Letters written in 1847
To Mother Elizabeth McMullen, Superior, General Hospital of the Grey Nuns, Montreal
General Hospital of Bytown
June 15, 1847
Dear and beloved Mother,
Sr. Hagan arrived here on Sunday morning (13) in excellent health. She was admitted to her profession this morning. All our Sisters recognized, but a bit late, that is was appropriate that this good child make her request here, it was our right. Perhaps at another time, we will be wiser. If Sr. Hagan’s bed has not yet left, I ask you to keep it; it will serve for the first one we will send as soon as we can, perhaps in the next month. I cannot say for certain which one will have this pleasure, all will depend on the circumstances; perhaps it will be Sr. Curran since she is in good health.
Last week we had a gift from Divine Providence: a small peddler came here to die. He had merchandise for the value of 25 or 30 French louis of which he bequeathed six for his sister in Ireland, and the rest he gave to us. We had a second-class funeral celebrated which cost us £ 1-2-6. This merchant also had a horse which he gave us. I sent for it today, but the messenger has not yet returned. I fear we may not be able to claim it because of the relatives of the deceased who are upset at not having inherited anything.
On the 5th of this month, we received our first immigrant, who died on the 8th. On the tenth we received a very sick man, but he is now much better. The 11th, we received seven very sick persons, full of lice, etc. etc.; three of them died on the 12th; we were saddened to see them leave so soon for the after life. However, all were able to receive the last rites. Sunday (13) we received another four. The tiny house which serves as a hospital was so crowded that we had no more room to lodge them. You would have been moved had you seen our Father with several citizens, both Canadians and Irishmen, rushing to build cabins of rough boards to offer shelter to these poor people. Almost all the Sisters gave up their mattress, several gave their bed. Today, all who still had a blanket gave it willingly to protect these unfortunate persons from the cold and the rain. All of our novices act as true mothers of the poor, which is for us a source of encouragement. Two lay women only had the courage to offer their services to sit with the sick, there is such fear of the fever. We have no lack of persons to sit with the sick in the convent itself.
The Government Agent had us build an extension of 33 feet by 20 for the immigrants. Our good Father has undertaken this project with Brother Sweeney. Since I began this letter, Sister Assistant has admitted four patients. I sent someone to notify our Father that we will need another shelter since we have no more space. We have 24 patients in all. This may seem a small number for you, my good Mother, but for us, it is great, since we have no space in which to lodge them. Last night, 23 patients slept outside in the rain; it was impossible for the agent to find a better place for them since all the buildings and homes in the area were filled.
I received the gift from our good Father Larré with much joy; but I have not yet had the time to explore this precious parcel fully. Please thank him for me since I cannot write to him. We expect his visit with our dear good Father Billaudèle.
I ask you very humbly to please bring our profound respects to his Excellency the Bishop of Montreal and to our two Fathers Billaudèle and Larré. Sr. Rodriguez has come back to life, Alleluia! God has restored her health at each significant moment. She is the one who prepares all the medication and I assure you that she has plenty of work.
Farewell, my good Mother, pray for your children who are doing their best to imitate your charity.
Your devoted daughter,
Sr. E. Bruyère
[In the margin] I have to tell you that I am angry with our Sisters, I was ready to sit with the immigrants in my turn so as to offer some relief to our poor Sisters, and behold, these dear Sisters went to report this to our Father who forbids me to do the night watch. I was not able to win. I am quite angry.
Mrs. Hagan doesn’t stop speaking of the wonderful way in which she was received at your place; she was very happy.
Greetings from our Sisters here to all our Sisters in Montreal, we ask them to pray for us in the carrying out of their own good works, as for us, we unite the little we can do to the wonderful good you are doing.
Sr. E.B.