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

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1859

pg 347       produced two-thirds of an ordinary year, Indian corn still less, 
             and potatoes did worse.  Fruits had been a complete failure.  This 
             deficit (nearly $2000) added considerably to the embarrassment of 
*I suppose   the administration.  From the beginning of x* wheat gave out, and 
the x stands from twelve to fifteen bushels a day were needed, at a dollar and 
for Dec.     a quarter a bushel.
                  To add to the difficulties, a certain gentleman who in 1856 
             had lent the community for two years the sum of $10,000 at 10%, 
             informed the superior that he wanted his money.  Where was such 
             an amount to be found in the depth of winter?  The administration 
             went to work to collect in all directions; but the more zealous 
             was the search, the more did the conviction impress itself on the 
             seekers that there was no money in the country.
                  Extraordinary prayers were prescribed.  Everybody tried to 
             interest heaven in the affairs of Notre Dame, and awaited with 
             confidence the result of this long crisis.
                  To divert the sombre thoughts of the future indulged in by 
             certain timorous people who had too much of the prudence of the