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30 September 1847 - Fr Jérôme Grange to Fr Jean-Claude Colin, Sydney

Based on the document sent, APM OP 458.2 Mission. trans. (1845-1860).


Translated by Mary Williamson, November 2011.


Sheet of paper forming four pages, two of which are written on, the third remaining blank, the fourth having only the address.


[p.4]
[Address]
France • Mr • Mr Colin junior • Saint Barthélemy Rise • Lyon.


[p.1]


Sydney 30th September 1847


My Very Reverend Father,
[1]
We have been in Sydney for several days, providence having led us here. We are a group of three Fathers, Frs Rougeyron, Roudaire and myself. We found ourselves in the greatest of danger when we were a group of fourteen people. The two Fathers wish to return to New Caledonia with just three people, taking with them a house made of iron, some canons and some rifles so as to be able to defend themselves if needs be. But I am morally certain that we will be obliged to make use of these arms or else be massacred ourselves; I do not feel that I can accompany them and if I had authority over them I believe it would my duty to stop them. As well, it will be necessary to borrow a considerable sum of money and I do not know how we could honour this loan. Without knowing if Bishop Douarre will be vicar apostolic and without knowing what funds he will have at his disposal, I am certain that Bishop Bataillon, the only legitimate authority at the moment, would oppose this proposition if he knew about it.
[2]
In the circumstances, were they to go to New Caledonia in this manner, we would need readily available help and I have no idea where this help could come from. Besides, I have waged war once out of necessity and find it extremely repugnant. I do not feel I have the courage to go and expose myself to the moral certitude of having to do it again. I do not believe that God would expect it of me. On the contrary, I sincerely believe that His will would oppose it. For all these reasons and many others, that I will tell you at another time and place, if I am not called elsewhere and if things remain in the state that they are in, I hope that you will allow me to return to France aboard the Arche d’ Alliance, which we expect in four of five months.
I have the honour to be,
My Very Reverend Father,
Your humble and obedient
servant and child,
Grange.


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