Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about news at the Ursuline Convent and Academy. She mentions that the Bishop's slave, Isaac, who has been working at the Convent, has asked that his children be moved to Mr. Kitt's place, recently acquired by the Bishop, so that he could see them more easily. February 14, 1863. 4p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning finances and provisions for the Bishop's plantations. Since Christmas nears, John asks the Bishop to send $400 more than is necessary to settle their account so he can "give the negroes something, and I think a little money will suit them better, and be cheaper just now, than anything else." He also writes of a load of "Nassau cloth" the Bishop had purchased that was ruined in transport but, despite its odor, should be kept to "clothe the negroes." December 15, 1863. 3p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning news at the Ursuline Convent and Academy, including a humorous anecdote of one of the local priests running through the convent to get altar breads. December 17, 1863. 2p.
Records consist of letters containing daily reports submitted by Assistant Engineer F.M. Hall at Fort Sumter to Major W.H. Echols, "Chief Engineer, S.C." at Charleston, South Carolina.Reports (Dec. 17-Dec. 23) concern work on fortifications being done by slaves and soldiers as well as small administrative and military matters.
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)". September 18, 1863. 4p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about her concerns over the war. She has heard that the British Consul in Charleston intends to leave and fears it is in anticipation of a Union attack. She recounts the story of a Catholic saint who, in a time of war, was able to summon a storm of gnats to disrupt the horses of the enemy and asks the Bishop, "can you not do something like that for Charleston?" She also asks the Bishop about investments, fearing that the Confederate currency might one day be worthless. February 5, 1863. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning news about the Bishop's properties. John writes that the Lexington plantation continues to be a financial burden and hints at turmoil at the Bishop's Lancaster farm. Several slaves have been brought to Columbia from Lancaster and John suggests to the Bishop to sell them for a profit stating that "I saw some sold here today at pretty good prices." February 2, 1863. 2p.
Letter from Madame Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch touching on a variety of topics. She writes of acquiring a piano and "Erhard" harp for the community and muses at length at why there have been no attempts at peace with "Napoleon (III) mediating now." She mentions inoculating the children at the academy for smallpox and describes an awful barrel of flour the Bishop had sent to Columbia. She tells of the horrible condition of the "negroes" in Lancaster writing, "I never have patience with the yankees, except when I think of the abolition of slavery." January 28, 1863. 8p.
