Girard0944

6 October 1850 - Father Claude-André Baty to Father Jean-Claude Colin, Sydney

Translated by Peter McConnell, February 2011

J(esus) M(ary) J(oseph)

Procure of Sydney 6 Octob(er) 1850

Very Reverend and dearly loved Father,

[1]

I am sending this letter with Father Chaurain who is leaving on Tuesday morning on the Tasmania. As I always make mistakes, I am just making corrections to my previous letters on these two points. Firstly, more than a third of the land belonging to the Procurator Station is good soil. I think that we could get some advantage by cultivating half the property but after a considerable amount of work. Secondly, my weak health does not stop me carrying out my duties. I say this as I am afraid that you may have got the wrong impression.

[2]

I had also said that I was thinking about telling you, very Reverend Father, a few things about my new position, but after reflecting on that matter, I will limit myself to the following observations. I have no real taste for that kind of job and consequently, despite my meagre attempts, I am failing to fulfil that post; besides I think it is difficult finding a man having the ability and the taste for being a Procurator and who does not enjoy mundane ideas and conversation. Furthermore, it is only in the missions, such as I know them, that one is unable to improve in any way. We do not become capable of fulfilling the jobs of the Marist Order. I don’t need to belabour that point. Those who set out many years ago are scarcely in touch with the practices of the Marist Order. I am now waiting patiently for your instructions. I am ready to stay here as I am ready to go and become a teacher in New Zealand. May the holy will of God be done everywhere and that Mary is honoured and that is enough.

[3]

Very Reverend Father, accept the deepest respect of he who has the honour of being in Jesus and Mary

Your very humble and

very devoted and unworthy servant,

Baty