Jewels from Jane, February 25

February 25, 1870

Mother St. John [Facemaz], Carondelet

Good Mother,

I have gathered the sum which we determined for the Sisters' journey, which sum has become greater than I had desired. There is no money voluntarily given on the part of the people. They are holding back until the Sisters arrive. So I have had the honor of telling you in my last letter, but they are poor at the present.

$800.00 is all that I am able to set down for today, and this sum will be sent next Thursday by way of California. In case this sum is insufficient, let not the departure of the Sisters be retarded because of this; have the kindness to add the amount needed and I will be responsible. Always, if possible, try to get a reduction of price. I intended that the Sisters come by San Francisco as far as San Diego, where we would have them stay, but have the kindness to state in advance the day of departure from Carondelet, in order that we may prepare the passage for San Diego. I leave tomorrow to visit the most extreme place of my diocese on the coast of California at Fort Yuma, where I hope to receive the Sisters and continue as far as Tucson.

Accept the homage of your very humble servant who recommends himself to your good prayers and to those of your community.

J. B. Salpointe
[John Baptist Salpointe, Vicar-Apostolic of Arizona]

Translated from the French

"Reverend Mother Saint John [Facemaz] had refused the request made in 1868 by Bishop Lamy [to send Sisters to Tucson], her reason being that the existing schools required all the Sisters at her command. Father Salpointe, however, was persistent. Appointed Vicar-Apostolic of Arizona on its separation from the diocese of Santa Fe, he proceeded to France, where he was consecrated at Clermont on June 20, 1869. From Lyons, and again from Clermont, he renewed his petitions to Mother Saint John, and expressed his intention of stopping at Carondelet on his return, hoping that Sisters would be ready by that time to accompany him to Tucson. He arrived at St. Louis in the fall, but was obliged to depart without the desired community. He had secured a promise, however, from Mother Saint John, that Sisters would be sent after the annual profession of vows in March."

from Sister Lucida Savage's book, The Congregation of St. Joseph of Carondelet

The Sisters started the "Trek" to Tucson on April 20, 1870.