Ramos, O.S.U., Sister Antonia de Sta. Monica
(New Orleans, Louisiana)

to (Father Thomas Hassett
New Orleans, Louisiana)

Sister Antonia, Superior of the Ursuline Convent, states that she called a chapter meeting to explain to the Community that the negro Juan Bautista has petitioned for a paper for him and his wife Ursula to seek another master. He does not wish to accept any proposals and gives them to understand that he would prefer death to remaining with the other slaves. All have agreed to sell them at the regular price after consultation with persons who are familiar with this. She asks Hassett's permission. Signed by Sister Antonia, Sister Marguerite de St. Ignace Duliepore, assistant; Sister de Ste. Marie Olivier, receiver; Sister Theresa de Sn. Xavier Farjon; Sister Francisca de Sta. Felicite Alzas, zelatris; Sister Sn. Christina de Sn. Andres Madier. (who adds that) it seems to her that it would be more to the advantage of the Community to wait for the coming of the French and to keep the slave until then in the convent; Sister Antonia de Sta. Rita del Castillo; Sister Maria de Regla de Sta. Ursula Lopez; Sister Maria de Sn. Miguel Mirabal; Sister Sta. Clara de Yera; Sister Maria de Sn. Rafael Mirabel; Sister Emelie de St. Francois Jourdon; Sister Rosalie de Ste. Scolastique Broutin; Sister Felicitas de Sta. Angela Caldes; Sister Sta. Rosa Sanchez.

A.L.S. (Spanish)

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1803 Apr. 27

Hassett, Father (Thomas)
New Orleans, Louisiana

This letter is to be given to Nicolas Maria Vidal, Lieutenant Governor and Judge Advocate for consultation. Nar(ci)so Broutin acts as notary..

A.D.S. (Spanish)

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1803 Apr. 30

Vidal, Nicolas M(ari)a
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

to (Father Thomas Hassett
New Orleans, Louisiana)

The resistance of a slave to serve his master does not oblige the master to sell him unless it is because of extreme cruelty or other reasons specified by law nor does he have to yield to the claim that they do not wish to remain with the other slaves. But since the nuns fear that a crime may be committed, all the signers with the exception of one have agreed to sell the slaves. Vidal feels that the convent will yield because of the fear of losing money; in case it is because of enmity with other slaves, the means could be taken which is proposed by Mother St. Andres, to move them to the convent. This is how Vidal feels and (Hassett) can decide, with Vidal's accord, whatever he thinks best and just.

L.S. (Spanish)

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1803 May 7

Hassett, Father Thomas
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

Hassett gives his permission to carry out the sale in the terms proposed by the Judge Advocate and will proceed with the necessary papers which are to be made out, enclosing a copy of this dispatch.

A.D.S. (Spanish)

V-3-o A.L.S., A.D.S., L.S. (Spanish) 6pp. folio
18