During the ten years Neale served this community, he maintained contact with his friends and colleagues in Maryland. Through this dialogue, the nuns were encouraged to attempt a foundation in the new nation, the United States of America, which was just emerging from the American Revolution. Neale accompanied the women on their return voyage to Maryland. Initially, the intention was to have his cousin, Mother Mary Margaret, lead the new foundation, but she died in 1784. Instead the small community was led by Mother Bernardina Teresa Xavier of St. Joseph, O.C.D. (born Ann Teresa Matthews), who was to serve as prioress. She was accompanied by her nieces, Sisters Mary Eleanora of St. Francis Xavier, O.C.D., and Mary Aloysia of the Blessed Trinity, O.C.D. (born as Susanna Matthews and Ann Teresa Matthews). Neale chose the final participant, Sister Clare Joseph of the Sacred Heart, O.C.D. (born Frances Dickinson), an Englishwoman.