Girard0288

25 November 1843 - Father Jean-Baptiste Comte to Father Victor Poupinel, Bay of Islands

Summary

Is a bit annoyed at Poupinel because he hasn’t yet received the spectacles that he asked for.

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Document 288 — 25 November 1843

Jean-Baptiste Comte to Victor Poupinel

Source: APM Z 208.

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Editorial Description

Sheet folded to form four pages, of which two are written; the third is blank; the fourth contains only the address and Poupinel’s annotation.

Address

Reverend Father Poupinel — Lyon

Annotation (Forest)

New Zealand, 27 November 1843 — Father Comte

Text

J(esu)s M(ary) J(oseph)

Bay of Islands, 25 November 1843

Dear Father,

[1]

A short note in haste, to inform you that I am not yet dead, and that I do not forget you. I have received the little note from Father Bataillon, now bishop. It is Father Viard who must have played this trick of making him cross the seas uselessly. You annotate this note, it is true, but in so laconic a manner that there is little to enjoy.

I must therefore take my revenge and be even shorter than you today. Another time I shall be long—very long—and more interesting than in the past. Since I have converted you, I shall no longer insist so much on moral reflections, but rather on facts, details, and circumstances; that will then be practical.

[2]

I have something to complain about. For a long time I have been asking you for spectacles, and you have not sent me any, whether through forgetfulness or because you think my eyesight has become excellent in New Zealand. I have none left, and I confess that this does not help me to get through the difficult situations, which are not rare.

At last, one must live on hope. I think that this time you will not forget me, and that you will send me three pairs as I asked. It is No. 10 that I need. I would like the lenses to be blue and the frame strong.

Reverend Father Forest has just made a suggestion to me. He tells me to ask for a silver frame and several lenses fitted to the frame. I believe that this method would be better and more economical. Iron frames soon break, eaten away by rust, from which they cannot be protected in this very humid country where we are so often on the water—whether sea, rivers, lakes, or marshes.

You will do as you wish. I shall receive either one or the other with pleasure.

[3]

Pray for me, please. I have received the letter from Mademoiselle Monavon. Continue to recommend me to her prayers.

[4]

Present my respects to the Reverend Fathers Director, Girard, Dupont, Lagnet, Dubreuil, Barjot, Favre, Guttin, Mayet, Crouzet, George, Miot, Balmé, Déclat, Jalon, Umbert, and to all our other dear fathers and brothers.

[5]

I have the honour to be, with the most profound respect,

my Reverend Father,

your very humble

and very obedient servant,

Comte

Marist

Notes

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