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

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1851

pg 154       attempted already in 1859, but had failed on the presets that 
             South Bend was too near.
                  Recourse was again had to prayer.  The Blessed Virgin and St. 
             Joseph were alternately importuned by all the house, until 
             finally, H. Clay, one of the men most likely to mark an epoch in 
             the United States, obtained this favor for Notre Dame du lac, to 
             the great satisfaction and convenience of the Association and of 
             the mission in general.
                  The profit is merely a sparing of money and of inconvenience; 
             but there is another very valuable circumstance connected 
             herewith: the passing of the stagecoach regularly under the 
             windows of the college.  The house is daily becoming better known, 
             and the roads leading to it will have to be better cared for.
                  This consideration of roads in this [part of the] country had 
             sufficient importance in the eyes of F. Sorin to cause him to have 
             himself named Supervisor of Public Roads.  In virtue of this 
             office he hopes to serve the interests of Notre Dame du Lac in the 
             district confided to his care.
                  The office, however, as well as that of postmaster, gives him 
             only as much trouble as he may feel inclined to take, since most 
             of the work can be put in the hands of one or more Brothers as 
             assistants, he himself retaining all the responsibility.