On September 2, 1862, the Union gunboat Essex opened fire on the city of Natchez from one to two hours. Some houses were destroyed and buildings damaged and one person was killed—a little girl.
In a spirit of deep gratitude to Almighty God, Who had saved the people of Natchez, Bishop Henry Elder proposed to make in the name of the Congregation a vow—subject to the approval of the Holy See...
Read the vow and details, p.p. 150-153.
Cradle Days of St. Mary’s at Natchez, 1798-1888.