Girard0663 - Revision history

Merv at 22:15, 3 August 2017

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	=== Notes ===		=== Notes ===
	<references/>		<references/>

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			\|align=center \|[[Girard0662\|'''Previous Letter''']]\|\| align=center \| [[Contents#1847\|'''List of 1847 Letters''']] \|\| align=center \| [[Girard0664\|'''Next letter''']]
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Merv at 19:05, 12 November 2011

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	;[in Poupinel’s handwriting]: Sydney • Fr Rougeyron to Bishop Douarre.		;[in Poupinel’s handwriting]: Sydney • Fr Rougeyron to Bishop Douarre.




	::Sydney 22 September 1847		::Sydney 22 September 1847

Merv at 19:04, 12 November 2011

2011-11-12T19:04:40Z

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	;[13]: The following day, after having said Holy Mass, I [-- --] went to see the chief to talk with him. Fr Grange said to me that I should not expose myself because he felt it would be dangerous; I could feel it myself too; but all the same it was necessary for me to visit him to win him over; off I went. As I was leaving our courtyard, a young Christian called Marie came and warned me to not go any further or I would be killed; I just laughed at this warning and proceeded on my way, but not without feeling some fear before arriving at [--] of the chief Bouéone. A child rushed towards me and gravely, with a mysterious air, asked me where I was going. To the chief’s place, I replied; there are a lot of people there, so much the better; but, added the child, what are you going to do there, he is not sick. I am going to see him just as he comes to see me from time to time in Pouébo. Don’t go there, my little well wisher seemed to be saying. He pitied me, he wished to save my life by deterring me from my visit, but at the same time he did not wish to compromise himself in the eyes of the chief and this was why he was not speaking to me frankly. I was seized with fear. I would have turned back if I had dared, but I was being observed by the natives. So I advanced, giving the appearance of a man who was totally calm and well received and entered the first courtyard. I saw no one and there was total silence. I entered the second. To my great astonishment I found more than twenty warriors armed and ready to fight. I asked if I could enter and speak to them; they all said yes. I went and seated myself beside the chief, but no one uttered a word. Why this silence, I asked them, this is not the way you have treated me before, when I have come amongst you. Are you then [?] not [--] with we who have been living here on your land for three years [-- --] for you? Ah! Well! I said, without hesitating further, what did you do to Fr Grange yesterday, what harm has he done to you, that you came to attack him? He has only ever done good for you and you have the ingratitude to gravely offend him [?]. Ah! What is Epikopo going to say when he hears about your behaviour? He will no longer wish to come amongst you, as you are bad; but we will forget everything; make peace and I will not say anything to Epikopo. He will still love you. After these few words and a few more [-- --], they replied to me in various ways to exonerate themselves.		;[13]: The following day, after having said Holy Mass, I [-- --] went to see the chief to talk with him. Fr Grange said to me that I should not expose myself because he felt it would be dangerous; I could feel it myself too; but all the same it was necessary for me to visit him to win him over; off I went. As I was leaving our courtyard, a young Christian called Marie came and warned me to not go any further or I would be killed; I just laughed at this warning and proceeded on my way, but not without feeling some fear before arriving at [--] of the chief Bouéone. A child rushed towards me and gravely, with a mysterious air, asked me where I was going. To the chief’s place, I replied; there are a lot of people there, so much the better; but, added the child, what are you going to do there, he is not sick. I am going to see him just as he comes to see me from time to time in Pouébo. Don’t go there, my little well wisher seemed to be saying. He pitied me, he wished to save my life by deterring me from my visit, but at the same time he did not wish to compromise himself in the eyes of the chief and this was why he was not speaking to me frankly. I was seized with fear. I would have turned back if I had dared, but I was being observed by the natives. So I advanced, giving the appearance of a man who was totally calm and well received and entered the first courtyard. I saw no one and there was total silence. I entered the second. To my great astonishment I found more than twenty warriors armed and ready to fight. I asked if I could enter and speak to them; they all said yes. I went and seated myself beside the chief, but no one uttered a word. Why this silence, I asked them, this is not the way you have treated me before, when I have come amongst you. Are you then [?] not [--] with we who have been living here on your land for three years [-- --] for you? Ah! Well! I said, without hesitating further, what did you do to Fr Grange yesterday, what harm has he done to you, that you came to attack him? He has only ever done good for you and you have the ingratitude to gravely offend him [?]. Ah! What is Epikopo going to say when he hears about your behaviour? He will no longer wish to come amongst you, as you are bad; but we will forget everything; make peace and I will not say anything to Epikopo. He will still love you. After these few words and a few more [-- --], they replied to me in various ways to exonerate themselves.

	;[14]: I [--] to say as the result was [-- --] they would make peace and return the stolen goods. After that, they made me fairly welcome and I took leave of them. I took this good news to Fr Grange and it raised his spirits a little, as they were submerged in sadness. Shortly after, I see emerging from the house of the chief, one of the most evil inhabitants of Pouébo, named Pöau. Knowing that I would have to return to Pouébo, he came to offer to accompany me. I would have dearly loved not to have him as a companion, but to send him away would have been impossible and even harmful; so I had to accept. I could not delay my departure any longer. I was very worried about the establishment at Pouébo. After having said goodbye to the Father and made the sacrifice of [--] at the feet [?] of the Holy Altar, I set out again for Pouébo with my unpleasant guide and two other savages who were no better than him. However one thing reassured me, it was my faithful Louis <ref> Louis Tadinan, young Caledonian catechist (cf. [[Girard0486\|doc. 486]], § 23-30; [[Girard0674\|674]], § 19; [[~~Girard0878~~\|870]], § 11). </ref> who was watching over me. As [?] my guides were armed with spears and clubs, I made them walk in front of me with Louis behind, but Pöau, under various pretexts, left the place that I had assigned him and almost continually appeared alongside me, brandishing him spears. I was not too reassured by this behaviour; but I was even less so when I learned, on the way, that this guide had received orders from Bouéone to kill me during our journey. From this moment on I had my eye on my executioner and I asked my little catechist to keep watch too. Above all I commended myself to Mary; all my confidence was in this kindly Mother, for I was alone and without arms; I only had my Bible.		;[14]: I [--] to say as the result was [-- --] they would make peace and return the stolen goods. After that, they made me fairly welcome and I took leave of them. I took this good news to Fr Grange and it raised his spirits a little, as they were submerged in sadness. Shortly after, I see emerging from the house of the chief, one of the most evil inhabitants of Pouébo, named Pöau. Knowing that I would have to return to Pouébo, he came to offer to accompany me. I would have dearly loved not to have him as a companion, but to send him away would have been impossible and even harmful; so I had to accept. I could not delay my departure any longer. I was very worried about the establishment at Pouébo. After having said goodbye to the Father and made the sacrifice of [--] at the feet [?] of the Holy Altar, I set out again for Pouébo with my unpleasant guide and two other savages who were no better than him. However one thing reassured me, it was my faithful Louis <ref> Louis Tadinan, young Caledonian catechist (cf. [[Girard0486\|doc. 486]], § 23-30; [[Girard0674\|674]], § 19; [[Girard0870\|870]], § 11). </ref> who was watching over me. As [?] my guides were armed with spears and clubs, I made them walk in front of me with Louis behind, but Pöau, under various pretexts, left the place that I had assigned him and almost continually appeared alongside me, brandishing him spears. I was not too reassured by this behaviour; but I was even less so when I learned, on the way, that this guide had received orders from Bouéone to kill me during our journey. From this moment on I had my eye on my executioner and I asked my little catechist to keep watch too. Above all I commended myself to Mary; all my confidence was in this kindly Mother, for I was alone and without arms; I only had my Bible.

	;[15]: To crown my misfortunes, on arriving at the village of the deceased Alexis, I found the entire Pouma [?] tribe to be armed. In following my [-- -- --], I had to pass through this crowd of savage enemies. To go another way would have been to show that I was afraid so the decision was made for me. So I followed my original route, but slowly, like someone who believed he was going to his death. As usual, I put myself in the hands of providence, which had served me so well up until now. Nevertheless, I made a good act of contrition just to be especially sure. Without counting the women and children there were more than three hundred armed savages, ready to fight a pointless battle. On approaching them I was again b[--] [--]ny and addressed a few pleasant words to them to which some of them replied. I was just going to converse with these particular men when suddenly a chief, (Oando) with an air both menacing and [--] shouted these words at me: Get out of here fast; these words made me freeze with fear. I fully understood that they were going to attack me with spears and clubs. I made sure that I did not need to have this advice repeated to me twice; without saying a thing I fled and this time my legs carried me faster than I wished, which also caused me great fear. For, [?] some distance from there, on turning around, I could no longer see my guide. We were now only two, me and my little Louis. We were striding ahead when we saw our guide rushing up [--] at full speed; he called out to me to wait for him; on the contrary I redoubled my pace, but it was useless. He caught up with me, complaining of my lack of trust. Why did you not follow me immediately, I said to him, why did you talk for such a long time with these folk from Baïao who want to harm us? You are friendly with them, so therefore you too are our enemy; no Father, he replied swiftly, they were exhorting me to kill you, but I did not want to, because I love you. This avowal f[--], even though followed by protestations of friendship, did not reassure me very much. It was [--]. We now had only the faintest twilight to light our way in the middle of these vast plains and still there remained at least two miles of our route to cover [?]. I had to admit to a certain anxiety over the critical position in which I found myself. Here is the expedient that I took; pretending to believe in the good faith of my guide, I spoke to him in the most flattering manner that I could; when he seemed to be convinced by my trickery I asked him, as a friend, to find me a few coconuts to give me something to drink; he hesitated a moment, but finally decided to go and do it. During this time I did not remain idle; I ran as far as I was able. Poau arrived with the coconuts, but by then I was out of danger. I could see the house. Everything had been peaceful at the Pouébo settlement during my absence. I made everyone shudder [?] when I related my adventures, and I myself was so astounded afterwards that it seemed to me like a dream.		;[15]: To crown my misfortunes, on arriving at the village of the deceased Alexis, I found the entire Pouma [?] tribe to be armed. In following my [-- -- --], I had to pass through this crowd of savage enemies. To go another way would have been to show that I was afraid so the decision was made for me. So I followed my original route, but slowly, like someone who believed he was going to his death. As usual, I put myself in the hands of providence, which had served me so well up until now. Nevertheless, I made a good act of contrition just to be especially sure. Without counting the women and children there were more than three hundred armed savages, ready to fight a pointless battle. On approaching them I was again b[--] [--]ny and addressed a few pleasant words to them to which some of them replied. I was just going to converse with these particular men when suddenly a chief, (Oando) with an air both menacing and [--] shouted these words at me: Get out of here fast; these words made me freeze with fear. I fully understood that they were going to attack me with spears and clubs. I made sure that I did not need to have this advice repeated to me twice; without saying a thing I fled and this time my legs carried me faster than I wished, which also caused me great fear. For, [?] some distance from there, on turning around, I could no longer see my guide. We were now only two, me and my little Louis. We were striding ahead when we saw our guide rushing up [--] at full speed; he called out to me to wait for him; on the contrary I redoubled my pace, but it was useless. He caught up with me, complaining of my lack of trust. Why did you not follow me immediately, I said to him, why did you talk for such a long time with these folk from Baïao who want to harm us? You are friendly with them, so therefore you too are our enemy; no Father, he replied swiftly, they were exhorting me to kill you, but I did not want to, because I love you. This avowal f[--], even though followed by protestations of friendship, did not reassure me very much. It was [--]. We now had only the faintest twilight to light our way in the middle of these vast plains and still there remained at least two miles of our route to cover [?]. I had to admit to a certain anxiety over the critical position in which I found myself. Here is the expedient that I took; pretending to believe in the good faith of my guide, I spoke to him in the most flattering manner that I could; when he seemed to be convinced by my trickery I asked him, as a friend, to find me a few coconuts to give me something to drink; he hesitated a moment, but finally decided to go and do it. During this time I did not remain idle; I ran as far as I was able. Poau arrived with the coconuts, but by then I was out of danger. I could see the house. Everything had been peaceful at the Pouébo settlement during my absence. I made everyone shudder [?] when I related my adventures, and I myself was so astounded afterwards that it seemed to me like a dream.

Merv: /* 22 September 1847 – Fr Pierre Rougeyron to Bishop Guillaume Douarre, Sydney */

2011-11-12T08:35:02Z

22 September 1847 – Fr Pierre Rougeyron to Bishop Guillaume Douarre, Sydney

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:35, 12 November 2011
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	;[2]: Nevertheless, beforehand, to console you, I think I should let you know that we are not at all discouraged. As far as I am concerned, these events have simply affirmed my vocation. Rev. Frs Roudaire and Grange are willing to go with me to found a new community elsewhere. New Caledonia will probably once again be the place we go to, to water the soil with our sweat or even our blood; nevertheless do not fret, we will be cautious and if, after having taken all the necessary precautions to establish ourselves there, we become aware of danger, we will remove ourselves elsewhere. I would very much like to have at least a pied-a-terre for you when you arrive. Our intention now is to settle ourselves at Port St Vincent, but when you arrive, My Lord, we will perhaps be able to return to Pouébo and Hienguène, if you think it suitable. I think that, after a time, we will find people there who are very willing to accept us, perhaps the mission might even succeed there. Our three years work amongst these tribes is not at all wasted in my opinion. As well, I am confident that these words: sanguis martyrum, sanguis christianorum, <ref> Cf. Tertullien, Apologétique, 50, 13: “Semen est sanguis Christianorum”.</ref> will be fulfilled in New Caledonia, as they have been in Futuna and elsewhere. In any case, we will write to you as often as possible to let you know what is happening and where we are. If you have already set out without having heard this news, you will find some letters at Valparaiso, but the best thing would be to go directly to Sydney, where we will send all our letters.		;[2]: Nevertheless, beforehand, to console you, I think I should let you know that we are not at all discouraged. As far as I am concerned, these events have simply affirmed my vocation. Rev. Frs Roudaire and Grange are willing to go with me to found a new community elsewhere. New Caledonia will probably once again be the place we go to, to water the soil with our sweat or even our blood; nevertheless do not fret, we will be cautious and if, after having taken all the necessary precautions to establish ourselves there, we become aware of danger, we will remove ourselves elsewhere. I would very much like to have at least a pied-a-terre for you when you arrive. Our intention now is to settle ourselves at Port St Vincent, but when you arrive, My Lord, we will perhaps be able to return to Pouébo and Hienguène, if you think it suitable. I think that, after a time, we will find people there who are very willing to accept us, perhaps the mission might even succeed there. Our three years work amongst these tribes is not at all wasted in my opinion. As well, I am confident that these words: sanguis martyrum, sanguis christianorum, <ref> Cf. Tertullien, Apologétique, 50, 13: “Semen est sanguis Christianorum”.</ref> will be fulfilled in New Caledonia, as they have been in Futuna and elsewhere. In any case, we will write to you as often as possible to let you know what is happening and where we are. If you have already set out without having heard this news, you will find some letters at Valparaiso, but the best thing would be to go directly to Sydney, where we will send all our letters.

	;[3]: Only bring from France what is necessary, Bishop, some wine, some clothing and some ~~article~~ of exchange for the natives. These are more of less the only things necessary for the moment. As for flour, if you pass through Sydney, you will find it fresh and at a lesser price than in France. A few firearms could be useful. If you bring a large number of people to found a small colony, you could bring whatever you wish; there would be no danger of being pillaged, but if you have only missionaries, leave everything that is not a strict necessity at the procurator’s office in Sydney.		;[3]: Only bring from France what is necessary, Bishop, some wine, some clothing and some articles of exchange for the natives. These are more or less the only things necessary for the moment. As for flour, if you pass through Sydney, you will find it fresh and at a lesser price than in France. A few firearms could be useful. If you bring a large number of people to found a small colony, you could bring whatever you wish; there would be no danger of being pillaged, but if you have only missionaries, leave everything that is not a strict necessity at the procurator’s office in Sydney.

	;[4]: We have received news of you from overseas sources. For more than two years now I have not received a single letter from France. Mr Marceau is in a very awkward position and there has been no letter either from Mr Marziou <ref> Michel-Victor Marziou, head of the French Society of Oceania in Havre. (cf. Wiltgen, p. 3000, 455). </ref>. since he left for France; it is rather discouraging. What will happen if such an inexplicable silence continues; it will mean that the missionaries, when they return, will no longer send any news and the mission will suffer for it in every respect. Please then Bishop, bring this matter to the attention of the Father Superior, as it is more important than you would think. It is essential for us to be somewhat up to date with what is happening in Europe. Please write via London and in four months we will receive your letters. Please write often, in fact very often.		;[4]: We have received news of you from overseas sources. For more than two years now I have not received a single letter from France. Mr Marceau is in a very awkward position and there has been no letter either from Mr Marziou <ref> Michel-Victor Marziou, head of the French Society of Oceania in Havre. (cf. Wiltgen, p. 3000, 455). </ref>. since he left for France; it is rather discouraging. What will happen if such an inexplicable silence continues; it will mean that the missionaries, when they return, will no longer send any news and the mission will suffer for it in every respect. Please then Bishop, bring this matter to the attention of the Father Superior, as it is more important than you would think. It is essential for us to be somewhat up to date with what is happening in Europe. Please write via London and in four months we will receive your letters. Please write often, in fact very often.
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	;[15]: To crown my misfortunes, on arriving at the village of the deceased Alexis, I found the entire Pouma [?] tribe to be armed. In following my [-- -- --], I had to pass through this crowd of savage enemies. To go another way would have been to show that I was afraid so the decision was made for me. So I followed my original route, but slowly, like someone who believed he was going to his death. As usual, I put myself in the hands of providence, which had served me so well up until now. Nevertheless, I made a good act of contrition just to be especially sure. Without counting the women and children there were more than three hundred armed savages, ready to fight a pointless battle. On approaching them I was again b[--] [--]ny and addressed a few pleasant words to them to which some of them replied. I was just going to converse with these particular men when suddenly a chief, (Oando) with an air both menacing and [--] shouted these words at me: Get out of here fast; these words made me freeze with fear. I fully understood that they were going to attack me with spears and clubs. I made sure that I did not need to have this advice repeated to me twice; without saying a thing I fled and this time my legs carried me faster than I wished, which also caused me great fear. For, [?] some distance from there, on turning around, I could no longer see my guide. We were now only two, me and my little Louis. We were striding ahead when we saw our guide rushing up [--] at full speed; he called out to me to wait for him; on the contrary I redoubled my pace, but it was useless. He caught up with me, complaining of my lack of trust. Why did you not follow me immediately, I said to him, why did you talk for such a long time with these folk from Baïao who want to harm us? You are friendly with them, so therefore you too are our enemy; no Father, he replied swiftly, they were exhorting me to kill you, but I did not want to, because I love you. This avowal f[--], even though followed by protestations of friendship, did not reassure me very much. It was [--]. We now had only the faintest twilight to light our way in the middle of these vast plains and still there remained at least two miles of our route to cover [?]. I had to admit to a certain anxiety over the critical position in which I found myself. Here is the expedient that I took; pretending to believe in the good faith of my guide, I spoke to him in the most flattering manner that I could; when he seemed to be convinced by my trickery I asked him, as a friend, to find me a few coconuts to give me something to drink; he hesitated a moment, but finally decided to go and do it. During this time I did not remain idle; I ran as far as I was able. Poau arrived with the coconuts, but by then I was out of danger. I could see the house. Everything had been peaceful at the Pouébo settlement during my absence. I made everyone shudder [?] when I related my adventures, and I myself was so astounded afterwards that it seemed to me like a dream.		;[15]: To crown my misfortunes, on arriving at the village of the deceased Alexis, I found the entire Pouma [?] tribe to be armed. In following my [-- -- --], I had to pass through this crowd of savage enemies. To go another way would have been to show that I was afraid so the decision was made for me. So I followed my original route, but slowly, like someone who believed he was going to his death. As usual, I put myself in the hands of providence, which had served me so well up until now. Nevertheless, I made a good act of contrition just to be especially sure. Without counting the women and children there were more than three hundred armed savages, ready to fight a pointless battle. On approaching them I was again b[--] [--]ny and addressed a few pleasant words to them to which some of them replied. I was just going to converse with these particular men when suddenly a chief, (Oando) with an air both menacing and [--] shouted these words at me: Get out of here fast; these words made me freeze with fear. I fully understood that they were going to attack me with spears and clubs. I made sure that I did not need to have this advice repeated to me twice; without saying a thing I fled and this time my legs carried me faster than I wished, which also caused me great fear. For, [?] some distance from there, on turning around, I could no longer see my guide. We were now only two, me and my little Louis. We were striding ahead when we saw our guide rushing up [--] at full speed; he called out to me to wait for him; on the contrary I redoubled my pace, but it was useless. He caught up with me, complaining of my lack of trust. Why did you not follow me immediately, I said to him, why did you talk for such a long time with these folk from Baïao who want to harm us? You are friendly with them, so therefore you too are our enemy; no Father, he replied swiftly, they were exhorting me to kill you, but I did not want to, because I love you. This avowal f[--], even though followed by protestations of friendship, did not reassure me very much. It was [--]. We now had only the faintest twilight to light our way in the middle of these vast plains and still there remained at least two miles of our route to cover [?]. I had to admit to a certain anxiety over the critical position in which I found myself. Here is the expedient that I took; pretending to believe in the good faith of my guide, I spoke to him in the most flattering manner that I could; when he seemed to be convinced by my trickery I asked him, as a friend, to find me a few coconuts to give me something to drink; he hesitated a moment, but finally decided to go and do it. During this time I did not remain idle; I ran as far as I was able. Poau arrived with the coconuts, but by then I was out of danger. I could see the house. Everything had been peaceful at the Pouébo settlement during my absence. I made everyone shudder [?] when I related my adventures, and I myself was so astounded afterwards that it seemed to me like a dream.



	;[16]: This individual, Bishop, had behaved in an inexplicable fashion. In my opinion he was, I am sure, the main leader of the attack; on the one hand, it was he who organised all the preparations for the attack; on the other hand it was he too who came each day, in secret, to warn me of the tricks they were going to employ to take us by surprise and at the same time suggested the means for foiling these plots, which I have always employed with good results. Everything that this extraordinary man told me took place exactly to the letter. You should know, Bishop, that this savage is the one who snatched an axe from the hands of Brother Blaise and the same one who made me disarm Brother Jean at Pouébo.		;[16]: This individual, Bishop, had behaved in an inexplicable fashion. In my opinion he was, I am sure, the main leader of the attack; on the one hand, it was he who organised all the preparations for the attack; on the other hand it was he too who came each day, in secret, to warn me of the tricks they were going to employ to take us by surprise and at the same time suggested the means for foiling these plots, which I have always employed with good results. Everything that this extraordinary man told me took place exactly to the letter. You should know, Bishop, that this savage is the one who snatched an axe from the hands of Brother Blaise and the same one who made me disarm Brother Jean at Pouébo.
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	;[28]: I would have also perhaps been able to set fire to the [--] in Pouébo, so that the white men would not be tricked; but on the one hand I was afraid that the sight of another fire would excite the natives more and more [-- --] us, and that we would be obliged to kill them or be killed ourselves, as we could not set fire there except when no one [--] all ashore; on the other hand, [--] I counted on leaving them the house, which we could take over again later. I hoped this gesture of confidence would win them over and that we could withdraw; they did not leave [?] despite that to attack us. I learned later that the savages were not all united, the [--] large [?] numbers, but [--] nevertheless the majority had pleaded in our favour and had formally rejected the attack.		;[28]: I would have also perhaps been able to set fire to the [--] in Pouébo, so that the white men would not be tricked; but on the one hand I was afraid that the sight of another fire would excite the natives more and more [-- --] us, and that we would be obliged to kill them or be killed ourselves, as we could not set fire there except when no one [--] all ashore; on the other hand, [--] I counted on leaving them the house, which we could take over again later. I hoped this gesture of confidence would win them over and that we could withdraw; they did not leave [?] despite that to attack us. I learned later that the savages were not all united, the [--] large [?] numbers, but [--] nevertheless the majority had pleaded in our favour and had formally rejected the attack.

	;[29]: As, because of this house, there was still some danger for the Europeans, we left several letters with the Christians, with Michel in the tribe at Pouma and with Grégoire in the tribe at Mouélébé, <ref> Téa Mouélébé (Moulede), tribe of the Pouébo region (cf. [[Girard0674\|doc. 674]], § 14). </ref>, so that they could take them promptly to the captain of the ship. We also begged Mr Dubouzé to spare the life of [--]. <ref> The Marquis Eugène du Bouzet, ship’s captain, captain of the ''Brillante'' (cf. [[Girard0674\|doc. 674]], § 23-26; also [[Girard0133\|doc.133]], § 2,n.2). </ref>. As well, knowing that Mr Marceau should pass by Anatome before arriving in New Caledonia, [--] captain of the ''Brillante'' had been kind enough to [--] so as to leave there for us [-- --] a letter with all these warnings [?]. We did not think [?] that he might [--] an accident, or at least if [--] [--] still [?] [--] not [?] our fault. These savages do not hate us, they only want what we have in the way of food supplies and goods; but [--] they know that they cannot have these things except by killing us; they have not retreated in the face of [--]. Now they may fear that the ships that they see in Caledonia come to take revenge for [--] alone and keep the secret of what might happen. My opinion of [--] is that we could return when it seems suitable and that these people would receive us kindly. We [--] find our friends and as well, our enemies, having made some salutary reflections, would be more manageable. I long to return and I hope that the mission will not have lost any ground because of our flight, except in the material sense. Bad as they may be, these savages of New Caledonia, I cannot help loving them, I believe there is good to be done		;[29]: As, because of this house, there was still some danger for the Europeans, we left several letters with the Christians, with Michel in the tribe at Pouma and with Grégoire in the tribe at Mouélébé, <ref> Téa Mouélébé (Moulede), tribe of the Pouébo region (cf. [[Girard0674\|doc. 674]], § 14). </ref>, so that they could take them promptly to the captain of the ship. We also begged Mr Dubouzé to spare the life of [--]. <ref> The Marquis Eugène du Bouzet, ship’s captain, captain of the ''Brillante'' (cf. [[Girard0674\|doc. 674]], § 23-26; also [[Girard0133\|doc.133]], § 2,n.2). </ref>. As well, knowing that Mr Marceau should pass by Anatome before arriving in New Caledonia, [--] captain of the ''Brillante'' had been kind enough to [--] so as to leave there for us [-- --] a letter with all these warnings [?]. We did not think [?] that he might [--] an accident, or at least if [--] [--] still [?] [--] not [?] our fault. These savages do not hate us, they only want what we have in the way of food supplies and goods; but [--] they know that they cannot have these things except by killing us; they have not retreated in the face of [--]. Now they may fear that the ships that they see in Caledonia come to take revenge for [--] alone and keep the secret of what might happen. My opinion of [--] is that we could return when it seems suitable and that these people would receive us kindly. We [--] find our friends and as well, our enemies, having made some salutary reflections, would be more manageable. I long to return and I hope that the mission will not have lost any ground because of our flight, except in the material sense. Bad as they may be, these savages of New Caledonia, I cannot help loving them, I believe there is good to be done [-- --]; I know that patience, courage and even serious trials will be necessary, but is not the glory of the missionaries in these things? I have certainly suffered somewhat, but these sufferings are not yet [?] as great as I had anticipated. Then there so many blessings, so many consolations in the sufferings that it [?] [--] more in the distance than up close [--]. Be assured, none of us is discouraged. The only thing we long for now is the moment when we can return to the mission. We are determined to return to New Caledonia, not to Ballade, but perhaps to [-- --] part [?] [-- --]; if you send us assistance, we will be able [--] to Pouébo if there is no danger. We do not want to be fearful, but we do want to be prudent. Fr Roudaire has not gone to Valparaiso, as I said in my last letter. His dislike of the English has not diminished much. Fr Grange is not willing to come. Bernard <ref> Read Bertrand. That is Br Bertrand ( Claude Besselles).</ref> and Auguste [-- --] [--]. Jean is doing well in Sydney, we are quite happy with him; his character has changed a little.
	[-- --]; I know that patience, courage and even serious trials will be necessary, but is not the glory of the missionaries in these things? I have certainly suffered somewhat, but these sufferings are not yet [?] as great as I had anticipated. Then there so many blessings, so many consolations in the sufferings that it [?] [--] more in the distance than up close [--]. Be assured, none of us is discouraged. The only thing we long for now is the moment when we can return to the mission. We are determined to return to New Caledonia, not to Ballade, but perhaps to [-- --] part [?] [-- --]; if you send us assistance, we will be able [--] to Pouébo if there is no danger. We do not want to be fearful, but we do want to be prudent. Fr Roudaire has not gone to Valparaiso, as I said in my last letter. His dislike of the English has not diminished much. Fr Grange is not willing to come. Bernard <ref> Read Bertrand. That is Br Bertrand ( Claude Besselles).</ref> and Auguste [-- --] [--]. Jean is doing well in Sydney, we are quite happy with him; his character has changed a little.

	;[30]: I repeat what I [-- --], only bring things that are indispensable. Other things would only be more detrimental than useful at the beginning [?]. Above all one excellent thing to do would be, if you think it suitable, to arrange with Mr Marziou to transport to Caledonia a blessed gift, that is to say some children who are orphans [-- -- -- --]. I hear that there is a priest in charge of a number of [--] such children who would like to establish [?] them in the islands of Oceania. Which island would be the most suitable [-- --], I [--] and let us know all about it, but [?] [-- --] we have the good fortune to have you in France; no one that [-- --] would be able to do that if the French Society had any life in it, it should [--] them in these circumstances. It is a fine undertaking to carry out for the benefit of these [?] children, who would establish themselves [-- --] on that beautiful island and above all it would favour the mission which has needed [-- --] young people [?] physical strength for a long time. The food shortage that exists in Europe would perhaps make it possible to find several families who [-- --] emigrate, but we fear that you would be restricted, on the other hand, by monetary considerations. Anyhow let us pray frequently, doing all that we can to succeed, then after that, do not pity [?] us any more [--]. There [--] only what the Good Lord wishes.		;[30]: I repeat what I [-- --], only bring things that are indispensable. Other things would only be more detrimental than useful at the beginning [?]. Above all one excellent thing to do would be, if you think it suitable, to arrange with Mr Marziou to transport to Caledonia a blessed gift, that is to say some children who are orphans [-- -- -- --]. I hear that there is a priest in charge of a number of [--] such children who would like to establish [?] them in the islands of Oceania. Which island would be the most suitable [-- --], I [--] and let us know all about it, but [?] [-- --] we have the good fortune to have you in France; no one that [-- --] would be able to do that if the French Society had any life in it, it should [--] them in these circumstances. It is a fine undertaking to carry out for the benefit of these [?] children, who would establish themselves [-- --] on that beautiful island and above all it would favour the mission which has needed [-- --] young people [?] physical strength for a long time. The food shortage that exists in Europe would perhaps make it possible to find several families who [-- --] emigrate, but we fear that you would be restricted, on the other hand, by monetary considerations. Anyhow let us pray frequently, doing all that we can to succeed, then after that, do not pity [?] us any more [--]. There [--] only what the Good Lord wishes.

Merv: Created page with "==22 September 1847 – Fr Pierre Rougeyron to Bishop Guillaume Douarre, Sydney== ''Based on the document sent, APM ONC 208 Rougeyron. '' ''Translated by Mary Williamson, Oct..."

2011-11-12T08:28:02Z

Created page with "==22 September 1847 – Fr Pierre Rougeyron to Bishop Guillaume Douarre, Sydney== ''Based on the document sent, APM ONC 208 Rougeyron. '' ''Translated by Mary Williamson, Oct..."

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