Jewels from Jane, August 21

, August 21st, 1866

Sister St. John [Facemaz],

Madame,

We are now approaching the end of August, the period at which you encouraged me to expect furniture etc. to arrive here for our expected Academy [St. Teresa]. The building is all but completed. The plaistering is finished, carpenter will be through this week and the painters are at work. I thought it my duty to announce to you that the building will be finished on or before the first of September. I have also been expecting a prospectus from you for insertion in the local papers. Please write and send me instructions.

I have to announce to you that there is a great deal of sickness here this season--chiefly fevers. A party of Emigrants, passing this way to Southern Kanzas had several deaths in their camp outside the city limits. I visited three persons who had symptoms of cholera who all got well in a few [?]--but at the present writing I do not know of a single case of cholera in Kanzas City.

Memoranda--please return the draught of our new building--also a new acct with the girls for last year. I have somehow mislaid the acct first furnished.

There is no occasion to be uneasy about the title to the convent lot and appurtenances because the conveyance belongs to the Archbishop. You know there will be no difficulty with him. His Grace is not now at home but he can make the conveyance at any time. The understanding is that I advise the whole square be attached to the building. Please write immediately and inform me when the Sisters may be expected.

The Roses are well,--they long to see the Sisters.

Respectfully yours, etc.

Bernard Donnelly

Father Donnelly was commissioned by Archbishop Kenrick to build missions on the western border of the state.