Jewels from Jane, March 1 (two)

Tucson, Arizona Territory, March 1, 1870

To the Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph

Madame:

I have the honor to write you these few words to announce to you that Monseigneur Salpointe is sending to you eight hundred piastres to help with the preliminary expense occasioned by the departure of your good Sisters whom you deign to send us. Bishop Salpointe must have told you in his letter of last week that this sum is going to you from here to San Francisco, and from there it will reach you.

I hope, therefore, that we will at last have the happiness so desired of having your dear Sisters come at the earliest possible date to Tucson to take charge of this interesting part of our population. I have no need to tell you that they will be welcomed. It is still feared that they will not come; hasten therefore as much as you can their departure, conforming however with the letter of His Excellency, who left last Saturday for Fort Yuma and should return for Holy Week.

Your devoted servant who recommends himself to your good prayers,

Theo Jouvenceau
Vicar General

Translation of letter written in French to Mother St. John Facemaz

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.

Jewels from Jane, May 26

Ascension Thursday, May 26, 1870

"When having passed, unharmed, through the most dangerous portion of our route, we returned fervent, heartfelt thanks to our good God, for our preservation. After refreshing ourselves with a cup of coffee, we continued until within fifteen miles of Tucson, when we stopped for a short rest.

"The citizens desired us to remain there all night, as they wished us to enter Tucson in daylight, where a grand reception was in preparation. After considerable reasoning, they became very enthusiastic over the matter, but Father finally succeeded in obtaining their consent for us to enter that night. Four men went in advance, with the joyful tidings of our arrival. We were expected about 6:00 o'clock p.m. and were afterwards informed that the ladies and children had stationed themselves on the housetops, being too modest to mix in the crowd with the men.

"At about three miles from the town we were met by the procession which was headed by four priests on horseback; but as we came in sight, they dismounted, and ran rather than walked to meet us; the crowd, in the meantime, discharging firearms.

"Before we reached the city, their number had increased to about three thousand; some discharging firearms, others bearing lighted torches; all walking in order, and heads uncovered. The city was illuminated -- fireworks in full play. Balls of combustible matter were thrown in the streets through which we passed; at each explosion Sister Euphrasia made the sign of the Cross.

"All the bells in the city were pealing forth their merriest strains. On reaching the convent we found our good Bishop in company of several ladies and gentlemen, awaiting our arrival.

"We feel truly grateful to these good people for their kind receptin, as it is a convincing testimony of their reverence of our holy faith. The Bishop conducted us to our dormitory; one of the priests brought us some water and, after arranging our toilet, the ladies ushered us into the refectory where a nice supper was prepared for us.

"When we had finished our repast, they departed, leaving us in quiet possession of our new home: 'St. Joseph's Convent, Tucson, Arizona.' Our first act was to return thanks to our merciful Lord, to our dear Mother, Mary, and likewise to our glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, for preserving us from the many and great dangers to which we were exposed for the love of Jesus and the salvation of souls.

"Now, that we are settled in our new home, we trust our good Sisters will continue to pray for us, recommending the success of our missions, our schools and our own spiritual welfare, to our dear Lord, to the end that we may labor earnestly to promote His greater glory, and have this, alone, in view, in all our undertakings.

Dear Reverend Mother and Sisters in Christ.
Sister Monica of the Sacred Heart

From Trek of the Seven Sisters: Diary of Sister Monica Corrigan, 1870

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

Jewels from Jane, May 8

"Next morning, May 8 [1870], feast of the Patronage of our Holy Father St. Joseph, we were determined to celebrate it the best way we could. After offering up our prayers, we formed a procession, going in advance of the wagon -- Mother walking in front, bearing a Spanish lily in her hand. We followed in solemn order and imagined ourselves in Egypt with St. Joseph as leader.

"At noon we came to a cool, shady place in which we rested. The ranch-man (a person who keeps refreshments, stable feed, etc., on the western plains), invited us to dinner. He offered us a good meal of all we could desire. There were several ranchmen there from the neighboring stations, but no women. There are few women in this country. After dinner they became very sociable. We retired to the stable, where our driver and only protector was, and they followed. Some of them proposed marriage to us, saying we would do better by accepting the offer than by going to Tucson, for we would all be massacred by the Indians. The simplicity and earnestness with which they spoke put indignation out of the question, as it was evident they meant no insult, but our good. They were all native Americans. For that afternoon we had amusement enough.

"We then resumed our journey. That evening we camped in a very damp place, made some tea, the only beverage we had. We then offered up our evening prayers and retired to rest. Mother, Sisters Ambrosia, Maxime and I mounted a rock; the other three went to the wagon. The night was very cold. I think there was frost.

"We had only one blanket between seven of us. Sister Martha and I had only light summer shawls; the others brought their winter ones along. Yet, we all kept up good spirits, being convinced that we were doing the divine will. We were much fatigued, and though hard the bed, and cold the night, we soon fell asleep.

"Between 2:00 and 3:00 o'clock in the morning we were startled from our sleep by an unearthly yell from Sister Martha, and one from the driver. We hastened to learn the matter. The Sisters in the wagon feeling cold concluded to kindle a fire to warm themselves. Although very dark, they set out in search of fuel, etc. to make it with, and finally succeeded in getting a few sticks and some dry leaves, and started out for more; but this time they had the advantage of a light from the fire. Sister Martha thought she saw a fine, large stick amongst the dry leaves, and eagerly grabbed it, and commenced pulling it towards the fire; when the leaves fell off, she perceived it was a man she had by the leg. She then yelled and he screamed, but only in mischief. It was the driver who was resting himself amongst the dry leaves.

"All were frightened, but none hurt. It was well that they did wake up, for we were almost stiff with the cold. After warming ourselves a little, we made some tea to refresh ourselves. We then recommended ourselves to our Heavenly Father and our dear Mother Mary and set out singing the 'Ave Maris Stella' and other hymns, as we went along."

Trek of the Seven Sisters: Diary of Sister Monica Corrigan

Jewels from Jane,April 30

Saturday, April 30 to Tuesday, May 3, 1870 Voyage to San Diego

"The good Sisters sent us to the boat in their carriage. We took passage on the steamer "Arizona." Captain Johnson, with his officers, treated us with every mark of respect and kindness. Mother was quite sick, and scarcely able to keep up until Monday. In the afternoon Sisters Euphrasia and Martha were seasick, but were quite well next day.

"With the exception of those little occurrences, we had a pleasant trip to San Diego, where we arrived safely on Tuesday morning, May 3. We stopped at a boarding house until Saturday, May 7, when we left in a private conveyance for Fort Yuma."

From Trek of the Seven Sisters by Sister Monica Corrigan

Jewels from Jane, April 28

Thursday, April 28, 1870 Kindness of the Sisters of Mercy

"Reverend Mother Gabriel took us to visit the Magdalen Asylum in the country. Mother [Emerentia Bonnefoy] was rather indisposed, and did not accompany us. Sister Martha [Peters] remained with her. The Sisters at the asylum were extremely kind to us. They wished to load us with provisions for our journey, but as we were inexperienced in these matters, did not think we would need them, and accepted only a few knick-knacks, just to please them. We were heartily sorry, when hungry in the desert, of not accepting their offering. We shall ever feel grateful to those good Sisters, who proved to us 'friends in need,' and lavished so much kindness upon us - they are truly worthy of their calling.

From "Trek of the Seven Sisters" - Sister Monica Corrigan's diary

Jewels from Jane, April 26

Tuesday, April 26, 1870 Obtained a Second Bed

"Breakfast at Elko, 1,037 miles from Omaha; the morning was warm and pleasant. There were a great many Indians at the depot; we threw them candy and it was really amusing to see these poor old creatures grabbing for it in the dust. Mr. Deobeck occasionally sent us apples, oranges, candy, etc. At noon we stopped at Battle Mountain, where we met Rev. F. Kelly, pastor of Austin, Nev. He invited us to dinner, which, indeed we needed badly, but Mother was afraid to leave the carpetbags, etc., so he had dinner sent in. At supper Sister Martha [Peters - lay sister] was rather indisposed, and the good priest brought her supper to the car. He was extremely kind. That night a lady offered us her bed; we then had two, which enabled us to get a little rest. When we retired at night, the heat was as oppressive as that of a St. Louis July; the mornings as cold as a Canadian March. In several places the railroad is protected by sheds to prevent snow from blocking up the tracks."

From "Trek of the Seven Sisters" – Sister Monica Corrigan’s diary

Jewels from Jane, April 25

Monday, April 25, 1870 Reached Salt Lake

"We took breakfast at Green River, 845 miles from Omaha. At Byrne we met Sister Andrew's brother Mr. Byrne, and delivered him the little messages of his sister. At 5 o'clock we passed the 'Thousand-mile tree,' so called from its being just 1,000 miles from Omaha. It stands at the entrance of the Devil's Gate, a very appropriately named place, with lofty mountains rising on each side of the tracks. The railroad winds through a narrow pass in the mountain, at the base of which the Weber River, an angry-looking stream, dashes along with frightful impetuosity. We crossed it eight times within the space of a quarter of an hour; it is probably from this difficulty in crossing that it has received its name. We changed at Ogden, a Mormon town of about 6,000 inhabitants. It lies between the Weber and Ogden rivers, 31 miles north of Salt Lake City, 1,032 miles from Omaha. Many of the Mormon houses are built like the tenement houses of the states; others are in groups of small houses in the same yard. They are a degraded-looking set of people; perhaps it is prejudice that makes me think so. Here we had the pleasure of meeting with kind friends in the person of Mr. Deobeck and lady of San Francisco, who did everything they could to make us comfortable. They tried to procure us beds but secured only one which Sister Hyacinth [Blanc] and I occupied. After sunset we passed Salt Lake as the railroad runs along its margin. The city is a beautiful place. On the left are flower gardens, shade and fruit trees covered with dense foliage, which relieves the scene on the right of barren mountains and bleak rocks, presenting in all a lovely prospect."

From “Trek of the Seven Sisters” – Sister Monica Corrigan’s diary

Attached picture is Sister Hyacinth Blanc

Jewels from Jane, April 23

Saturday, April 23, 1870 Final Good-Bye

"When we had had the consolation of hearing Mass, and receiving the Bishop's blessing, we went to the depot. Reverend Mother procured our tickets, refreshments and other conveniences for the journey. The dreaded moment of parting had almost arrived. That moment we shall never forget! We were all seated in the cars when she came in with her little purchases, and at the same time to say 'good-bye.' We then lost all self-control and wept bitterly after she left us, our eyes following until she entered the carriage and drove out of sight. The Arizona missionaries had made their first great sacrifice, in leaving their dear Mother! The same day we passed through the beautiful valley of La Platte; took supper at Clark's 121 miles from Omaha. Sister Ambrosia [Arnichaud] and I went out to purchase some tea. We received it as an alms and with it several mortifications. The cars were so densely crowded that night that we were unable to sleep.

From "Trek of the Seven Sisters" by Sister Monica Corrigan

The attachment shows a picture of the seven sisters.

Jewels from Jane, April 21

Thursday, April 21, 1870 On to Omaha

"We were kindly welcomed by our good Sisters, and had the pleasure of meeting there [in Kansas City] Mother Agatha [Guthrie], who had been sick, but was better then. We spent the day quite pleasantly. It again became our duty to say goodbye; but we were much encouraged on hearing that Rev. Mother St. John [Facemaz] had concluded to accompany us as far as Omaha, Nebraska. We took the cars at 7:00 p.m. and were comfortably seated, as the cars were new and clean, and but moderately filled. We changed cars during the night -- it was, indeed, a change in every respect, as the cars were filled with emigrants, crying children, etc. To conclude from the offensive atmosphere in the cars, they must have had any amount of spoiled chickens, eggs, cigars, etc. In this motley crowd we spent the remainder of our second night."

From Sister Monica Corrigan's diary - "Trek of the Seven Sisters"