Letters written in 1847
To Mother Elizabeth McMullen, Superior, General Hospital of the Grey Nuns, in Montreal.
General Hospital of Bytown
July 29, 1847
My dear Mother,
How are you? … I always fear receiving sad news…How are all our dear sick ones? Ah! I fear that one will respond that there are more new victims…My God! you are happy! in spite of the fact that I suffer to see you suffer, as well as our Sisters. You are happy to be able to offer to the Lord so many victims who are pleasing in his sight. It is only with much difficulty that I am able to offer those sacrifices that depend on me and I am ashamed of my little generosity…I am eager to receive news from you, may our Sisters pray to St. Joseph with all their might, it is not possible to allow all our Sisters to die.
Our Sisters here are better but they do not regain their strength readily. Sr. St. Joseph recovered fastest; however, today she is not that well. Sr. Lavoie had a relapse, she is very sick. The Rev. Father Molloy also had a relapse and is not out of danger.
The Committee has proposed an addition of 50 feet to the Hospital for immigrants so as to include a larger number of patients; we have refused because we are not numerous enough. The number of Sisters who care for the immigrants has been reduced to four with two girls. If these poor sisters can hold on it will be a true miracle. A small memento for your daughters in Bytown. Farewell, dear Mother, our respects please to the Bishop of Montreal, to our Fathers Billaudèle and Larré and greetings to all the personnel of the house.
As always your most devoted daughter,
Sister É. Bruyère