January 3, 1882

 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kent of Oxford, England:

My name is Mother Francis, and I am the Mother Superior of a mission hospital in China. I write to you today with a troubled heart. I believe you are the parents of an Elizabeth Kent who married Frank Thompson, a sailor by trade. I understand that he and your daughter subsequently left England to make their fortune in Shanghai, China.

Did Mr. Thompson write you of your daughter's death some years ago? It is my fervent hope that he did. However, if he neglected this important and Christian act, I must sadly inform you that your daughter and her infant died shortly after the new year 1876. They were victims of a childbed fever.

However their eldest child—Anna—still survives. She came to us when her father was at sea. He provided for her in the way of all careless men and has apparently met his fate of drink or women or worse, I cannot say.

But the child Anna remains. Surely you wish to know your last surviving grandchild? She is of an age that she could travel home to you should arrangements be made. I pray that you will desire to reunite with your granddaughter in all Christian charity, as she has lately fallen into the company of one of her father's associates, Mr. Samuel Fitzpatrick. I do not like this man or his reputation. Though I keep strict control of the men who visit my charges, Anna can be a willful child and she sees in Mr. Fitzpatrick a substitute father. It would be best for your granddaughter if she were removed from the disturbing atmosphere of China as soon as possible and remanded into your care.

Surely you wish such a thing? Surely you want to know your granddaughter.

However, if my prayers are in vain, perhaps you know of Mr. Thompson's family. Would not his parents be interested in their beautiful granddaughter?

In God's good grace I pray,

Mother Francis

St. Agatha Mission

Shanghai, China