Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about procuring provisions for the Ursuline Convent and Academy and about news of the war. John writes that the man hired to obtain the provisions fears impressment of the supplies and requests that the Bishop provide him an endorsed certificate that proves the goods are for the convent should any Confederate officers stop him. John also mentions the movement of troops through Columbia on their way to Tennessee where "Genl Lee and the President have planned a campaign against Rosencrantz (sic)". 4p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Sister Mary Charles Curtin about the sister's request to join the Ursuline Convent. Madame Baptiste informs her that the rules of the Ursuline Order make it difficult to accept someone who has already "professed" in another order writing that "a secular fresh from the world is preferred.....as it is more difficult to eradicate preconceived ideas of right, than to implant true ones for the first time." She also cautions the sister about the difficulty of moving from an active and worldly community to a contemplative and cloistered one. 3p.
Francis Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about a "Mrs. Boucher" who requests help in obtaining a visit with her husband who is stationed in Pocotaligo and mentions the disheartening news of the "large cannon" that burst in Charleston. 1p.
Letter from Francis Lynch in Cheraw to Bishop Patrick Lynch mentioning the suspension of the shelling in Charleston and the news that he has had an offer on the house of their deceased brother, James. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning the Bishop's slave Daniel. The Confederate Army has been after the Bishop's overseer, Mr. Buff, to send Daniel to help on coastal defenses, but since Daniel is the "only road hand on the farm", he refuses. John asks the Bishop what course of action they should take since Daniel has been ordered to be at the depot in a few days. He also mentions the good news of the "repulse from Fort Sumter" during the late siege of the harbor commenting, "there must have been Irishmen in it." 3p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about plans to obtain winter provisions, the burgeoning number of boarders including many Protestants and the renovation of a house on the grounds to accommodate some lay sisters. 4p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about frustrating negotiations with "Dr. Marks" over the Barhamville property. In a postscript he asks the Bishop to "let me hear about the big gun" in Charleston. 2p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. Madame Baptiste writes about the record number of boarders they have received for the school year and her continued efforts to get rid of a troublesome sister. She also writes that should (Union General) Rosecrans' troops eventually come to Columbia, she would ask him to spare the convent by reminding him of the Ohio Ursulines' close relationship with his brother and of her own prayers once offered to the general "when by a sad accident, he was almost deprived of life." 10p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from Cheraw. Francis writes that he has finished constructing a house for some of the Bishop's slaves containing "two rooms, with dbl chimney in the middle" that he hopes will be sufficient. He also writes about his recent conscription, claiming the enrolling officer does not consider Francis to be a tanner which would have exempted him from service. 1p.
Louisa Blain writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about missing her "beloved" Charleston and prays the Bishop will not remain there should the "yankees take it." 2p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. She hopes that the Bishop will invest $12,000 in the nearby Barhamville Academy to fulfill their long desire to remove the convent and school from downtown Columbia. She also mentions that she is expecting the daughters of several well known people, including that of Mayor Monroe of New Orleans and Confederate General Hindman. 8p.
John Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about news from Columbia. John mentions collecting money for the "Charleston orphans", the death of a slave boy on one of the Bishop's plantations and rumors that their brother Francis may have to go into the service. 3p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. Madame Baptiste writes about purchasing provisions and asks the Bishop for advice on investing the "thousands of Confederate money" she expects as the pupils arrive for the new school year. 4p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch about the defense of Charleston. She fears the inevitable union assault will last longer than the recent siege at Vicksburg and finds it astonishing "how coolly" people can talk about Charleston "being taken by the enemy." 4p.
