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

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1858

pg 334       his first associates had a great many acquaintances in France 
             amongst pious and charitable people.  They often received 
             considerable alms from them.  Frequently also the Propagation of 
             the Faith came to their aid.  Whatever they could obtain and add 
             from their own patrimony also went to the foundation of the work.
                  Let it be remembered that this foundation of Notre Dame was 
             carried on without the least local assistance, that the country 
             where the foundation was laid was deeply imbued with prejudices 
             and low bigotry, that the name Catholic was a proverb of reproach, 
             that the very spot given by the Bishop of Vincennes for this 
             purpose was nothing but a forest of 524 acres, ten of which were 
             cleared and worn out, that the Jesuits had refused to accept it, 
             and that no one would have then been willing to pay the sum at 
             which the property was appraised, namely, $3000.
                  Every cent therefore to come first from without, the labors 
             of the members of the institute did the rest.  Providence blessed 
             their united devotedness beyond all their hopes.  Fifteen years 
             afterwards they had churches at Notre Dame, Bertrand, Niles,