Magdalene’s Christmas wishes alternate with her worry for her brother Bonifacio, whose marriage is not in view yet, the scarce news from the participants in the Congress of Lyon, the agonizing baby constantly suffering and her satisfaction for the physical recovery of Carlino’s maid.

My beloved Carolina

17 December 1801

My Carlino, who is dictating me this letter, tells me that I should write to you, that he sends you his love, and that you should come to visit him. Now if she can, better, since she can, your Magdalene will write to you. I am very well, but because of the mail delay I have not received any letter yet in this ordinary; instead, I have received a letter of yours, my very dear friend, last Monday, and I will tell you about it. Momolo did not get any dispensation, but he has taken a vacation on his own. Many others have done so in the case of marriage; may God shower his blessings on him.

I was surprised at the idea you tell me about the Damina Anguissola, who, seems to me, is the eldest daughter, because here according to rumours she would marry a Veronese, but not my brother. I think, however, that this saying has no foundation. I cannot dissimulate to you what I feel because you are a Milanese, and because either personally, or by fame, I know so many good persons, that I would like that for some combination before coming to a decision, he should come to Milan. Enough, may God bless him, and grant him a Christian companion.

Here they say a lot of things regarding the Lyon travellers. Someone supposes they will proceed for Paris, others say quite differently. The fact is that, in reality, after they left Turin nobody knows anything. I believe that your zealous Archbishop wants to reach his sanctification. His departure makes some sense here. My dear Carolina, remember much your Magdalene, who is in great need, especially during these holy days. I wish you with my whole heart, my whole friendship, my whole affection all the blessings and the happiness of these holy feasts. You will say that these are ancient customs, but know that I love you according to ancient and modern customs.

My little girl is still alive and suffering, and the other girl is recovering. I have a lot of things to tell you, but I have no time. My usual compliments. Goodbye, dear, I am always

Your Magdalene

The work of the hospital in Milan, organized by Fr. De Vecchi and by the Marchioness Arconati, is in constant progress and Magdalene cannot help but cry for joy ”seen a thing of so much glory to God and of so much advantage to the souls.” Father Bellavite in Mantua recommends, to subsidize Magdalene’s charitable activity, an association different from the «Company of the three coins».

My beloved friend,

25 December 1801

I cannot express the joy I experienced when I read in your last letter, my dearest Carolina, that the holy Work of the Hospital is so well established. Even though I do not cry so easily, I could not refrain from weeping, feeling consoled that something which gives so much glory to God and goes to the benefit of souls was established in such a short time.

But you see, my dear, your friendship makes you a little unfair in granting me an appreciation I don’t deserve, however, not to lose myself in these contrasts, I leave this decision to Divine Mercy, from whom I simply hope some part of the worth you have acquired. And what shall I ever say, my dear friend, of this Work that fills me with great joy and zeal, and of dear Arconati, but to thank, together with you, the Divine Goodness who so gently and strongly leads faithful persons to follow his deep design.

Also the present Government will support this work in any case, since, they say that it stands for establishments useful to humanity. What I wish for, now, for your city is that these ladies may find men Religious who can hear confessions and little by little establish a Sodality of Religious like ours whose men Religious, besides hearing the confessions of women, may also do a charitable service to the men as the Ladies are doing to the women.

Perhaps I will be mistaken, and there won’t be need of it, or I will speak on the idea of our small Hospital, yet I cannot but tell you, my dear friend, also this thought of mine, submitting it to yours which are more correct than mine.

The Company of the three coins is growing a little stronger, and is spreading, despite my great coldness, only by the providence of the Lord. I will tell you, also, that when I was in Mantua I spoke about it to Father Bellavite; his opinion was that establishing the Sodality, the members should pay according to their wish, and he suggested me to look for a Merchant among the merchants, and so on for every class of people.

But to tell you the truth, the example of another Company of four coins a month, which is well spread out and more abundant than all the others, and that has provided me with my idea, makes me doubt about his opinion regarding the various towns. As for the converts, then, I wonder whether you know that here we had a Retreat House, a very beautiful building established by a Filipino Father of sweet memory, a few years ago, only with the alms collected by him.

Some of these converts are of extraordinary holiness and with miraculous gifts, as I was told. This was sustained, either the whole or partly, by a Company according to this method. The Confessor of this place was one of the first theologians of the town, who died last year on account of a bomb which dropped on the Church of this Retreat House while he was celebrating. Now, there are troops in a part of the building, I don’t know about the remainder. If you, or the Arconati would like to obtain correct information of the beginning, the methods, of everything, write to me and I will send you what you want.

The part of your letter that didn’t cheer me up, was that you are still having a cold. I don’t understand why now you have a cold so often. Tell me if you have a fever, if you have a cough, how are these colds of yours, that worry me a little? By experience of this type of ailment , I am a teacher, but please, do me this favour, tell me more about it.

Don Pietro, who conveys to you a thousand compliments, thanks you also for your work, and entrusts himself totally to you. I beg you also, because I was given this errand, to know if it is true that the Cisalpina has issued in Milan a decree, forbidding the sale of the Fideicommissis.

I have a thousand compliments and a thousand wishes for you from so many people, Orti, Stella, Luigi... but I am tired since it is past eleven o’clock. Therefore, I’m going to bed, begging you to give my compliments to those whom you know. We have no news at all from Lyon. I thank you again so much for everything. How to say that my Carolina doesn’t know how to do many things. Goodbye, dear, I am very well, goodbye

Your Friend

Since Durini announced a visit that Magdalene would welcome very much, Magdalene tells her how her day usually unfolds.

My beloved friend

3 January 1802

On this ordinary I am trying to write to you as in the past to see if it is the case of rearranging our correspondence, my dear Carolina.

Yesterday evening I received your very precious letter, which although short, gave me the happy news that you are well again. You govern yourself well, but I know, by experience, an excellent remedy against colds, despite lack of time, being out of season, and you could believe that I spoke out of interest, to see you, I don’t want, for the time being to speak about it.

Then, concerning the time I would be free, my dear friend, when that person whom you wish me to know will come. I, too, warmly desire to know her, imagining that your friendship will make me acquainted with some other good person; I would say that if you will let me know, more or less, a few days earlier, I will be available at all hours. If it were a momentary, and accidental thing, then I would say that at home I am free up to nine o’ clock in the morning, except Saturday, when I may go to the hospital; if there is no need, I am always at home, and free from eleven to two o’clock. After lunch I am free at half past three, but if I have no time, approximately a little later I could be out with Carlino. In the evening immediately after the Ave Maria, I am at home, and I am free the whole evening. I have tried to guess who this person can be, and that worthy Mademoiselle Louise came to mind, if I am not mistaken, who might go again to Vicenza. Regarding, my dear, what you wrote to me in your preceding letter, to which today only, thanks to the mail, I can reply, I would say that what your holy work is missing in order to be perfect, as I wrote to you some time ago, is the Sodality of the Religious, as I wrote to you in my last letter, without knowing that you would have asked me, as you have written to me two ordinaries ago. Goodbye, dear, my regards to Arconati, to Viscontina, and to those whom you know. I embrace you, and I am all yours, not having other time than to declare myself. Goodbye I am full of affection for you

Your Magdalene

Mgr. Phillip Visconti, Archbishop of Milan, forced to participate in the Congress of Lyon, despite his old age, died in that city and Magdalene participates in the pain of Durini that loses, in that Prelate, a supporter of her work. Nevertheless the charitable activity of Milan keeps up its rhythm and Magdalene asks for some clarification.

Beloved Carolina

9 January 1802

I will start saying, my dear friend, that today I am happy to receive one of your very precious letters, much dearer to me since it is a long one dated 4 and 5 instant. I already heard, to my great sorrow and that of everyone, about losing your excellent Pastor.

If we look at the things with a human eye, we should say that the trip to Lyon in this season, has been the cause of his death, but if we lift up our gaze and think of the holy death of St. Francis of Sales’ , equal in a lot of circumstances to that of your Archbishop, then Dear Carolina, our thinking and talking may change.

One of the things that came to my mind, reflecting on these losses, is that your pious Institution will suffer for this loss. I do not fear anything for it, but knowing that he was in favour of it, I felt specially sorry also for this. But the Lord is the only help we cannot lose.

I inform you that I have finally found the second teacher for my girls, and I am full of hope that she will succeed well, as the first is doing.

My little girl is always in the same state, alive but suffering. At the first chance I will send you all the documents, that is, the methods, how our Retreat House for the Converts was, and I will tell you all I know about it. I am very happy to hear about the progress of your beautiful work and your beautiful ideas, that, if God wills them, they will mature.

When you can tell them to me, you may do so, and you can be certain of my silence, as I do because some time ago you also wrote to me of your present work. But already for this when you want, on my part it is just simply pleasing you. What I really desire is that the Lord may bless also your fundamental work, so as to prevent many evils, to destroy so much ignorance, and to strengthen Religion as much as possible.

Besides, I will tell you that I also admired how you started up with maturity and prudence the one you have already established. This, humanly speaking, has preserved it from a thousand obstacles, that would have been inevitable if there were less reflection and prudence; therefore I hope that also the second one will succeed similarly well.

I infinitely rejoice with you for your recovery and that your husband wants you to take care of yourself. Dear Carolina, my bad luck is that we are far away, if both of us were in the same city, I would like to remove the boredom of governing yourself with the air of Montebaldo, of which, as you know, I abound.

If that Religious, who has to pass by here, needs conversion with regard to making visits, I beg you to convert him, my dear. Without knowing him, I fully esteem him, from what you say about him, and for his relationship with Arconati. Persuade him that this time it won’t be a visit, but I would like to find another term, but the time doesn’t allow me. Another time I will tell you more. Carlino never allows me to be calm. Goodbye, my dear, love me as I am thanking you for everything.

Your Magdalene

Magdalene shows her attempts to regulate their exchange of letters, since the postal service is precarious. She assures solidarity in prayer while waiting for the election of the new Archbishop of Milan and defines the Canossa household and herself, as having the “air of Montebaldo”.

My beloved Carolina

Verona, 15 January 1802

Look at our difference, my dear friend; in this ordinary, you tell me, that you want to write little, because you had not received my letters and I will write to you as much as possible, because I wish to write to you, and because, contrary to usual, I have received your dear letter dated 13 instant, this day, that is, one day earlier than every other week. Know that to try to put our correspondence in tune again, I have tried to write to you as I did some time ago, one day after, but I see that they still delay, so we need patience and I will write to you when I can. It is enough for me to assure you, my dear, that I wrote to you every week, and that it is the fault of the mail, which does whatever it wants. Thank God, I am very well; this week I have been one day in bed, as I needed blood letting, but I assure you, with all sincerity, that it helped me a lot, and that I am in very good health.

I desire and I hope that the Lord will grant you a Pastor similar to the one you have lost. I confess, my dear, that I, too, understand how much your church needs him. But my prayers are too weak to get him for you, but I won’t miss praying for it, and to have some good persons whom I know to do as well.

I will have people to pray also for your holy Work, but the obstacles don’t worry me at all, rather I rejoice at them. It means the future will be better still. I have thought what a similar term we could use not to mention the word “ visits” to that person who will pass by here. You could tell him, in truth, to suppose that he is coming to a hospital since I have always some sick in my house. In any case the location of our house is opposite Montebaldo and I who live here, though there are no sick, he may suppose to come to a mental Hospital. Forgive, dear Carolina, this madness of mine, from your dear letter I understand that you are rather confused and mortified, and I would like you to laugh if you can. Goodbye, dear, I don’t have other time than to embrace you, and to say that I am

Your very affectionate friend

A brother-in-law of Durini has passed away. Magdalene sends her condolences and words of comfort, knowing the pain of her friend, but doesn’t justify her unbearable fear not to have done what was necessary to prevent his death. She invites the Countess then to help a patient of the hospital in Verona to have news about a certain gentleman who is very distressed. Before he dies he would like to know if his brother is still alive, since he has had no news for a long time.

My beloved Carolina

Verona, 22 January 1802

How much, my dear Carolina, you take delight in tormenting yourself; the Lord gives you the sorrow in taking to himself one of your brother-in-law, of whose eternal salvation you must be morally certain and you, besides the sorrow which your good heart has felt, you want to think that you have not taken enough care of him. I can really witness to your feelings, your concern for him from what you told me when we were together. You imagine that you didn’t do enough for him, of which you are perfectly the opposite.

Well, my dear Carolina, I empathise for you, we all feel like that when we lose a dear person. We think we have not done what we should have done, but I beg you not to worry yourself more. I guarantee that you have also done more than your duty. And for the loss, then reflect, that our good God, has crowned his mercy by putting an end to his suffering, as we cannot call differently his natural misfortunes.

I imagine that you will be afflicted also for your family; it is something great to love you as I love you and not to be able to come, due to the distance, to cheer you up on occasions like these.

Patience even in this. Be assured that I am close to you with all my heart and with my love much more than I am away from you with my body. Come on, take courage, do not think so much. When you write, tell me about your health and how you are faring.

Be calm, my dear, regarding Gianetta from Treviso when she will come. I will do as much as I can to find a support for her in her town, or what you will write to me, and regarding the subsidies, don’t worry, everything will go well. You already know that I, too, have some accounts with you. The women here of our Hospital have told me to greet you, I don’t know how many times. Since I remember now, this time will serve for all the others.

One of them, Brigit, is kindly asking you to get information about a certain Mr. Paul Guarnieri, to know whether he is still alive. He was once at the mail office, has two children, one is a physician, the other is a lawyer. I don’t know whether this one is his brother or his nephew. Before she dies, this poor lady would like to know if he is alive. Beloved Carolina, thank the Lord for me for the second excellent teacher he has sent me. Pray that He may give me the grace to profit from his gifts. Goodbye, my dearest friend, greet for all those I know. Goodbye. I am

Your Magdalene

Magdalene reassures her friend about her good health and informs her that, though the teachers are excellent, the direction of the work is hers, that is, she holds all «the power».

Beloved Friend

30 January 1802

I start now, my dear, to praise the mail, because I see our correspondence perfectly back to normal again. Thanks to the Lord, I am very well, and you wonder for the frequency of my blood letting. You don't know the custom of our town where for the smallest thing they extract blood; this year, I tell you with all sincerity, contrary to many winters, I am in good health, and I assure you that I have all possible chances not to get sick.

This time with the multiplicity of things, you seem to wish to tell me, you don't speak to me of what concerns me most, that is, of yourself. From an event however I judge, my dear Carolina, that you are in good, or efficient health, at least I hope so, and it is because your very precious letter is rather brief, and I observed that when you are well you write to me more briefly. How naughty your friend is with you. Yet I grant you justice and I understand that it has to be so, because, then, you have more time, and though I am very pleased to entertain myself with you by letter, I am happier that you write to me briefly.

I didn't see that certain Giannetta yet, I hope, however, that she will not take long to come, according to my reckoning she should be close by. I won't miss to pray, and to let people pray for both, your brother-in-law and your English teacher. You make me laugh with your supposed cold heart , which is cold only towards yourself, because you want to trouble and torment yourself for what instead should cheer you up. What greater proof do you want for this patient of Divine Mercy on what you write to me?

I think that Father De Vecchi is the Director of Arconati and of Mademoiselle Louise, isn’t it true? You will help me to know that when he comes along. Concerning the second teacher I will tell you, that although, like the first, she is better than myself, I also hold entirely the whole power and since I live very close by, some hours with the girls entertain me a lot; so you see that our thinking is similar.

If I had no other time, my usual compliments, goodbye dear, I embrace you wholeheartedly, and I am all yours

Your Magdalene

PS. If you see the archpriest Galvani, as I believe you will, because I imagine he will pass Milan on his return, I beg you to convey to him my compliments. My Carlino sends you a kiss. Goodbye.

Magdalene is anxious to know Fr. De Vecchi, whose probable visit had been announced by Durini without however clearly giving his name. She guessed and she promised herself to seek much spiritual help and a lot of light for her work.

My beloved friend

Verona, 6 February 1802

My poor Carolina, you have written to me at length, though you are perfectly well. I am very well, too, and I say it with all sincerity. The Lord sees my need. This year, until now, he allows me to be on my feet. Maffei resembles you in this behaviour, the care of you both for me makes me appear artificial, not to say also false, but I assure you without doubleness, or deceiving, that I am very well.

If this letter comes on time, my dear, that is before you have delivered the credits of Don Pietro to the Archpriest, I would beg you to take them back because Don Pietro is afraid that if they get into the owners’ hands, they may repent for the offer to which they are now disposed. He told me, further that they would be happy with half the value, but regarding this part, I will give you more precise instructions as soon as possible.

I am very delighted for not having been deceived in imagining that she is the worthy person, who will soon pass this way, and I am twice as happy in thinking that you will help me to get acquainted with her. You may imagine my pleasure in getting information about your holy Institution, which is progressing rapidly, with equal joy and surprise, and how many details I will ask her, regarding the great things, we always tell or ask one another in writing, and how I will listen gladly to the inspirations and suggestions she will give me.

I regret, my dear friend for being brief in this ordinary. I promise to double my writing at least in the future. Be assured, however, that I am close to you and I entertain myself with you with my heart. For charity’s sake, take care of yourself in following again your method, pray for me, goodbye dear. Dear Carolina, I am heartily

All yours

Magdalene

Magdalene’s work has a patroness in heaven, because the little girl, sick for a long time has passed away. Two other young girls have taken her place. This news is conveyed to Durini with great rapidity, because Magdalene’s brother-in-law, Count Serégo, will go to Milan to enjoy himself, in spite of the dangers and the hardship of the trip.

My beloved Carolina

Verona, 10 February 1802

My promises are similar to sailors’ vows, when I have to write long letters. My dear friend, from this bad debtor take what you can. My little girl has ended her suffering last Sunday, and I hope she has gone to pray for us, as she promised me, since she was only seven and a half years old; and I have accepted two others. I tell you this to comfort you, she has promised to pray especially for you and for Viscontina. I am amazed that you didn't receive my letters in the last ordinary. Perhaps we have praised the mail too much. I enjoyed my dear, a very pleasant surprise in opening your last letter, as I found one from the Archpriest Galvani, of whom here they spoke as if he had died, a thing that gave me great sorrow. I guess that one day or another he will return; meanwhile, my dear Carolina, I thank you again for everything.

From him I will know some news of your health of which you often refrain from speaking to me. Yesterday, because of a lot of difficulties concerning my girls, it has been impossible for me to end this letter before the departure of the mail, but I have the happy chance of one of my brothers-in-law, husband of the my youngest sister who is called Sarègo, who, to tell you the truth, comes to Milan on a trip, and wishes also to know you.

He says that he needs to enjoy himself a bit, and he is right, indeed; but with these roads that they say are so dangerous, and with this season, I don't know how one wishes to amuse oneself travelling. Yesterday, 15 February, the Archpriest returned. They say he is in very good health. I have not seen him yet. I desire to see him because I hope to have news about you. I have a thousand things to say to you, but I am not able to, not even today. Goodbye my dear, very dear Carolina, love me always that I am indeed

Your very affectionate Magdalene

The Archpriest Galvani is back from Lyon and has brought comforting news about the health of Durini, not so serene about that of Viscontina but Fr. De Vecchi’s visit is soon approaching and the doubts will be clarified. In the Lombard capital, perhaps, a meeting of Magdalene with her friends could be possible; but by now it is only an uncertain prospect, because she should accompany her uncle Jerome, who was named member of the Cisalpine Council, whose headquarters are in Milan, in which he would have to participate every two years.

Beloved Carolina

19 February 1802

I was happy to hear from the Archpriest Galvani, very good news regarding my dear Carolina. You will say now that I will believe you. Sorry, you say the truth. He has assured me that you have a good countenance, and doesn't know how to express how much he was obliged to you.

He has told me that the letters, that you have given him, have been to him a special comfort. My dear I renew my distinguished thanks to you. Then, I felt sorry for the other part of the news he brought me about dear Viscontina, who, as he says, is very downcast. Knowing to a large extent the virtue of our friend, I made a thousand judgements about her, and I fear that her fervour will destroy her; give me, please, some news. Meanwhile 1 feel full of hope, since Wednesday or Thursday, to have from the very worthy Fr. De Vecchi news about all of you and your holy Institution. You can imagine how much I will ask him about the whole thing. I will inform you of everything in the next postal delivery. Meanwhile I am very happy entertaining this thought and assure you that you have given me a great pleasure.

Later, when he returns, I will hand him our Rules as we agreed. I mean to say, that if I will have the chance, I will send them to you first. I had thought of sending them to you by my brother-in-law because I knew that he wanted to come to Milan, but I did not believe that this trip was going to so soon. As for Gianetta you want to get angry before you know the reason. In truth, I confess that also with all anger you inspire me more affection, than fear. Know, however, that, to my surprise, I have not seen her yet.

Be calm, I will not displease you at all, neither regarding Gianetta, nor for any other reason and the greatest sorrow I may receive from you is if I realize that you don't avail of myself with that liberty, that our friendship requires.

Don Pietro reveres you distinctly, and begs you to send those two bills of credit soon after you have drawn up half of the value of each. If it were more, much better, but if you are not able, at least half of it, and when they give them to you send them.

After having spoken to you of serious things, I want to speak to you of a beautiful dream, that is of a project I drew up yesterday. My Uncle has been named, I don't know in which Council, so that he must come to Milan every two years. Yesterday I have made the project of coming with him, but notice that this is a dream. Goodbye my very dear friend, greet Viscontina and Arconati for me, love me that I am

Your Magdalene

The longed-for meeting with Fr. De Vecchi has taken place and finally Magdalene has been able to have exact news on the charitable activity of Durini and her collaborators. The clouds, that inevitably are pending over it will dissolve soon, as Magdalene wishes; meanwhile she asks the help of the Countess in two things: that she may assist her brother Bonifacio, who is in Milan for business, if he encounters difficulties and that she may pressurise the Hydraulic Department of the central Government to give the necessary consent for the construction of a bridge on the River Mincio between Monzambano and Salionze, to avoid the continual accidents that happen in that place.

My beloved friend

Verona February 25th, 1802

As I have the consolation of hearing good news about my dear friends, and all the holy Works that the Lord has wished to establish through them, I am in grief regarding the dearest of all, that is, about you, my dear Carolina. Your letter,

which I have received yesterday from the worthy Father de ' Vecchi, makes me think that you are in some great anguish,

a very common evil in our common circumstances. I have not neglected to recommend you, as much as I can, to the Lord, and I will continue to do so. Meanwhile, whatever the matter is, keep up your courage. You already have overcome big difficulties, with divine help you will also overcome this one. Could I, as I would like, be of some relief to you. For my peace of mind, tell me as you can, if your anguish is over. Father de ' Vecchi conveys to you a thousand compliments and has asked me to tell you that he is very well, and has had a good trip up to now. This morning, to my disappointment, he left for Padova.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being with him for two hours, and I found him in every respect as you have described him. Perhaps I am indiscreet, but I had the joy to have a thorough knowledge of your very holy Institution. Now I am fully satisfied and all my desires have been fulfilled. Oh God! dear Carolina, pray for your Magdalene who lives only on desires. Now, according to me, you should do nothing but to establish the Company of the Priests, if it is not yet established. We did not speak about this for lack of time, and about fixing a place for Converted women.

On Father’s return, I will hand him the Rules, as we have agreed. May the Lord bless, and establish all that has been started. Now, my Dear, I will tell you who will be the carrier of this letter, he is my brother, who comes to Milan together with two other citizens of ours to compliment the Vice President, on behalf of our City. He will pay you a visit on my behalf, and so I will be able to have more recent news when he returns. I inform you that there is also that Religious, who has educated him, and who perhaps will bring this letter to you even before my brother comes, if he is very busy. He has been the one who told me to write about the young Lady Roma and Anguissoli, I don't know if in accord with to my brother or in a way unknown to him.

You may say that I have written to you about him, but not that he had told me about it. I am quite at peace in the divine will. I hope that my brother will be well, and nothing unfortunate will happen to him, but you already know, the one who loves, fears. In case the Lord allows some misfortune, I hope, my dear Carolina, you will do me the favour of assisting him with your light and direction; I say the same about his guide. I confess that in the sorrow I feel now for his departure, I take comfort in thinking that he comes to a city where you are, in case a misfortune occurs to him.

I am not good for anything else but to give you some troubles, but you are such a good and clever person that I take always new liberties. Know that in the business I recommend to you I foresee a great advantage for my girls.

I enclose the Papers that deal with this matter, which, in short, is this. The Municipality of Monzambano or of Salionze, has asked the Commission for the Veronese Waters permission to build a bridge, at its own expense, on the Mincio in the village of Monzambano because, for the lack of this bridge, a lot of people has downed and drown every year; often people die on the other side of the river, without Sacraments and medical help. The Commisison of the Waters, has written to the Commission of the Waters of Mantua and after having made various objections, to which the Municipality of Salionze, a small town, like Mozambano, replied, finally it seems that they have sent the matter to Milan for approval. Perhaps the answer has been given already, but if it were not, and you have some contact with the Water Company, I would beg you to see if it is possible to get the consent.

You might say what connection has this with my girls, I will tell you about it another time. Besides, I will tell you that also without this, I feel compassion for that poor population, first for their soul, then for their body. If you did not realize it, here is another attempt I am making for my girls and you could try it for your converts, to provide them with assistance.

In our villages Lentpreaching is customary as well as recommending to give alms once to a poor person, another time to another one.

I have recommended myself to some Religious to whom I have given some “fedi” recommending them a needy family, to distribute to their various friends, and I hope to bring about a lot of subscriptions.

Do not speak much about this to those who will deliver this letter to you. I am afraid that my brother might say that I am disturbing you too much regarding the first matter. And it is true. I do not enclose any copy of the Papers because I think they are useless… Goodbye, my dear Carolina, If I could make myself into a boot, just for two days, I would do so willingly, very willingly, to embrace you. Things being as they are, I shall remain what in fact I am , a bumpkin, and I embrace you only with my heart, but with the most tender affection possible.

Goodbye, Dear, I am forever totally

Your Magdalene

This is a very confusing letter, but I hope you will understand it.

We do not see Gianetta .

A few lines to complete the preceding letter, delivered by the Marquis Boniface. The answer regarding the bridge is already at the Municipality ,and does not need any other intervention. Her brother-in-law Serègo is on trip to Milan and wishes to meet Durini.

My beloved Carolina

1 March 1802

Only two lines, this time, my dear Carolina, since you might have received my long my letter from my brother. Concerning the bridge I begged you about, refrain from speaking about the matter, because the answer has already come; I don't know what it is is, but for the moment, not to create any confusion, don't speak about it, also if you would be able to help me.

I asked about the health of Count Ernesto Bevilacqua, who is in the country-side, and everyone assured me that he is excellently well. I thank you, my dear, of your kind concern toward my brother-in-law, who, since I know he esteems you greatly, I suppose he will try to get to know you, and if he has no chance to meet you, don't bother about it. If you see either my brother, or his tutor, kindly tell them that their letters are kept at the mail-house. Goodbye Dear, very Dear Friend. I now have six girls. I will speak about them in the next ordinary. Goodbye from my heart

I am forever Yours

Magdalene

Durini’s welcome of the Marquis Boniface has been very good and Magdalene thanks her, as well as the Lord for his assistance in the work of the Milanese noble Ladies, while that of her Hospital of “Mercy” in Verona is uncertain.

My dearest Carolina

7 March 1802

Every time that I start writing a letter to you, my dear friend, it is necessary that I thank you for something, since as I owe you much for a thousand things, at times I fear that I may trouble you.

Enough, I don't know what to say, but to repeat that I thank you for all the gentleness you have shown to my brother, and to my brother-in-law, and to tell you again that I will be always very grateful about it. I hope that Arconati may have had news from Father de ' Vecchi. Well, the other time I imagined that you could have news about him from my brother, two days before the mail, and instead I was delayed in sending them to you. I must repeat that also on this matter, I have greatly admired his zeal and his prudence.

He told me a detailed story of your Pious Work, of the many obstacles you have encountered, the good that is done, oh God. I need to say what holiness, prudence, behaviour in the one who administers, and in the one who works. I hope that contrasts will be overcome, since as I heard, your holy Work stems from prayer. We, you see, are in deep waters, let us say it, I want to say that the work of the Hospital is shaky and not stable. I will tell you everything another day, when I will have to write to you on a particular question, which I would not like to have. Today I am rather tired; dancing and dancing for the whole of Carnival; in Lent then we get tired of small things.

Goodbye, dearest Carolina. Love me. Be sure that I am yours, but wholly yours.

Magdalene

A new unforeseen trip to Milan of the other brother-in-law of Magdalene, the Count Orti Manara, who, wanting to go to Rome, has to ask the Lombard Capital for the passports. Magdalene, unwillingly, begs her friend to show him the easiest way to get them.

My dearest Carolina

8 March 1802

Oh God, my Dear Friend, all my brothers-in-law, this year, have the mania to travel. Here is my brother-in-law Orti, who wants to go to Rome, and is forced to come to Milan to get some passports for that region. Therefore, he wants to see you, and if it is not possible to get them, he wants me to beg you to teach him the way to obtain them.

I would prefer him to stay at home, but since he has this whim, indeed he has none other, I beg you, if it is ever needed, to suggest him the procedures to have the passports.

Forgive me also for this new trouble, I confess that I am almost sorry that people know that I know you because I have always a motive to disturb you. I wanted to write to you a thousand things on this occasion, but I lack the time. I cannot do anything else but embrace you whole heartedly, and to say forever that I am

Totally yours Magdalene

On behalf of Boniface, Magdalene expresses again the gratitude of both of them for the most cordial welcome towards her brother and his tutor but her friend is the only one who knows the anguish of Magdalene. Her sister Eleonor Serégo seems to be very sick and Magdalene would also accept her death if that were the Will of God, but she fears that the young spouse would not be able to resign herself. Durini should help her with her prayer.

My dearest friend

14 March 1802

I have so many reasons, and so many favours, for which I convey to you a thousand thanks, my dear Carolina, that I don't know where to start from. You say that you have not done anything for my brother, and I tell that you could not have done more indeed, and that he and his Tutor cannot but tell of all the gentleness, attentions and goodness you have shown them. They commend me to thank you warmly for everything, and to tell you that they hope to see you again but here in Verona. Thank goodness, they had a good trip, and arrived in good health. Now then, my dear, I must thank you for myself. I assure you with all sincerity that although a trip to Milan would be indifferent for me if you were not there, at the same time it would be the most longed-for trip and the only trip I would make in order to see you again and to get acquainted also with your other good friends, and to see again also dear Viscontina; as a consequence, believe me, I would be happier in a bunker with you than in a Duke’s palace without you, my dear friend. I do not see any flattery in taking advantage of your kind attentions, and because I am not convinced at all that there will be a chance for me to come to Milan, and because my coming would be too much of an inconvenience for you. Don't doubt, however, that in such a case, I will look for a way to be near you as much as possible. Meanwhile, I thank you endlessly for everything, and I will be forever very grateful to you.

My dear Carolina, I am rather afflicted, and I want to tell you the motive for my affliction, so that, without saying it, especially to my brother-in-law Sarego, you may pray and ask others to pray to the Lord. My sister Sarego has been sick for fifteen days. Now she gets up, but I fear a great deal that she may end up having a chronic breast disease. Oh God, my dear, she is twenty three years old, is not ugly, she has a chance of fortune, you may imagine how much I would feel losing her, but my great pain is thinking what kind of resignation, what virtues are necessary to her to have perfect resignation. I have so many things to tell you, this has taken the place of others; I recommend myself to you begging you to pray to the Lord, I am also happy about losing her if he wants, but I would like her to pass from my arms into his. Goodbye, my very dear friend, a thousand regards from me to your husband, and greetings to the Arconati. If I will know anything from Venice I will write to you. I embrace you, and I am

Wholly yours

Magdalene

Durini has hidden partly her physical illness and Magdalene is sorry, as she is sorry because Eleanor is still not well. Don Leonardi has been close to death and the hospital hardly goes on; the financial demands of the Government are so excessive as to prevent accepting sick people. Magdalene’s only relief is: the small ones of the “Retreat” have still increased: there are seven.

My dearest Carolina

21 March 1802

At last, my dear friend, your good heart and your affection for me have betrayed you, and you have revealed to me what I already knew from others, regarding that small cold, of which you took so little care on account of your laziness, as you told me this autumn. I would like to scold you a little, but knowing for what reason you have done it, it is necessary that I forgive you. I beg you, however, not to be so mysterious about it, because, to save me from a pain, indeed you give me a thousand of them, frightening me every time you have some pain, as I am afraid that you hide it from me. I thank you for the remedy that you suggest me. I don't know if it will be adopted by our physicians.

During these last days I have been in great anguish for my sister; after the breast attack, a colic followed with high fever that frightened me a great deal; today the pain is moderate, and at long intervals. She has a little fever, but her breast is more oppressed. I tell you this so that God may dispose according to his glory and will, and for the good of her soul. Don Pietro has been close to death, now he is better. The illness overtook him while in the country-side where his zeal had drawn him to preach.

We are all in anger because we would like him to give up preaching, otherwise he will give up his life and all the other enterprises. The hospital work is rather languishing after his departure. Well, if they continue to demand that our very poor Hospital pay the ‘taxes’ and the contributions as they do, the work of the Religious soon will be superfluous because now they receive only the sick in their last stage, the number of beds has decreased, and soon they will be forced not to receive other sick people. Imagine what a horrible thing. Enough, let us speak of happy things, we have said the need of melancholy. May God dispose even of this hospital according to His will.

I have accepted the seventh girl, also a seven year-old. Metilde is sufficiently well, Nicolini has been made superior, to her great dismay. The first one is my head, my right arm, my helper on the field, all that you want for my girls, the second is the one who prays for everything. I convey to you the compliments of both.

I thank you then so much, as well as dear Viscontina, for whatever you have done for my brother-in-law Orti. You were concerned beyond what I have asked you for. Dear Carolina, I hope that you may get a real reward for your concern, and attention, which I understand too well, and I hope that the acquaintances you have made him come to know may help him to maintain his goodness. On my part, and on behalf of my sister Orti, who greets you deeply, I convey to you also our most sincere thanks. Goodbye dear, my regards to your husband, a thousand greetings to Arconati. I am totally yours. As I cannot write anymore, a hearty goodbye

Your Magdalene

The sick are all improving, but Magdalene feels physically the apprehensions and the works that still prevent her from writing at length.

My dearest Carolina

28 March 1802

This time I cannot write you a long letter, my dear Carolina, because I have had a lot of things to do, and because also to tell you the truth, yesterday I was not so well. Today, though I am well. Yesterday I had no time, I had to be with my sick sister, who however is better, but not well. You believe that I fear a great deal without a reason, that could be true; I don’t think so. May God want it so in this case. I thank you so much for the remedy you suggested, it seems to me clear enough, I will suggest it to our physicians.

Don Pietro is better. Please, do greet for me a thousand times dear Viscontina, to whom I cannot write because of lack of time and tell her that I thank her for the music I received, and that I will reply to everything with the next ordinary. Goodbye, my Dear, I cannot but to embrace you, be at peace; this evening I am really well. Goodbye.

Your Magdalene

The horizon is clearing, because the sick, who have caused so much apprehension to Magdalene, are better and the young Marchioness feels compelled to give therapeutic suggestions to her friend and to reconsider a possible amplification of her work. If she succeeds in accepting a third teacher, the second could help her to realize “her ancient plan” about the hospital.

My dearest Carolina

4 April 1802

I was surprised, my dear friend, to hear that you have not received the other letter I wrote to you with the last ordinary. Be at peace, though. With regard to me and my sister, I am really well, and I assure you sincerely. My sister has no fever, and gets up from bed; now I hope very much that she will recover, provided she takes care of herself. I thank you however, for your concern and for the name of the remedy. See how beautiful spirits meet together, my dear. I knew this remedy for having taken it years back for an obstinate cough. When I came to know about yours, I wanted to suggest it to you, but I did not do so because you know already that I didn’t know the real reason immediately. Since I have another remedy which I think it is better, which I took, which my sister will take, I waited for a while to propose it to you , since it was not time yet.

However, I believe a great deal that now it is opportune if the physicians will allow it, and I am very grateful to you. I would like you also to agree to take mine. Enough for today, I don't want to say anything else. Dear Carolina, I am preparing to receive the seventh girl, 1 ask you to remember this little Work in your prayer to the Lord. A third teacher has been recommended to me. According to what I am told and from the results shown by some girls educated by her, it could he said that she is one in a hundred thousand. But you see how many and varied are the worries that this resolution arouses. To be fully open with you, I am thinking that one of the two I already have, could come with me to the hospital and in this way we could try to realise the old plan. But I am afraid of failing and to disturb peace and economy. I ask you to pray the Blessed Virgin to obtain light for me.

I have time to come to a decision, this is a great advantage.

A thousand regards to dear Viscontina, to whom I hope to write when I have a chance one day or another. I am always told a lot of compliments for you, from my brother, his Tutor, my brother-in-law, who doesn't know how to thank you for so much gentleness towards, and I thank you for them and for me. Well, you already know, accept them from all, and convey mine to those whom you know. Goodbye, my Dear. What is happening to your Giannetta? I embrace you, and I am well in heart. Goodbye Dear

Your Magdalene

It is Easter and family engagements certainly don't allow Magdalene to linger in correspondence but the epistolary rhythm must not be interrupted: a few thanks and a request for prayer because her “vocation” for the sick,, if it is according to the divine dispositions, might take place.

My dearest friend

18 April 1802

I have to tell you a thousand things, dear Carolina, but I won't be able to tell them all because time won't allow me. I have received two very appreciated letters of yours, one from the mail and the other from a particular occasion, together with the music, and the association, that you have kindly provided me with. First of all I thank you for every thing, in particular for your concern in getting for me this great advantage of this association. I can really see that your friendship is seeking my true good, that is, the good of my soul, and I am infinitely grateful to you, because I am in dire need of it. I cannot tell you how dear you are to me. Pray to the Lord so that if He wills it, He may smooth the way, if such is his holy Will, so that I may truly follow that inclination, regarding the sick, which I do not as yet dare to call vocation.

Either tomorrow, or after tomorrow I hope for to be able to talk to the Archpriest of St.Vitale, and be at peace that in one way, or another, I will try to settle the question, but don't compliment me if you love me. All must be done for the Lord, but, my dear Carolina, I hope that the Lord is happy with our friendship.

Since it is Easter day I cannot write anymore because I have no time. I will make up another time. You have done very well not to sell the “credits”; send them to me as soon as possible. Goodbye my very dear friend, please greet dear Viscontina. Goodbye

Your Magdalene

The Canossa has to go to Grezzano because Eleanor, who has not yet fully recovered, may recover complete health. This will also happen to Durini if she will follow her advice: to go to drink the waters of the Virgin of Mont'Ortone, while being a guest in Verona, where the same cure is possible and meanwhile to finally meet her Veronese friend.

My dearest Carolina

2 May 1802

You had news about me from a lot of Milanese people, my very dear Friend. In spite of this I cannot refrain f