Jewels from Jane, May 13

Friday, May 13, 1870

"About 7:00 o'clock we left lower California, and entered Arizona; we crossed the Colorado River about 9:00 o'clock, on what they term here, a towboat, which however, is nothing but a raft. We were obliged to go over in the carriage as they did not wish to cross over a second time; having two spirited horses, two men held them by the bridle; and, as there was nothing on the opposite side to which the rope could be fastened, two men stood on the opposite bank, holding the ropes.

"As the horses sprang forward the raft floated back. At this, one of the horses fell on the raft, which is the only thing that saved us from a watery grave. The weight of the horse prevented the carriage from rolling into the river. There stood the carriage, with the Sisters, hanging over a depth of 17 feet of water. I saw the danger before it happened and jumped from the carriage. We merely escaped being drowned and ending our mission, and finishing our crown before reaching Arizona.

"But our Lord did not wish it -- we must labor longer, and assist in cultivating this barren portion of His vineyard. At 10:00 o'clock we reached Arizona City or Fort Yuma, where we received a most cordial welcome from good Father Francisco, V.G. of Tucson. [Father Francisco Jouvenceau was sent by Bishop Salpointe to meet the Sisters as soon as he received Reverend Mother's delayed letter. This delay accounts for the Sisters not having been met in San Diego.] We remained here three days, and had the inexpressible consolation of assisting at the Holy Sacrifice and receiving our dear Lord in Holy Communion, which imbued us with renewed strength and courage for the remainder of our journey. We had the pleasure of hearing a Spanish sermon for the first time. We were lodged with a good Mexican family.

"As some of our Sisters may be going there at some future day, a brief description of the place may not prove uninteresting. It is located at the junction of the Colorado and Gila Rivers, being much more conveniently situated than Tucson. It is said to be the hottest place in the United States, but has the advantage of having plenty of fresh water. Sand storms are frequent occurrences. The population consisting of Mexicans and Americans, number about 4,000; the latter having the majority.

"No schools have yet been established. They offered $200.00 per month if two of the Sisters would remain for a year, but were told by Father Francisco to first build a convent. The majority of the buildings are of adobe (sundried bricks). Lumber is very scarce and difficult to procure. There is but one Catholic Church. The first pastor, who was one of the priests who accompanied the bishop to Carondelet, was appointed last year (1869). The soil is fertile; but owing to the continual drought, agriculture is confined to those parts where irrigation is practicable. There is an almost inexhaustible supply of firewood. The Indians in the vicinity are peaceable.

"We left this place at sunrise and traveled until noon. The remainder of our journey was quite pleasant, having a comfortable covered carriage, good Father Francisco to guard us, a plentiful supply of provisions, etc. and a cook to prepare our meals. From this time forward we had our regular meals -- very good ones -- far better than we expected in such a wilderness. We had a tent to sleep under, but as it was rather small, some of us slept in the wagon on the seats. We traveled until 10:00 o'clock p.m.

"We started early in the morning and stopped at noon, on the banks of the Gila. We traveled 20 miles along this stream and took supper at a ranch where we remained during the night.

"When we were about to resume our journey, Mother started in advance of us for a walk. On coming to a place where the roads crossed, she took the wrong direction. After a short interval, not perceiving any traces of her we became alarmed for her safety. Father and Sister Ambrosia immediately started in pursuit. When the driver discovered her in the distance, he ran as fast as possible in order to overtake her and she, on perceiving a man running after her, and not recognizing him, ran too, with all her might.

"After her return, Father put her in penance, by making her ride in the carriage. Sister Martha accompanied her."

From Trek of the Seven Sisters: Diary of Sister Monica Corrigan