses. I will reimburse you when you come. When you go to Mrs Teresa Guizzetti, ask her to show you that crystal vase. We will also talk about it too, on your return. Finally, I must ask you if you want to take along those laces I sent to you in Milan, years ago. They will be given to you by dear Mr. Domenico Guizzetti. Bring them back to me when you return.

Accept the compliments of Leopoldina. Love me, recommend me to the Lord, and believe me, in a hurry, with my whole affection to be

With great pleasure I received your letters, which are always a sincere witness of the goodness and affection you bear for me, and which I really reciprocate.

I warmly thank you for your concern in selling the laces, for which, as you know, I care much. I noticed the estimate made. Therefore, I reply that a lot of time has passed by since I had them. I do not remember their exact length. Therefore, I beg you to see if, considering the currently estimated price, we could have about 250 "zecchini", which is half the sum they estimated earlier. As we cannot get more, you could leave them at the said price. Then, if you see that you cannot sell them even at that price, now or at other times, do what you judge best. The important thing is (and there is no need to recommend it to you as I know your commitment) that you seek for the least loss possible.

My brother returned safe and sound. Since he had just an hour and a half, between the time he obtained the license and his departure, he had no time to come to receive your commands. He begs me to convey to you his regards. My friend here does the same.

The people you are looking for are still in solitude. You made me laugh a lot, my dear Carolina, when you told me of the spirit and courage of Saint Catherine¹. I have no need to warn the big people. I need to correct the small ones, that is myself. I am this little one, and a special grace of the Holy Spirit is needed. You can get it for me by your fervent prayers. Goodbye, my dear. Greet our friends for me, and believe my sincerity, as I say that I am,

I have received the pictures, and I thank you and Viscontina so much for remembering me. Cordially greet her for me. I include a letter of Fr. Pietro¹, who has entrusted me to send you a small Treatise on the Love of God². If you are happy about it, I shall keep it here, until I have read it. Now it is enough for you to know (if you can trust me) that it is very beautiful. As for the laces, dispose of them as you think best. I totally trust you. Manage everything without fear, because I am convinced that, because of your commitment, what you do will be the best.

I am sorry to hear about your husband’s illness. I beg you to convey my regards to him. My friend³, with all cordiality, sends you her regards. Convey my kindest wishes also to our good friends. Recommend me to the Lord, and believe the sincerity by which, filled with friendship, I declare myself

The business of Lyon is settled, but not yet that of the laces. Thanks for the former, and a renewed request for the latter.

I have received your dear letter, or better, the letter of Lyons. I deeply thank you for it. It is a long time we do not write to each other, my dear Carolina. I hope that you, your family and all our friends are in good health. I beg you to greet them for me. I fear that I expressed myself badly last time about the laces¹. Therefore, I beg you to sell them at whatever price you can get. Accept the compliments and thanks of Leopoldina². Recommend me to the Lord. I embrace you heartily. I am

The Valenti’s grandmother continues to help her grand daughters through Marquis Casati. Magdalene is grateful to her two Milanese intermediaries. The laces are again mentioned. As long as they are sold, Durini should do what she can.

I take advantage of this occasion of my brother’s journey, to send you the papers of the Treatise¹ of Fr. Pietro². Excuse me for not having sent them earlier, because I had no chance at all to do so. Kindly tell good Marquis Casati that I have received the money of the Valenti³, and that the Lord will reward him for the great amount of good he has done for them. I take comfort, dear friend, that you are in good health and that you remember your Magdalene. Regarding the laces, I imagined your scruples. But I think that you should have more scruples in hesitating to sell them. They will soon be out of fashion, and then we will not know what to do with them anymore. Therefore, my dear, do not bother, and freely sell them. Accept the compliments of my companions, and give my regards to our friends, and believe me with my whole affection, to be