Lives of the Catholic heroes and heroines of America

Front matter

V

LIVES

OF THE

Preface

It was on Friday, October 12th, 1492, that Christopher Columbus first stepped on the shores of the New World. He was the pioneer of a long line of Catholic Heroes and Heroines, some of whom I have attempted to sketch in the present volume. It would, indeed, be easy to add to my list. But the names I give are representative. I have aimed to be just in selecting. I have chiefly sought those whose lives exhibit great virtue, heroism, and lofty achievements.

Nor are the names chosen in any spirit of narrowness either as to nationality or profession. Of the twenty-four famous personages given, four were Americans, ten were French, three were Spanish, three were Irish, one was a Belgian, one a Russian, one an Italian, and one a native of England.

Two were Archbishops, two Bishops, five Missionaries, one a Parish Priest, one an Admiral, two Generals, one a Commodore, four Religious Ladies, four Explorers, one a Lady who belonged to no Religious Society, and one a Lawyer and Statesman — thus making in all ten ecclesiastics, four religious, and ten lay persons.

I hope the work, in spite of many short-comings, will be found to combine variety, interest, and instruction. The Catholic discoverers, explorers, and missionaries of America were men unsur* passed in all that constitutes heroic greatness. The perusal of their lives cannot fail to elevate the mind, and give a healthy stimulus to deeds of virtue.

“Where’er a noble deed is wrought,

Where’er is spoken a noble thought.

Our hearts in glad surprise To higher levels rise.”

In all my statements, I have labored to be accurate. I have made it a point to consult the best authorities available, and of these I have not hesitated to make a free use. My chief sources of infor* mation are indicated in the foot-notes at the beginning of each Life,

I take great pleasure in acknowledging my special indebtedness

V

VI

PREFACE.

to the works of Francis ParKinan. His writings abound in exquisite scenes and touching narratives , presented in a style at once surpassingly graphtc, picturesque, and beautiful. This, together with the fact that Mr. Parkman does not belong to our Faith, makes his testimony doubly valuable, as an eloquent and impartial authority.

For kind courtesies rendered during the preparation of this volume, I return my warm thanks to Mr. Francis Parkman, Boston; Rev. Father Walther H. Hill, S. J. , of the St. Louis University; Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia; Messrs, (i. P. Putnam's Sons, New York; Mr. Lawrence Kehoe , New York; Mr. James Sheehy, New York; Rev. Maurice Hickey, Brooklyn, L. I.; Rev. Mother St. George, of the Ursuline Convent, Quebec; Rev. Sister St. Josephine, Villa Maria, Montreal; Rev. Mother Leahy of the Hotel Dieu, Kingston, Canada; and Peter Jerome Curren, A. M., M. D., Flatbush, L. I.

With these brief remarks , I venture to Introduce the “Lives of the Catholic Heroes and Heroines of America," to the reading public. John o’Kane Murray.

Brooklyn, L. I., July 4th, 1879.

turn

Dedication

Preface ....

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.

Chapter I. From Infancy To Manhood

The parents and birth of Columbus — School-days — Early life and adreti* tures — Appearance, manners and character — Marriage. . . .11

chapter II. THE STRUGGLES OF GENIUS

Columbus and Alphonso V. — The growth of a great idea — Basis of Columbus’ theory — Dr. Toscanelli and Columbus — His difBcultiea— Visits his native-city and his Father — Portugal treats him meanly — Death of his wife, Dona Felippa — Directs his steps to Spain — Father Perez and Doctor Hernandez — The Convent of La Rabida — Columbus at the Spanish Court — Father de Talavara — Second marriage of Columbus — Hie letter to King Ferdinand — Interview with the Spanish Sovereigns — The Junta of Salamanca — His Dominican Friends — The Moorish War^- Ferdinand aod Isabella — He never despairs of success — T? e fall of Granada— He is about to leave Spain — The turn of Fortune — Isabella becomes his patron — The terms of agreement — Final preparations . SI

Chapter III. The Path That Led To A New World

Obstacles in the way of preparation — Great services of Father Perez—

The Pinzons — The three vessels — Religious preparations — Scenes at the departure — " The Sea ! the sea I the open sea I” — Terror produced by a volcano — Fears, dangers, and adventures of the voyage — A New World found — Ceremony of taking possession — The natives — Cuba and Hayti — Romantic incidents — Shipwreck — The erection of the fortress of

La Navidad — Adieu to America Cf

vii

Of CO viii

OOIfTENTS.

Chapter IV. Homewakd Bound

fASB

A truant — The first bloodshed — Storms on the wild waves — Religious vows — The cast — Land — An upstart Governor — “ Home, sweet home! ” —Genius honored — Preparations for a second voyage . ... 84

" xlAPTER V.

THIS TRIADS, ADVENTURES, AND HEROISM IN THE SECOND VOYAGB.

Kew officials and the final preparations — A singular mistake — A powerful enemy of Columbus — On the ocean again — Adventure in Guadaloupe—

At Hispaniola once more — A sad tale of La Navidad — The progress of affairs in Hispaniola — The City of Isabella — The Royal Plain — Revolution of lazy insolence — Difficulties with Father Boil — Exploration and Adventures— Sickness of Columbus — Character of Don Bartholomew-Villainy of Margarite Ojeda and Caonabo — Battle of 200 against 100,000 — CMumny — Diaz and his dusky bride — The Admiral sails for Spain. . 98

Chapter VI. A Tear In Spain

Uolumbus as a monk — Activity of his enemies — Other difficulties — James Ferrer — The Admiral draws up his will — Delays, and preparations for another voyage. ... 180

Chapter VII. The Third And Fourth Voyages To America

Columbus punishing insolence — Crossing the stormy ocean in the name of the Holy Trinity — Touches the mainland of America — At Hispaniola again — Quelling troubles — The din of calumny — Bobadilla and his mission— Columbus sent home in chains — Great Schemes — A fourth voyage planned — Going to the relief of a fort — Columbus insulted again at Hispaniola— Awful fate of a fieet containing his enemy — Search for an Imaginary strait — Sailing along the coast of Central America — Battle with a water spout — A vision — Aground on Jamaica — Mendez and his adventures— Mutiny of Porras — The threatened fatnine — An historical eclipse of the moon — A singular visit — A fierce conflict — Relief comes — Columbus reaches Spain. .... ... 139

Chapter VIII. The Setting Sun Op A Glorious Life

Pbverty and old age assail Columbus — Death of Isabella the Catholic — ^Extracts from the Admiral’s letter — The death-bed of a hero — Confirming his will— The last moments of America’s Discoverer — His many tombs —

His character — Miracles. 168

Contents

ALONZO DE OJ^DA.

CHAPTER I. THB YOUNG CAVALIER, rAOl

Youth of Ojeda — Spain in the fifteenth century— A reckless feat — Description of our hero— A famous painting — Adventure in Guadaloupe —Exploring Hispaniola— Siege of Fort St. Thomas— Taking Caonaho prisoner— Battle of the Royal Plain— Ojeda returns to Spain. . 179

CHAPTER H.

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC AND BACK.

Ojfida as a navigator — .\merigo Vespucci — Expedition to South America — A battle with the Cannibals — Explores the coast of South America — Makes trouble at Hispaniola — Returns to Spain 180

CHAPTER HI.

STIRRING SCENES AND ADVENTURES

Another expedition to South America — Trying to found a colony and what came of it — Ojeda appointed Governor of New Andalusia — Two fieets — John de la Cosa — An aspiring lawyer — The two rival Governors — Again on the coast of South America — Battles and poisoned arrows— Death of the brave de la Cosa — Miraculous escape of OjMa. . . 194

CHAPTER IV.

CLOUDS GATHER IN THE SKY OP LIPE,

The Colony of San Sebastian — Adventures — Ojeda wounded — Voyage and shipwreck — A fearful march through bog and forest — The picture - of the Holy Virgin — Ojeda’s oratory — Anecdote — The end of a stirring

life 203

VASCO ntjNez de balboa.

CHAPTER I.

EARLY LIPE AND ADVENTURES.

Birth — Voyage to America — Balboa as a farmer — As an adventurer— Lawyer Enciso — An unexpected meeting — A disaster — Balboa rises to prominence — Nicuesa and his fate — Balboa at the head of affairs — He visits a great cacique — Hears of the Pacific Ocean — Conversions — Preparations — A famous dog called Leoncico. .... t09

Chapter II. The Discovery Op The Pacific Ocean

Final preparations— The march begins — Difficulties — A Battle — The first view of the Pacific Ocean — Address and Thanksgiving — A Cross in the _ wilderness — Takes possession of the Pacific — The marcA back. . 233

CONTENTS.

f

Chapter III, Blasted Hopes And The Heroic End

Accounts of the discovery sent to Spain — A new governor — The situation at Darien — Sickness — Bad treatment of the Indians — Balboa raises his voice— Is appointed Lieutenant-Governor — Preparations to go to Peru— Carrying ships across the mountains— New difficulties and dangers — The first European vessels on the Pacific — Pour ships complet* ed and all ready— Balboa suddenly arrested— His trial and unjust condemnation — He meets death like a true hero 2S8

HERNANDO CORTES.

Chapter I. The Youth Of The Conqueror Of Mexico

Birth and Parentage of Cortes — Early years — Sails for the New World- First year in America — Is appointed to command an expedition to Mexico — Velasquez and Cortes — Difficulties and final preparations-Ap- Jtearance and manners of Cort& — Departure of the fleet. . . .237

Chapter II. Beginning Op The Road That Led To An Unknown Empire

Redeems a holy and useful captive — A rude reception — The first battle with the Indians — The second — Planting the Faith — Palm Sunday in a wild land — Away for Mexico — New visitors and methods of interpretations — Dona Marina — Montezuma, the Mexican Emperor — An interview and its results— Indian painters — Astonishment of the Mexicans. . . 24®

Chapter III. Cortes Outwits Montezuma

The Spanish General and the Mexican officials — Great presents to Cortes —

The wishes of Montezuma — Demand of Cortes — His firmness — His hopes. 253

Chapter IV. ' Glances At The Mexican Empire And The Spanish Camp

Extent of the Mexican Empire — A warlike people — The powerful and haughty Montezuma — His timidity in a great crisis — A strange tradition — Hopes and fears of the Spaniards — Great changes — The little town of the True Cross — A strange election — A rebellion in the camp — New light in regard to the Mexican Empire — New subjects for Spain — Destruction of the fleet — The work of conversion . ... 256

Chapter V. The Memorable March To Mexico

The little army moves — Travelling on a rough road — Adventures on the confines of Tlascala — A battle — Another battle, in which there was no

CONTENTS.

XI

PAOK

alternative but death or victory — Peace —Tlascala becomes subject to Spain — At Cholula, and what happened there — The first sight of the city of Mexico — Grand reception of the Spaniards by Montezuma . 266

Chapter VI, The Story Of The Conquest Briefly Told

Views and interviews —Visit to the Great Temple— Cort4s in a dangerous and delicate position — A bold step, how it was executed — Other projects— Montevuma becomes a vassal of the Spanish sovereigns — He invites Cortes to return home — A new enemy, and how Cortes disposed of him — Unwelcome intelligence. — The revolt against the Spaniards — War in the city of Mexico — Desperate fighting and fearful scenes — Death of Montezuma — The “sorrowful night” and retreat of the Spaniards— On the road to Tlascala — A great battle — Amongst friends again — Cortes resolves to take Mexico—Glances at the historic siege — Fall of the great Capital — Thanksgiving — A new empire for Sdain 274

Chapter VII. After Career Of The Conqueror Of Mexico

Is appointed Governor of Mexico — The new capital — The conversion of the Indians — Arrival of twelve Franciscan Missionaries — Activity of Cort6s — Desperate journey to Honduras — Calumny — Cort4s goes to Spain — His reception — Honors— Return to Mexico — New difficulties and enterprises — Discovesy of California — To Spain once more — The call of death — His pious and — Character of Cortes. . . • 300

ST. ROSE OF LIMA.

Chapter I. The Childhood Of America’s First Saint

Brith of St. Rose — How she got the name of Rose — Takes St. Catharine ofSienna as her model — Her vow at five years of age— Her heroic obedience — Her spirit of penance — Rose’s devotion to her father and mother. .......... 311

Chapter II. Glances At Virtue In Action

Matrimonial annoyances — Rose becomes a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic — Her humility — Her charity and great self-control — Her wonderful purity - Her fasts — How she chastized herself — Her singular bed — The honor paid to her even by irrational creatures. . . 315

Chapter III. Along The Straight And Narrow Way

Rose’s spirit of prayer — Her deep insight into the mysteries of religions — A

CONTENTS.

xii

PASS

tormenter at home— Persecution— Sickness — The Saint’s charity — Her confidence in God — She learns of the day of her death by revelation —

Her last sufferings — The end . ....... 324

Chapter IV. Miracles And Canonization

Examination of one hundred and eighty persons — A visit to the Saint’f tomb— What a physician saw — The visions of a pious lady — Sinners converted — Two persons raised to life — An incurable arm cured — A poor cripple healed of his infirmities — A child cured of a leprosy — Canonization of St. Bose. 387

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN.

CHAPTER I. GLANCES AT CHAMPLAIN’s EARLY CAREER

Birth and parents — Early years — Henry IV. and Champlain — ^Visit to the ' West Indies — Discovery of Canada — The Commander de Chastes— Champlain’s first visit to Canada — De Monts and his schemes — Acadia — Visit to the Bay of Fundy — Champlain’s labors — Father Aubry lost in the woods — St. Croix — The Coast of Maine — Winter again — The first garden in North America — Fight with Massachusetts Indians — The “Ordre de Bon-Temps.” 831

THE PRINCE OF PIONEERS IN CANADA.

Champlain’s love of adventure — He founds the city of Quebec — How he strangled a conspiracy — Spending the winter at Quebec — A woful scene of destitution — The Hurons and Algonquins — The Iroquois — Discovery of Lake Champlain — A battle with the Iroquois — Homeward bound 341

Chapter III. How A Pathway To China Was Not Found

Champlain’s Visit to France — Returns to Canada — The attack on an Iroquois fortress — Meets two hundred Indians — Death of Henry IV. — Marriage of Champlain — His unceasing toil and activity — The impostor Du Vignon and the voyage up the Ottawa — Coming down the stream — Algonquin fear of the Iroquois — At the Chaudi^re Falls — In France. 847

Chapter IV. Religion In The Wilderness

Champlain as a^ missionary — The first priests in Canada — Mass at Quebec

CONTENTS.

xiii

— Beginning of the Canadian missions — Father Dolbeau — Father Le Caron — Voyage to the Huron country — Champlain again on the ‘war-path — The Huron nation — The first Mass in Upper Canada — The march for the land of the Iroquois — A Picture of early warfare — The return to Canada — Wintering among the savages — State of affairs at Quebec — Other important events — Madame de Champlain comes to Quebec. . 860

Chapter V. The Death Of Champlain

Growth of the colony — Religious discord — Quebec taken by the English —

The feeling in France — The lofty energy of Champlain — Canada restored to France — Champlain becomes Governor — His influence over the Savages— Onward progress of the colony — A college at Quebec — Glance at Champlain’s daily life — His death, on Christmas Day, 1635 — His Character . 872

FATHER ISAAC JOGUES, S.J.

Chapter I. The Youth Of A Great Missionary

Jogues’ birth and family — His mother — Education — Becomes a Jesuit — Ordination— Seeks a foreign mission — Is sent to Canada — Letter to his his mother — Another letter — Is sent to the Huron mission — Description of the journey — His missionary toils — Diflaculties of the missionaries—

His journey to the Tobacco Nation 379

Chapter II. A Captive Among The Mohawks

The Cross planted in Michigan— The Huron mission— Father Jogues on his way to Quebec— Is taken on the return voyage by the Mohawks- Sufferings and adventures on the way from the St. Lawrence to the land of the Mohawks — Lake George — Revolting tortures — The death of Goupil — The martyr-missionary’s life among the savages — His escape and arrival in New Amsterdam . 888

Chapter III. The Glorious End

New York City two centuries and a half ago — Two Catholics — A pious Irishman — Father Jogues is wrecked on the English coast — Lands in Prance on Christmas Day — Pathetic incidents — At the College of Rennes — The nation honors him as a saint and martyr — Returns to. Canada — Again among the Mohawks — Returns to Quebec — Comes back as an apostle — The glorious death of Father Jogues . . • • 899’

CONTENTS.

xiy

FATHER JOHN DE BRl^BEUF, S.J.

Chapter I. Thirty- Six Eventful Tears

The Pioneer Jesuits of North America — John de Breheuf — His birth — His family — Enters the Society of Jesus — His humility — Goes to Canada — Hardships — Is sent on the Huron Mission — Among the red men — All alone— His recall to Quebec — Returns to France .... 400

CHAPTER H.

AMONG THE HURONS.

A glimpse — A council and what came of it — The eventful journey to the Huron country — Indian geography — The house for the Jesuits, and its wondrous furniture — Anecdotes — Labors of the missionaries — The good seed falling on rocks — The thousand-and one obstacles — Heroism — De Brebeuf’s visit to the savages of the Neutral Nation . . . . 410

Chapter III. The Blessing Of Success And The Heroic End

The great harvest of souls — Piety of the Indians— Father de Be Brebeufs appearance some time before his death— His virtues— The Iroquois invasion—Assault on the village of St. Louis— A noble Indian chief— De Biebeuf taken prisoner— Appalling tortures— The sublime end— His greatness ^

Chapter I. The Early Life Of A Young Priest In The Seventeenth Century

Date of White’s birth— The England of three centuries ago— Persecution and robbery— Little known of White’s early years— His home education — “Popery” a low word and a nickname — Toung Whitest Douay Returns home a priest — England as a priest-hunter Father White s banishment — Enters the Society of Jesus — Labors as a professor in various Universities — His great learning . ■ • • . ' <11

Chapter II. The Voyage To Maryland

The new Catholic Colony — The “Ark” and the “Dove sail from the Isle of Wight— The “Relatio Itineris in Marylandiam,” note— “ The sea, the sea, the open sea” — Fear of the Turks — A violent storm The “ Dove” thought to have perished — A dreadful tempest and Father White’s prayer— Sunshine on the sea— A providential incident— The Flying Fish— The Isle of Barbadoes— Deliverance from a new danger— Cabbage 180 feet high— The soap tree— The pine-apple— Matalina an6

CONTENTS.

PAM

Its wild men — The "Carbunca” — Montserrat and its "Exiles of Erin”

— Courtesy at St. Christopher’s — A Sulphurous mountain — The locust tree — Nearing the end 436

Chapter III

THE rROWNING LABORS AITD ADVENTURES OP A GLORIOUS CARBMl.

Reception of the Catholic Pilgrims in Virginia — Chesapeake Bay — The Potomac — Armed Natives — Taking possession of Maryland — A cross in the wilderness — First interview with an Indian Chief — Father Altham preaches — St. Mary’s — Appearance, manners, habits, weapons, and religion of the Maryland Indians — Soil and animals of the country — Mission labors — Difficulties — Conversions — Religion reigns among the Colonists — Buying off Catholic Slaves — Father White at Kittamaquindi — What a red king was — The Apostle of Maryland converts Chilomacon — Ceremony of the chief’s baptism — Illness of Father White — A Famine — A singular incident — Punishment of a backslider—

A New Englander and his bigotry — Indian tribes converted along the Potomac — An Indian war — How the Jesuits made a missionary journey — A miracle — The clouds of misfortune gather — End of Father White’s labors — Is sent to England — His last years — Death and character 4a

MOTHER MARY OF THE INCARNATION.

CHAPTER I. A Tli.VK'AND-SMILE CHAPTER OF LIFE

Mary’s parents and education — Marriage — Her married life not happy — Death of her husband — Prophetic words — Becomes an Ursuline nun —

Her business talents — A ncysterious dream — Madame de la Peltrie — The singular recognition— Embarking for Canada— On the ocean— Up the St. Lawrence— Reception at Quebec 478

Chapter II. Mother Mart Op The Incarnation And Her Pupils

Learning the Indian languages— The little convent and academy— Small-pox— Convent life — Difficulties — The Indian girl as a convent pupil — Some examples — Teresa, the Huron girl — Her letter to Mother Mary on parting from her convent home — Some short and sharp reflections . , 4S8

CHAPTER HI.

A HOLY HEROINE TO THE LAST GASP.

A new convent erected — Pupils — Letters of Mother Mary — What a pan of coals did — The fire fiend — Mother Mary surrounded by flames — Her escape— Another convent raised up — The educational programme of the time — Mother Mary and her novices — The illustrious woman’s accomplishments— Her death Am xvi

CONTENTS.

MISS JANE MANCB.

Birth and family — Her singular childhood — Her charming piety — A remarkable vocation — Her confessor’s opposition — The Duchess de Bullion — De la Dauversi^re — Finally determines to go to Montreal. 496

CHAPTER II.

THE TOWN OP MARY.

Montreal — Dauversi^re — The Abbe Olier — A vision — The singular interview between Olier and Dauversi^re — A great design assumes shape — Th« memorable ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral — Glance at the plan — Maisonneuve — Miss Mance sails in the expedition for Canada — At Quebec— Up the St. Lawrence — Arrival at the site of Montreal — The landing— The first altar — Mass — Father Vimont’s address — The birth-night

of Montreal 49S

CHAPTER HI.

THE PIONEER HEROINE OF MONTREAL.

The first hospital at Montreal — Ville Marie’s Guard — Miss Mance’s seventeen years’ work — Olier’s remark — Plenty of hospital work — The fall on the ice — Loss of her arm — Voyage to France in company with Margarite Bourgeois — The miraculous cure — Madame de Bullion — Departure of three Hospital Nuns for Canada — The severe voyage — At Montreal— Sufferings of the nuns — The Iroquois — A pen-picture — A beautiful death 504

FATHER JAMES MARQUETTE, S.J.

CHAPTER I.

A mother’s TEACHING AND ITS RESULTS.

Birth— Parents— Family— Early education— Enters the Society of Jesus— Lands in Canada— The voyage to Lake Superior— The First Church at Sault Ste. Marie— Hears of the Mississippi for the first time— Various events — The arrival of Jolliet ... .... 511

CHAPTER II.

HOW THE MISSISSIPPI WAS DISCOVERED.

The final preparations— First part of the pathway— Joy at entering the Mississippi— The eventful voyage down the mighty stream— Halting at the Arkansas — ^The return ....•••• 510

Chapter III. The Sublime End Op A Beautiful Life

Father Marquette battling with disease— A new mission— The Jouraey

CONTENTS.

xvii

FASl

along Lake Michigan — At the site of Chicago — Among the Kaskaskias — Return of the disease — On the way to Mackinaw — The last days of the great missionary — The beautiful end — His fame and character . 52€

Chapter I. Youthful Genius And Vast Designs

Birth, family, and education of La Salle — Goes to Canada — Settles near Montreal — How little was known of North America then — Vast schemes of La Salle— Discovers the Ohio— At Fort Frontenac— Developing thoughts — Privileges granted by the King of France — A Glimpse at Fort Frontenac 53ff

Chapter II

Great preparations — Paddling up the St. Lawrence — The first written description of Niagara — Ship- building — Launch of the “ Griflin” — The first voyage up the Lakes — Fort Crevecceur — A dreadful journey of over 1,200 miles — Nothing but disaster — Returning to Illinois — A ghastly scene — More forest roving, and pushing through the snows of Indiana —At Fort Miami — A council — Final preparations for the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi •‘>41

CHAPTER HI.

THE MOUTH OP THE MISSISSIPPI DISCOVEEED.

’ *‘e expedition down the Father of Waters — “ the sea ! The sea ! the open sea !” — Taking formal possession of the Mississippi Valley for France — Attempts at colonization — Difficulties — Wanderings — The last tragic journey towards the north — Traitors in the camp — Father Douay’s account of La Salle’s assassination — His character as depicted by several distinguished writers . . . 554

VENERABLE MARGARITE BOURGEOIS.

CHAPTER I.

BEIGHT YOUNG YEAES.

Her birth, and parents A wise, promising little girl — Death of her mother Is placed over her father’s household — The vision at the church of Notre Dame — A change of life . . . . . 563

CHAPTER H.

A NEW AND HEKOIC CAEEEE.

Father Jandret — Lofty virtue — Purity of mind and heart — The vow— Margarite wishes to be a Nun — Is refused admittance — A new Order —

A loss that is a gain — Her father’s death — Protects Innocence — A dream

CONTENTS.

xviii

FACE

— Gov. De Maisonneuve — Difficulties come and vanish — The heroine goes to Canada 666

Chapter III. Canadian Life Two Centuries Ago

Sister Bourgeois arrives in Canada — A howling wilderness — Estreme climate— The St. Lawrence — “Lo ! the poor Indian” — How the red man lived, moved, and had his being — Canadian towns of the seventeenth century — Montreal a dreary forest — Mass in a tent — Sister Bourgeois teaches the little Indian girls — Makes herself all to all, that she might gain all to Christ — A new idea — The voyage to France — Its success —

The ship “ St. Andr^”— Again in Ville-Marie 576

Chapter IV. The First Religious Order Founded In America

An historic stable — Margarite Bourgeois founds the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame — Her second trip to Europe — Founds a Chapel in honor of the Most Blessed Virgin — Labors and growth of her community— Its two chief objects — Dress of the Sisters — Qualities which a Sister should possess — They receive their rule from Bishop St. Valier —

The convent destroyed — Four years of mental agony — Peace of soul 581

Chapter V. The Sunset Of A Beautiful Life

The virtues of Mother Bourgeois — Her Charity — Gives away her bed — Institutes missions for women — Schools for country children — Walks 180 miles in winter — Her humility — Poverty of spirit — Miraculous favors — The last sublime act of life— Her death — her character. . . 587

LOUIS JOSEPH DE MONTCALM.

Chapter I. A French Philosopher On France In America

The family, youth, education, and early career of Montcalm— The dreadful charge at the pass of Exilles— A glance at the Map— State of affairs in Canada at the time of Montcalm’s arrival 595

Chapter II. Montcalm In America

A.t Quebec — The chief Strongholds — The Indians as allies Montcalm greatly loved by the dusky chiefs and warriors — At Fort Frontenac The storming of Oswego— The capture of Fort William Henry— Famine—

The battle of Ticonderoga— Great foresight of Montcalm— The battle of the Plains of Abraham at Quebec— Wolfe’s victory— Montcalm mortally wounded— His last hours— His death— His personal appearance . 60*

CONTENTS.

XIX

COMMODORE JOHN BARRY.

CHAPTER I.

BATTLING FOR FREEDOM ON THE OCEAN.

PA«X

Barry’s birth-place in Ireland — His love of the ocean — Becomes a sailor. — Meets Washington — The Revolution — Barry’s bold, enterprising spirit — Equipping a fleet — The “ Stars and Stripes” hoisted — The first Capture — Fighting on the Delaware — Lord Howe tries to tribe Barry — Barry’s noble answer — Fighting with little boats and gaining a brilliant victory 616

CHAPTER H.

WARRING STILL ON THE OCEAN.

Barry receives command of the “ Raleigh”— A contest with two British ships — Takes command of the frigate “Alliance” — Another sharp contest— The Commodore badly wounded — Encounter with a British squadron— Barry’s memorable reply, when hailed by the squadron. , 621

Chapter III. Faithful To The End

Difficulties in creating our first navy — Achievements of the navy — Barry continues at the head of the service— The frigate “ United States” chastising the French — Barry’s devotion to his cou ntry — His death — Appearance and character 629

MOST REVEREND JOHN CARROLL, D.D., LL.D. CHAPTER I.

FIRST YEARS OF OUR FIRST ARCHBISHOP.

Birth — Parents — Ancestors — Education and the Penal Laws — Bohemia Manor — Young Carroll sent to Europe — Enters the Society of Jesus —

Is ordained — Suppression of the Society — Sketch in a note — Father Carroll goes to England .635

CHAPTER II.

DURING THE REVOLUTION.

England and her colonies — Father Carroll sails for America — “ Home, sweet home” — Changes — Resides with his mother at Rock Creek — Congress invites Father Carroll to go to Canada — The journey — Result of the mission — Franklin and Father Carroll — Homeward — Praying for the cause of freedom — Controversy with Wharton .... 644

CHAPTER HI.

FATHER CARROLL AND OUR EARLY CHURCH.

itate of ecclesiastical jurisdiction before the Revolution— What the clergy of Maryland and Pennsylvania did — Father Carroll appointed Prefect

XX

CONTENTS.

Apostolic— Dr. Franklin— Washington at Mass— Dr. Carroll’s labors —Appointed first Bishop of Baltinaore— Statistics of Catholicity. . 647

Chapter IV. Planting The Cross

The Church of the United States and its early troubles— Bishop Carroll directing the pioneers of the Faith— Georgetown College founded— The first Synod of Baltimore— Visiting Boston— Priests from France— “Exiles of Erin”— Baltimore becomes a metropolitan see— Four new Bishops— The death of Archbishop Carroll 063