The following documents, selected from the archives of this Society, tell the interesting story of the early struggles of the Catholic parish of Green Bay, chiefly towards the erection and equipment of a local church building, and sustaining the mission at Little Chute. They are supplementary to and illustrative of Dr. Butler's sketch of Father Mazzuehelli, which should be read in connection therewith. To each paper is appended its press-mark, for the purpose of identification;
e. g
., [G. L. P., XVIII: 63] [???] Grignon, Lawe, and Porlier Papers, Vol. XVIII, No. 63.
Historic Green Bay (Green Bay, 1893), pp. 232,, 233; various allusions in
Wis. Hist. Colls. (vii, pp. 178, 230, 231; and viii, p. 291), and French's
History of Brown Co. (Green Bay, 1876), p. 70. In 1825, Father Badin arrived, and almost completed the building.—
Ed.
To the subscribers! Dear Citizens, we implore your assistance, and Leave it to your Generosity to furnish theGreen Bay
, June 27, 1825.
Paid
L. B. Berthelot Pierre Carbano Jr paid C R Brush paid Wm Dickinson one dollar omitting the words your pastor
E
d
.
Robert Irwin one dollar [???] paid
Mary Ann Brevoort paid
Joseph Houle paid
Louis Grignon Paid
Samuel Irwin one dollar paid
Louis Rouse p[ai]d
Louis Bauprès paid
August. Grignon
George Johnston
John Lawe
John P. Arndt
Louis Corbeille
Augustin Grignon
Joseph Jourdian
Subscription, to be presented & collected by a respectable citizen of this place, to the honorable officers private soldiers & other persons whatever at Green Bay towards imploring their charitable assistance for both the building of the Catholic church & the clergyman theroff, all for the
[Reverse of foregoing paper.]
[G. L. P., XVIII: 63.]
Wis. Hist. Cells., ii, p. 109) that he “kept teams, and hauled goods, furs, and boats across the Portage of one and one-fourth miles from the Fox to the Wisconsin river, for which he charged forty cents per 100 pounds, and ten dollars for each boat.” Later (
Ibid., p. 170), Lockwood alleges that Roy could not even write his own name; but the above letter was evidently written by him, and the chirography is quite equal to that of his fellows in the Wisconsin fur trade.—
Ed.
Portage Ouisconsin
8 July 1830
My Dear Friend
,—After my compliments and affectionate regards, these lines are to Ask of you whether the Children are doing well in the Minister's School. I was inclined To Send there Two or three Of my daughters, on account of the request you made of me through George; I am going to try to bring it about. I am going to do my
I am your
Esteemed Friend
Fr.
Roy
Addressed: “Monsieur Louis Grignon Eqr. Bay Varte.”
[G. L. P., XXV: 58.]
Mr. Porlier
.
Ed.
Monsieur Fenwick, Bishop of Cincinnati, having made me pastor of the parish of Mackinac, Green bay, and the surrounding country, I had proposed to myself to come to you before winter; but the circumstances in which I find myself do not permit me to do so. Desiring nevertheless to make known my arrival to the Catholics of Green bay, you will have the kindness to tell them that I am at Mackinac, and that I will come. to see them in spring, at the first opportunity, to remain there several weeks. The vicar, M. Rese has urged me to do my utmost to have a Church at Green bay, and to write you in regard to this, in case I should not be able to go there. I beg you therefore, for the love of your religion, to put yourself at the head of so good a work, and to endeavor to procure the subscription which mr Fauvel
Wis. Hist. Colls., xi, p. 226) that it was “within four or five rods east of where the Green Bay water-works pumping-station now is” [1887]. Fauvel was priest when Morgan L. Martin arrived, in 1827 — see
Wis. Hist. Colls., xi, pp. 385, 389. He soon fell from favor, however, with superior officers of the church, and then followed two years of bitter quarrel, summarized in French's
Hist Brown Co., p. 70. Fathers Badin and Mazzuchelli would not recognize Fauvel as a priest,—hence this reference in Mazzuchelli's letter. At first the people favored Fauvel, who held the school-house as his own; finally, he lost popular support, the school was closed by his former friends, and soon after Mazzuchelli's arrival he was obliged to leave.— ED.
Madame la Framboise, with whom I reside, has had me read the letter that Mr. d' Hausman [Dousman] has written her. It has given me great pleasure to learn that they have begun a society like that at Mackinac. I pray the Lord to sustain and propagate it by his all-powerful grace, and I hope to have the consolation of enjoying the acquaintance of its members.
Tell Mr. d'Hausman not to be afraid of what Mr Fauvel says or does and to persuade the catholics not to have any communication with him in that which regards religion,—but, on the contrary, not to employ him at burials; and, when he dares to preach, to go out and leave him alone I will write to the Bishop what Mr d'Hausman says in his letter about Mr Fauvel.
I have the honor to remain
Your servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
.
22 Oct. 1830.
Mackinac
Addressed: “Mr Porlier á la Bay Verte,”
[G. L. P., XXVI: 17.]
[Translated from the French.]
17 Nov. 1830,
Michilimackinac
Mr. Porlier
—
I think that I ought to write to Monseigr the Bishop, before the inhabitants of Green bay commence the new Church, in order to know from him on what site he desiresNavarino
Historic Green Bay, p. 237.—
Ed.
Your servant,
Samuel Mazzuchelli
, Priest.
I beg that you will be so kind as to give to Mr. Francois Bodoin, the paper here enclosed, and to send me the other, which by mistake I sent him in place of this.
Addressed: “A Mr Jacques Porlier, Green Bay.”
[G. L. P., XXVI: 30.]
Those who are commissioned to procure what is necessary for the Church at Green Bay are requested to accomplish the following things:
1. To collect all the pew-rents that have not yet been, paid. 2. To give 50 dollars to Mr Law 3. To pay 44 dollars to Mr Smith, if it shall be possible, with the money remaining in the hands of Mr Louis Grignon, the money of the ladies' society, and of that of St. John. 4. To make collections every day this summer; when there are 200 dollars, give them to Mr Charles Tibeau who has already had 34 dollars for his work. 5. To make 4 pews on the left of the Church, and pay for them with the rent of the same which should be at 4 dollars for the front two, and 3.50 for the two behind. 6. If it is possible, to have the Sacristy finished 7. To hurry along the doors of the pews, until they have them completed 8. To put a painted canvas [
9. To thoroughly paint and putty all the outside of the tower, with two good coats (to the spire.) 10. To place 4 conductors or water troughs at the four corners of the Church. 11. To paint the four sides of the Church 12. To treat yourselves to a stove, to warm the Church 13. To place two prie-dieux, one on each side of the Church 14. During Lent, to make a small collection to pay the rent on the house for the priests, — that is to say, of 68 dollars. 15. To exact the payment of all which has been promised to the Church in money, in wood, or in day's work. 16. At Christmas, or before, to take a collection for the Church.
toile peniturée] over the arch of the bell tower
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 68.]
We the Subscribers do hereby agree to pay to Bishop Edward Fenwick, or his legal representative or agent, the sums attached to our respective names, when called for, to be applied toward building a Catholic Church at this place. Said Church to be erected upon Lot numbered seventeen, owned & occupied by Joseph Ducharm, on the
Green Bay
June 14, 1831—
[G. L. P., XXVII: 51.]
We the undersigned do agree to pay to the Rev. Mr. Mazzuchelli or to his order the several sums set opposite our respective names for the purpose of erecting a Roman Catholic Church at the settlement of Green Bay—
Bp. Edw. Fenwick R. Samuel Mazzuchelli John Lawe J. N. Fenwick Robert M. Eberts Paid 26 Oct. 1831 R. & A. J. Irwin E. W. Solomon George Johnson Samuel Irvin Seth Reed John H. Kengue [Kenzie] John M'carty William Dickinson Antoine Carboneau Peter Gerard S.C. Stambaugh Henry S. Bairds M Joseph Laframboise Capt. Michael MastersonGreen Bay
20th. June 1831—
[G. L. P., XXVII: 56.]
[Translated from the French. Without date]
Subscription of the inhabitants and Citizens of Green Bay for the Erection of a Church and parsonage Suitable to lodge a priest, at the requisition of Mons
Such Subscription shall be legally binding for such Sum promised, By personal Signature or otherwise (the same being proven), either in Cash or in material; and, to obviate all difficulties there shall be Chosen one or more Suitable persons to receive the money, and to deliver it when received to certain persons who will transmit it to the persons Chosen to superintend the erection of the stone foundation
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 70.
[Translated from the French.]
Subscription to procure 4, 500 feet of lath for the Catholic Church of Green Bay
We the undersigned promise to give to the Catholic Church of Green Bay by the 15th of next July, 1832, the quantity of lath or the sum of money which is marked after our names.
Samuel Mazzuchelli
priest
Moïse Hardwick
J. J. Porlier $4.00 paid
Thomas Franks $2.00
Antoine Thybeau $2.00
Al. Labord
Dominique Brunette
Luck Laborde $2.00
Mouscaumon Lapond p
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 67.]
[Translated from the French.]
Subscription to procure 5000 feet of lath necessary to complete the interior of the Catholic Church.
We the undersigned promise to give to the Catholic Church of Green Bay, by the first or 15th of the month of July next, the quantity of lath which is marked against our names:
Samuel Mazzuchelli
priest
Green Bay
Nov. 16, 1831
Moïse Hardwick
J. J. Porlier $4.00 paid
Thomas L. Franks $2.00 cash paid
Antoine Tibeau $2.00 cash his [???] mark
A. Labord 500 feet of lath paid
R. Domenique Brunette 500 feet of lath
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 46.]
[Translated from the French.]
List of those who have made no payment
D. S. Brown Germaine Gerdepie Bazille Laroque Ignace Couvillion Alexis Gerdepie Joseph Vioux Joseph Jourdain Alexandre Labord Joseph Bourk Paul Ducharme S
J B
Denis Lariviere W T Webster Pierre Paquette Antoine Robinot J B
Alexie Clairmon Alx Degardain J B
P. B Grignon St Pierre or M. Harton M. L. Martin Tanissla Chapu Goïette Maurice Mantat Jean B
La plante J. B. Vincent
Considering the advantages of a R. C. Ind
And Considering Mrs. Dousman
Wis. Hist. Colls. x, p. 482.—
Ed.
in presence of the Bearer
Green Bay
June 19th 1831…
Edward Fenwick $10 in advance
Henry S. Baird $8.00
C. A. Grignon $2.00
[G. L. P., XXVII: 55.]
[English postscript to a French letter by Ursula Grignon, to her father, Louis Grignon, dated Mackinac, July 2, 1831.]
M
My Dearest beloved Father.
Addressed: “To Louis Grignon, Esq
[G. L. P., XXVII: 66.]
12 Aug. 1831
Sir
,—I am impatient to receive news of the Church at the Bay. Let me know whether the lumber for the Church has been delivered, and whether the money of the subscription has been paid. Write me whether M
12
Unnamed Wisconsin.—
Ed.
Your friend,
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Addressed:—“M
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 6.]
10 July 1832
I. DE MACKINAC
Mr. Grignon
I write you a few lines to let you know that I can buy 60 barrels of lime for 80 dollars. If M
Tell M
I am
Your ob. servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXIX: 70.]
[Translated from the French.]
21 [or 31] July 1832
Mr. Grignon
The Rev
Be very zealous for the Church, and you will have a priest probably by the last of September. For myself, I shall come to see you at the time when I have promised you. My regards to all the family, and to friends.
Your Servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXV: 66.]
[Translated from the French.]
Mackinac
30 July 1832.
My Dear Friend
,—I have written to M
Ed.extra work
and expenditures which he has made for the church. I enclose the account in the letter. If I can find the iron here at Mackinac I will send it to you. Do not go to any trouble on my account; matters will improve, and I shall not abandon the plan of spending a part of the year with you, especially when the large steamboat is in operation.
My compliments to all of your family
Your esteemed friend,
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Priest.
N. B I have found, at the Company's, a bar of iron fifteen inches [1
pouce
] square. There are none larger. We must content ourselves with this if Mr Silvester says that it is strong enough. M
There are too many things charged on our account, but our own negligence leaves us without satisfaction.
Addressed: “M
Indorsed: “Green Bay, 9
[G. L. P., XXIX: 92.]
Roman Catholic Church
1832 To John P Arndt Dr
Sept 4
" " " 4 pieces Paling 120 ft
" 13 " 1282 feet Boards a $12. per M
" " " 82 pieces Paling 360 feet
" 24 " 502 feet Board a $12.00 M
" " " 1341 feet Do a $12.00 M
Oct. 30 " 30 feet Boards 3/
1833 April " 165 feet Boards
$58.75
Contra Credits.
May 10
Balance due
Received payment.
Green Bay
July 17
[Unbound MSS.]
M
Sir
,—Your venerated Father and friend is no more, he has given up his very Saintly soul to God his creator. This we shall have the honor and the happiness to do soon,—yes, dear Mr. Grignon, soon; the silvery locks which we carry are the surest warrant for this. Let us endeavor by a holy life, full of good works, to deserve as saintly a death as that of our Reverend venerated, & respected friend, M. G. Richard,—who, at the moment of receiving the august sacrament of our altar, cried with the venerable and aged St. Simeon, “Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, Secundum verbum tuum in pace,”—that is to say,
Ed.
I rely upon your zeal for our venerated friend, Rest assured of the gratitude of him who is your spiritual Father in Jesus-Christ our Lord.
Your obedient Servant
F. V.
Badin
Missionary Priest.
At the Clergy-House of Detroit
22 Sept. 1832
Addressed: “M
[G. L, P., XXX: 31.]
8 May 1833
Grand Caccalin
Ed.
M
r
Grignon
On my arrival here I found the young DécariIf God be with us, who shall be against us?
”
Ed.
Ed.
Your servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Priest.
Addressed: “M
Indorsed: “Recd by Mlle. Rachel Lawe, 8th May, 1833. L. Grignon.”
[G. L. P., XXXI: 34.]
Regulations for the Roman Catholic Indian free school of Green Bay
The Board of Trustees for this school shall consist of Messieurs J. Lawe L. Grignon & L. Rouse.
Mr L. Grignon shall fill the offices of Treasurer & Secretary. Mrs. Rosalie Dowsman Superior & Cheif Teacher & Miss Elizabeth Grignon Assistant Teacher.
The Trustees will prepare the school, provide it with Benches & other necessaries; & give notice to Mrs. Dowsman when ready. She will then appoint the day for opening the school.
The Trustees will make known to the Public the day of the opening of the school and they will recommend the subjects for tuition.
Mrs. Dowsman will act in concert with the Trustees & consult them on the admission of children & other persons to the school.
All poor Indians to be admitted gratuitously for all instructions; others on moderate terms, agreed on by Trustees & Mrs. Dowsman.
The object of this school is to inculcate industry morality & christian piety—and to teach the art of spelling reading & writing &c.
The amount of donations & receipts from the subscription, now in circulation, after deducting expences contracted for the school, shall be divided into three parts or sums, two of which shall be paid by the Treasurer to Mrs. Dowsman & the other or third part to Miss E. Grignon. These regulations to be valid & of full effect untill tho Bishop, his Successor or Vicar General, shall visit this settlement again.
Given At Green Bay
this
24
of June
1831
By order of Edw. Fenwick Bp of Cincinnati and Administrator of the Territories of Michigan & NorthWest
These regulations are to be continued
14
July
, 1833
Fred: Rese
Vic: General
[G. L. P., XXVII: 58.]
27 Sept. 1833
Detroit
M
r
Augustin Grignon
On the 15th of September we arrived at Mackinac, where the wind was against us for two days. On the 21
sea sickness
. Menseigneur Résé, before going to Cincinnati, has agreed to accompany Sophie as far as Somerset: having left here on the 24th, she has already reached her destination She has always shown a very great satisfaction and eagerness to be with her cousin. The expenses of her journey will not exceed 20 dollars. I shall receive news of her from Somerset before my departure from Detroit for Green Bay, which will not be before the 15th of October. My respects to all the family.
Your humble servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Addressed: “M
via Chicago
.” [G. L. P., XXXII: 22.]
BILLS FOR MATERIALS.
Catholic Church Green Bay
To R. & A. J. Irwin.
1831
October 8 To hauling 23 Sticks of lumber from the river to the church
1832
Septr 8 5 lb. Nails @ 1s. 100 lb. do 11.00
13 1 Tin kettle 1.25
15 2 prs butts @ 2s. 2 doz Screws @ 1s.
17 1
Recording a deed by A. J. Irwin
Octo. 9 2 lb. Nails @ 1s.
11 2 do 1s.
18 3 paint brushes ca. 2s. 3s. 4s.
19 15 yds red ribbon @ 1s- 1.87½
27 2 lb. 20 lb. nails "1s.
30 1 paint brush "
$23.60½
Dr Sir,
Above you have our account against the church amtg. to $23.60½ which we hope on examination may be found correct.
Yours very respy.
R. & A. J. Irwin
Novr. 5. 1832.
Rev
d
. M
r
. Mazzuchelli
Indorsed: “Rec
[G. L. P., XXX: 45.]
[Undated memorandum.]
Amount of Boards furnished by Augustin Grignon for the Catholic Church
Augustin Grignon
Lewis Grignon
P & A Grignon
Charles Grignon
Brisk Hyott
John Bt Jomvine
Louis Kerby
Lawrish our man
John Bt Canaden
[G. L. P., XXVIII: 66.]
1831 & 32 To Augustin Grignon Dr.
To 5453 Feet Boards
"592 " Scantling
"4000 M Shingles
$100.67 ½
Recd Green Bay 24th Jany 1834 of John Lawe Eighty Dollars and Seventy Five Cents on the above account.
Agt Grignon
[Unbound MSS.]
I, the priest undersigned, give full power to M
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Priest
26 May 1834
Green Bay
[G. L. P., XXXIII: 54.]
28 June 1834 G. B.
Sir,—I ask of you the favor that you will go to Mr. Ellis
Intelligencer, and Father Mazzuchelli has reference to the printing office connected therewith.—
Ed.
Your Servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
C. P.
Indorsed: “Note of Rev. S. Mazzuchelli to Louis Grignon, for Mr. Ellis.”
[G. L. P., XXXlII: 80.]
[Translated from the French.]
22 July 1834
Fort Winnebago
M
r
Grignon
I enclose to you a letter for Menseigneur Résé I shall leave this place on Monday next, and on Wednesday I hope to be at the Bay. Capt. M
Your servant
Samuel Mazzuchelli
Addressed: “To M
[G. L. P., XXXIII: 98.]
[Translated from the French. Without date, unfinished, and unsigned; evidently a draft.]
It would be presuming a great deal, to flatter Ourselves that Our application could possesse any Merit! But the desire to have a Missionary among us justifies Our proceeding. Religion, with the aid of the Ministers whom We have had the advantage of having up to the present time, has not yet opened the eyes of the inhabitants of this place to heir duties toward the Divine Being. The alternative of having a Missionary with us only for a time has Doubtless a retrograde effect, and it is of this that we take advantage to Urge that your zeal for the Salvation of Souls, may kindly replace the reverends … by New guardians of religion. As we are under obligations to M
We shall consider ourselves greatly favored by your acquiescence in the request that we submit to your eminence, of whom we are, with submission, the
Indorsed: “addressed to the bishop.”
[G. L. P., XXXII: 63.]
My very dear and greatly respected Mr. Poirlier
,— At the last interview with Mgr the Bishop, you had reason to conclude that his Logic in Regard to us had changed, and that he thinks of restoring matters at the Bay to their
I am delighted by the favorable prospect for the welfare of the Savages, for the Diocese, and for those who have been annoyed by our removal. It is this also which causes me to go to the Saut, Since a door will be opened there for the Gospel all around the lake. The various Indian chiefs of that region saw me at the Saut in the spring, and
You can whisper that in the ears of all those who rejoice in the Lord, and of all whose Ardor will be thereby revived toward Religion,—that they may address their vows to the Giver of all good gifts, and be ready to profit by the favors which God offers—both to us, to be useful to You, and to them, to assure their spiritual well-being.
Salute and embrace all the friends of the good cause. Commend us to the prayers of all, and assure all that it is purely spiritual interests that induce you to desire our return there, where we have placed our first affections, employed our first Efforts (however feeble), and seen a new Superior for our Congregation,—henceforth—to direct all our attention to the perfecting of that which we have only observed as a minor duty.
I am, with sentiments of [devoted] friendship, your very affectionate and humble servant
in J. Ch.,
Francois Hatscher
,
C. S. L. Pt. [Priest of the Congregation
of St. Leopold.]
On Lake Huron
, 6 August, 1834
Salutation in my old Charter and his daughters, to Maccabees, to Messrs Ducharmes, Pridket, Lemieux, Paquet Law, Bodouin, and to all the Messrs. Grignons and Poirliers.
Addressed: “To Mr. Poirlier, Agent of the American Fur Co., care of Mr. Abbot, Mackinak or Bay Vert, Green bay.”
[G. L. P., XXXIV: 6.]
The Menomonee Nation of Indians,
To Samuel Mazzuchelli, Superintendant of the
Catholic Mission at Green Bay
To services rendered in educating & instructing individuals of said nation at the Catholic Church at Green Bay—for seats & pews in said Church used & occupied by said individuals during the Years 1831, 2, 3, & 4, and for services & expences of a minister in visiting their villages at the Butte des Morts, Grand Cacalin, & on each side of Green Bay, upon their request, at $250 per annum
To 250 feet of hewed timber for Building a Chapel at the Grand Cacalin @ 5 cts. per foot
To 1000 feet scantling
"an altar
1 Hand Saw—16 lbs nails. 1 Handsaw pli. 1 Hammer, 1 Gimblet, 2 Axes & 4–20-light windows, with the Glass delivered to Augustin J. Aw-ma-ta, chief at the Cacalin
To an Indian almanac, rendered by signs equally useful to those among the Natives who are unable to read their language, published at Green Bay 150 Copies
$1,083.00
[On reverse of bill. in same handwriting.]
We the undersigned Chiefs and head men of the Menomonee Nation of Indians, do hereby acknowledge that the within and foregoing account is correct & just, and that the said sums ought to be paid: and we do hereby agree that the amount thereof shall be paid out of the fund appropriated & set apart in our Treaties with the United States, for the purposes of aiding in the education of the people of our Nation, or out of our annuities.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands at Green Bay the day of November A.D. 1834
In presence of
Indorsed as follows:
Rev
Presented by M
The whole Chiefs of the Menomonee Nation of Indians assembled in Council,
G:
Boyd
.
U. S. Ind. At.
signed
Geo M: Brooke
B. B. Gen
Signed R. E,
Clary
Mily Dis: Agent.
A true copy
G: Boyd
Ind. Agt.
[Boyd, IV: 98.]
Mr. Louis Grignon
I hope that you will have the kindness to settle your business with M
Your Servant and Friend
T. J.
Van Den Broek
7 Sept. 1834
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXXIV: 23.]
[Translated from the French.]
Mr. L. Grignon!
You will oblige me greatly if you can do me the pleasure of sending me to-morrow, in good season, a man with a cart to haul the timber for the cemetery.
At the same time, I hope that you will kindly consent
By your favor [
en faveur
]
I am your
Servant and Friend
T. J. Van Den Broek
Curé
5 Oct. 1834
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXXIV: 43.]
Subscription Green Bay 1834
We the Undersigned promise and Bind ourselves each one to pay the sums Annexed to our names for and in order to procure an Organ for our Catholic Church at Green Bay, the Payment of which is to be made on Demand or at the option of the person to whom it pertains to receive these sums.
John Lawe
Robert M. Eberts
Peter B. Grignon
Jacques Porlier
J. J. Porlier
Paul Porlier
Augustin Grignon Jr
Joseph Jirardin
A. J. Vieux
Charles Dupreé
Joseph Ducharme
Paul Ducharme
Hyassaine Laplante
Amable Vioux
Gabriel Brunette
L. Grignon
Pierre Juneau
Charles Mettez
Joseph Lemieux
Francois Beauprée
Thomas L. Franks
Jacques Ecuyer
Francois Dagenet Jr
Sizard Duces
Prisque Hyotte
C. A. Grignon
Paul Grignon Eq.
Paid
Francois Charette
Paid
Pierre Charette Paid
Jean Bt Thybeault Paid
Alexander laborde
M
Maria Brabansel Paid
Elisabeth Jacob Paid
Philip Jansen
Jean B DeSautel Paid
Boulle Paid
Paul Ducharm Paid
François Bodewyn
J Martin
Elisabeth Carbono
Mess. Tompson
Michael
Mad Dousman
Ant La Fringe
Mad. Porlier Paid
Mad Baptist Paid
Ant Alert Paid
Louis Gravel
Joseph Vieux
Joseph Paquet Paid
Charle Rex
August Bieson
[G. L. P., XXXIV: 80.]
13
[Translated from the French. No signatures accompany this undated draft.]
Addressed to the Reverend M
r
Hedcher Missionary
.
Sir
, — In accordance with the Sentiments of the Catholics of the Place, and my own Conviction regarding your zeal in the service of this parish, — in spite of the imputations which have been made Against your Character and your duties as Missionary, imputations which seemed calculated to remove you from Us, — I do not hesitate, supported by a general desire, to address a petition to you which implores your assistance until a superior authority obliges you to leave Us. And, to give more weight to my claims, I will permit Myself to present to you the Contradictions, the imputations, and the persecutions against Our Common Master, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered every-thing without abandoning his Flock, until the last Moment of his Mission, — at which time he was able to substitute for himself his apostles, prepared for the Service of the Holy Spirit. You will appreciate, better than we, the Merits of our petition and of your apostolic duties.
Without entering into the reasons which might oblige you to leave us, I find there one of the Means employed by the Enemy of our salvation to gain possession of the great Field and there establish his Dominion
However that may be, we will not abandon our conviction of your Merit, and of our own obligations to you; and we beg you to Believe in Our perfect gratitude, and in the esteem of one and All of the Undersigned … the Majority of the inhabitants of the Bay.
Indorsed: “Address to the Reverend M
[G. L. P., XXXII: 60.]
Monseigneur Frederick Reizey, Bishop of Michigan territory
Mon Seigneur
,—The inhabitants of Green Bay assembled take occasion to present to you their Submission, in addressing to you their humble petition to obtain of your eminence that the reverend M
Since some persons endeavor to make them share in certain imputations disadvantageous to this respected Missionary, they disclaim them As absolutely contrary to their entire Conviction of his merit
May this application, Mon Seigneur, devoid of [every other merit except sincerity, be accepted by your eminence, with the assurance of the profound respect of the undersigned.
Agt Grignon
J. J. Porlier
J. J. Porlier Jnr.
J. Jourdain
C. Grignon Pere
C. Grignon ills
Maxime Garvies
Charles A. Grignon
Francois Bauprés
Jean Baptiste Bauprés
Joseph Bauprés
Francois Jusiaume
Louis Bourdon
Joseph Houlles
Isax Jaques
J
Paul DuCharme fils
Joseph Ducharme fils
Tousaint Ducharme fils
Antoine Carboneaux fils
Amable Carboneaux fils
Jean Baptiste Carboneaux fils
Francois Baudouin
Fanfan Fauvette
Josephe Lemieux Pere
Josephe Berare
Etienne Dinigé
Amable Durocher Pere
Olivier Chaupeaux
P. L. Grignon
J. Bt. Plant
Amable Hartte
Joseph Bouché fils
Whilliams Jourdain fils
Peter Bernard Grignon
Alexander Grignon
William Powell
Jen Bapteis Sein Vein Sant [Jean Baptiste St. Vincent]
Jean Baptiste Ginas
John G. Peltier
Indorsed: “Addressed to the bishop.”
[G. L. P., XXXII: 59.]
Kakalin
24 Dec. 1835
Mr. Grignon!
You can do me a great kindness by sending me your daughter Margarith, for a time. I am at present living here at the Mission-house, which the protestants have occupied; and I shall remain here until the house and the Church on the other shore are completed. I have no one to interpret or assist me, so do me this friendly act, and send her to me, if possible,—for, being in the midst of the savages, I can not talk with them at all. I do not doubt that you will grant my request, and I am ready to render you services whenever I can, since I am your friend and Servant.
T. J.
Van Den Broek
Miss.
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXXVI: 72.]
Grand Kakalin
27 Dec. 1835
Miss Elizabeth Grignon!
I hope that you are still in good health, as I for my part am,—thanks to God, very well. A few days ago, I wrote you a letter, but I gave it to a Savage to carry to the house of Alex [Grignon] for Mr. Chaild,
Ed.
Perhaps you have already heard that I had a great deal of difficulty in coming here, because I left too late, for the reason that those who had promised me to carry my luggage did not come, because it was very cold that day I
Ed.
Well, Elizabeth, give my Compliments to your mama, and tell her that I shall expect her soon with you to spend several days. Your Aunt was here two days, and returns again today. I have given lodging for 5 days to about 40 savages; I fed them, and all were entirely satisfied. Every morning and evening, they sang canticles, and prayed for an hour with the Rosary, etc. Just the day before Christmas, I received a package from my Mother, with a good many letters, a little money, 200 chaplets, and some crosses and images, which I shall therefore be able to distribute among the savages.
The minister, Mr. March,
Unnamed Wisconsin, index.—
Ed.
I teach the Savages every day, and I have children who have already, in 8 days, perfectly learned the alphabet. I have instructed both adults and children, and have appointed those who best understand, to teach the others the examples that I have given them. With the aid of Margarith and Marianna, I instruct in our holy Religion those who do not know enough to become good Christians.
I have not now much time to write, as I think that M
Give my compliments to papa and your aunt. Be so kind as to say to Mr. Irving [Irvin], if you please, that if letters come for me he may forward them to G. Kakalin.
I salute you: pray for me as I do for you, and I am your friend,
T. J.
Van Den Broek
Addressed: “Mlle. Elizabeth Grignon, with M
[G. L. P., XXXVI: 78.]
Mr. Louis Grignon
Do me, if you please, the favor to ask Mr. Pierre Paquette the reason why he refuses to pay to a Rev. Priest the money for his children!
At the same time you can do me a service by saying to Mr. J. Doty that Mr. Boid
Ed.
Sir
,—I have been today notified that you have summoned me to appear at your office, to justify myself for having commenced to build a mission house for the benefit of the savages. If this be so, you will do me a great kindness, if you will have the goodness to send me a short letter that I may know that it is on your authority; and after I shall have the honor of receiving your letter, I shall be ready to satisfy your wish. I do not at all doubt that you will render me this service, and that you will certainly have the kindness to appoint a day and an hour, as I am constantly occupied with the school for the savage children. I have &c &c. the 4th Jan.
Thus far, the letter to Mr. Boid
If you will have the kindness [to, ask Mr Dory, for me, whether I have replied satisfactorily, and what I should say, if he demands that I come to his office.
I am with much respect
Your friend
T. J.
Van Den Broek
.
Grand Kakalin
30 Jan. 1836.
Addressed: “Mr. Louis Grignon, Green bay.”
[G. L. P., XXXVII: 10.]
[Translated from the French.]
Gr. Cacalin
30 Jany 1836
Mr. L. Grignon!
I was very much grieved when I heard of the unfortunate accident which has happened to you. I can imagine how impatient that must make you, who are accustomed to work; but, as you know that God chastises his children
The suffering which you have had may perhaps be the reason why you have not been able to respond to the requests which I have made of you—that you would ask Mr. Doty how I shall deal with Mr. Boids, who has summoned me to his office. I hope that you surely will have the goodness to honor me (by Mr. Robert Grignon, who will pass by my house) with your letters, and write to me what Mr. Paquette has given as a reason why he has refused to pay for his children. For my part I have put in my claim to payments; and, since he refuses, I am told to prosecute by law. Because he has not been here, I was about to leave for Portage last week; but the cold hindered me so that I could only come as far as your brother Charles'sconstable
to him, and that will cost him a great deal
Ed.
I beg you to do me the kindness to write me whether my accounts, which I have sent you, will soon be paid—that is, what I have paid for the convent. I have, besides, paid a great deal more; but, as you know, the accounts of Rev. Mr. Mazichelli are in such confusion that I cannot separate the personal debts from the debts paid for the convent. One account, which I have placed among my own, concerns Josef Ducharm; it has not yet been receipted, he should receive it; it is commission money.
I hope that you will respond to my requests; and I desire for you that God may give you strength to endure all
T. J. Van Den Broek
.
Addressed: “Mr. Louis Grignon, Green Bay.”
[G. L. P., XXXVII: 15.]
To R
d
. F
rd
Resee
.
Green Bay
8
Very Reverend
,—Permit me to take the liberty to address to you these lines in regard to my situation. Judge Doty was to pay for the School only once in Six months, but if it should be possible that your eminence direct him to pay every quarter It Is very probable that he would do so; and, As I am Obliged to Support myself, it would assist me very much.
I am With the most profound
respect and Obedience
Your very Humble Servant
[G. L. P., XXXVII: 16.]
Reverend M
r
Frederick Ressée
Bishop of Michigan
Green Bay
February 1836
Very Worthy Reverend
,—Permit me to take the liberty of addressing these lines to you in regard to the School for Savages. By a letter from R
I desire to Know whether she will receive anything or not. I have Heard say that Judge Doty has some funds for this Purpose, but that he will only pay every six months, but if it pleases Your Eminence to Direct him to pay by the Quarter he will probably do so, and that would accommodate her Much more satisfactorily seeing that it is necessary for her to Support Herself
I am with high Regard and Profound respect to your Reverence
Your Ob. Servant
L. G.
Addressed: “R
[G. L. P., XXXVII: 18.]
Dear Sir
,—I have received a letter of the two misses Law of Somerset in which they requested me to pay to them the $100 I had received of you but had paid said sum a month before to the Bishop of Cincinnati who visited me at Detroit, and who intended to see them at Somerset, and I hope that ere this they have received their money. They invited me also kindly to visit them, and I answered them that it was probable I could see them soon because my avocations would likely soon call me that direction. Rev. Mr. Badin has not been able to find out the man mentioned in your memorandum. Yours most Respectfully
Fred. Résé
Bp of Detroit
Detroit
15th Oct.
1836
Addressed: “Hon. Judge Law, Green Bay, Ouisconsin.”
[G. L. P., XXXVIII: 33.]
Mr. Grignon!
Have the goodness to give the bearer of this letter my watch, and to buy two barrels of flour for me. Please keep these at your house until I shall have an opportunity to
You would do me a great pleasure if you would keep your promise of remaining several days at my house With my compliments to the good wife and your children,
I am, with much respect,
Your friend
T. J. Van Den Broek
.
Little Chute
, 1 Dec. 1836
Addressed: “M
[G. L. P., XXXVII: 51.]
Mr. Lawe!
I have received your letter by the Savage, and to-morrow I will comply with your wish. Thursday I shall go to the Bay to give you an answer. I have sent to Lt. Louis'
Ed.
Your servant
T. J. V. D. Broek
Little Chute
28 May 1838
Addressed: “M
Indorsed: “In answer to mine of the 28
[G. L. P., XLI: 51.]
[Translated from the French.]
Mr. Louis Grignon
I profit by the occasion which presents itself to reply to your letter of the 20 Feb., that I have had the pleasure of receiving it. I would send you the essence of peperement, but I have no spirits of wine (or alchohol) If you could send me a bottle, I have enough oil of peperement to make it for you.
You will oblige me greatly if you will have the kindness to see at the post office whether there are any letters for me, and at the same time have them look for the Navarrine newspapers, the
Wisconsin democrat
.
Wisconsin Democrat was the successor (Aug., 1836) of the
Green Bay Intelligencer and the
Wisconsin Free Press. In 1840, the Democrat was removed by the proprietor, C. C. Sholes, to Southport now Kenosha), where it was entitled
Southport Telegraph, the first paper in Kenosha county.—
Ed.
I have given Mad. Polier the list, to show it to you, if perchance you are desirous of being among those who will subscribe to assist in the expenses; for I do not doubt that there will be some of the friends at the Bay who are well inclined toward the Little Chute
After having offered my respects to your family
I am with respect
your friend
T. J. Van Den Broek
.
Little Chute
1 March 1839
P. S. You will infinitely oblige me if you will ask Mr.
[G. L. P., XLIII: 27.]
R
d
. M
r
. F. V. Badin
Green Bay
Sept
Dear and Reverend Sir
,—I am Ashamed not to have sooner communicated to you the condition of affairs here; the reason Is that I had been continually Sick, and occupied the rest of the time. Our Church is supervised in its duties by the R
I enclose to you
[G. L. P., XLII: 17.]
Received of Miss Rachel Lawe twenty dollars for the rent of two pews occupied by her and her father in the Catholic Church and for the annual tax of the family, and of Mr. Ducharme, until the first day of October 1841.
F. T. Bonduel
Green Bay
Nov, 8
[Unbound MSS.]