Chronicles of Notre Dame du Lac
Edward Sorin, CSC -- Translated by John M. Toohey, CSC, 1895

---

1841-1842

pg 10        Iowa, besides a great number of Protestants of all sects, there 
             was a troupe of comedians given from Paris to New York.  
             Generally speaking, even in France, comedians can hardly be said 
             to be partial to religious.  But here, the latter had no reason 
             to complain.  Like all the other passengers, they showed 
             themselves most respectful and attentive to those whose 
             profession was in such marked contrast with their own.
Baptism of        An unexpected event brought into strong light the general 
a child.     sentiments of the ship towards the little band.  A child of two 
             years of age, daughter of German Protestant, fell sick, and it 
             soon became evident that there was no hope of recovery.  After 
             many fruitless pleadings, the Ladies of the Sacred Heart finally 
             succeeded in obtaining the consent of the father to have her 
             baptized--the hour was agreed upon, and all was got in readiness.
             Mme. Ratilde Dallion their superiors, and the patriarch of the 
             Brothers, were chosen as sponsors, and the ceremony took place in 
             the exercise room.  The event caused a great sensation amongst 
             all the ship's company, but especially amongst the Brothers and 
             the Religiouses.  Two day later, the new Christian went to take 
             possession of the heritage that had just fallen to her.