Journey Day by Day
~ Summer 1852 ~

Sister Dionysia, Mary Ignatia, Bernice, Honorine, and Mary Sebastian went to see the Cathedral, and Bishop Hughes. He did not say much about the dress.

We heard Mass and united ourselves again to our Jesus in the Adorable Sacrament of the Altar.  We did not go to Vespers. About supper time, Sister Mary Ignatia began to raise blood; we sent immediately for Dr. Hammond, fearing lest before he would [...]

The Rip Vanwinkle got to New York about 5 o’clock; we went to the American Hotel.  Breakfasted about 8 o’clock. Sisters Frances and Corsina called on Father Quinn. As they were celebrating the 4th of July, we saw all the companies pass in procession. [...]

We went on deck to visit the wives of the soldiers, many of whom were Catholics. About 3 o’clock the vessel began to sail. All the Sisters sea-sick, except Sisters Frances and Honorine. After super, Sister Honorine was very sea-sick. The vessel tossed and [...]

All the Sisters very sick except Sister Frances, who was going from room to room waiting on them.

The Sisters still sick and not able to leave their beds. Weather becoming warm, notwithstanding a good breeze.

Sisters Fidelis and Mary Sebastian up, the latter went to breakfast with Sister Frances, took a little tea and a cracker. About 9 o’clock, all the Sisters up, but were not able to remain up all day, nor go to table, except the two [...]

A very fine morning . . . One of the soldiers’ wives, died during the night, leaving a little girl, one year old. No spiritual assistance. Father Florentina performed the burial service, then the corpse was lowered into the deep, with the usual formalities [...]

Still in the Gulf of Mexico. A close unpleasant morning. Nearly all the Sisters sick and enervated. Performed our usual devotions, as well as our situation would permit. Two of the Sisters spent the greater part of the morning in taking care of a [...]

In the Caribbean Sea – a beautiful morning – all the Sisters on deck, and remained there till nearly twelve o’clock. Several islands in sight in the course of the morning. The poor soldier whose wife on died board, brought his little child in [...]

Very warm, yet pleasant on deck. We saw several pretty sea birds hovering round the ship. Passed the Aportees Islands, which are reckoned about six hundred and fifty miles from Aspinwall. The ship is moving about one hundred and fifty miles in the day, [...]

A pleasant, dry, cool morning. A gentleman remarked that this weather was almost miraculous, because such had not been experienced at this place, even in the winter months. It is usually scorching hot. We saw many flying fish around the ship. Remained on deck [...]