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

---

1841-1842

pg 17             Notwithstanding the anxiety of all to see Vincennes, the 
             journey was in general acceptable; everything was new and 
             interesting, especially from Albany to Buffalo, a distance of one 
             hundred and fifty leagues, which they made by canal in seven days 
             and a half.  But their journey was especially a pious one.  Their 
             religious exercises were carried out just as on the sea, 
             including the chapter.  As to confession, it was made once at the 
             foot of a fallen oak, whilst the boat was preparing, or rather 
             waiting, to pass a lock.
                  Before reaching Buffalo, F. Sorin, who had long wished to 
             see the Falls of Niagara, thought that he would not lose this 
             opportunity.  He took with him his dear Mentor, Bro. Vincent, and 
             both of them started for Niagara by the train, and in some hours 
             they reached the Falls.  After the sight of the ocean, never a 
             spectacle appeared to them more worthy of admiration.  When they 
             had studied it to their heart's content, they hastened to rejoin 
             their fellow travellers, and the two parties arrived at Buffalo 
             at the same time.  They remained there for twenty-four hours with 
             the excellent German pastor, The Rev. Mr. Sax.  F. Sorin had the 
             happiness of celebrating mass in his new church, and several of 
             the Brothers that of receiving holy communion there.