Girard0308 - Revision history

Merv at 00:05, 10 August 2026

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 10 August 2026
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	==19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia==		==19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia==

	''Based on the original, APM, Douarre II file.''		''Based on the original, [[APM]], Douarre II file.''

	Two sheets and one leaf, comprising ten written pages; the address appears at the bottom of the first page.		Two sheets and one leaf, comprising ten written pages; the address appears at the bottom of the first page.


			''Translated by Merv Duffy and ChatGPT, August 2026''


	''[p. 1, at the bottom of the page]''		''[p. 1, at the bottom of the page]''

Merv: /* 19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia */

2026-08-10T00:01:57Z

19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia

Merv: Created page with "==19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia== ''Based on the original, APM, Douarre II file.'' Two sheets and one leaf, comprising ten written pages; the address appears at the bottom of the first page. ''[p. 1, at the bottom of the page]'' '''[Address:]''' To Monsieur Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice ''[p. 1]'' (1) :My very dear friend and vicar general, ;[1]: You must have been more than go..."

2026-08-09T23:44:32Z

Created page with "==19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia== ''Based on the original, APM, Douarre II file.'' Two sheets and one leaf, comprising ten written pages; the address appears at the bottom of the first page. ''[p. 1, at the bottom of the page]'' '''[Address:]''' To Monsieur Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice ''[p. 1]'' (1) :My very dear friend and vicar general, ;[1]: You must have been more than go..."

New page

==19 January 1844 - Bishop Guillaume Douarre to Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice, New Caledonia==

''Based on the original, APM, Douarre II file.''

Two sheets and one leaf, comprising ten written pages; the address appears at the bottom of the first page.

''[p. 1, at the bottom of the page]''

'''[Address:]''' To Monsieur Abbé Vidal, chaplain of the naval hospice

''[p. 1]''

(1)

:My very dear friend and vicar general,

;[1]: You must have been more than good to me to receive a letter today. I have written so many, and such long ones, that I no longer know where I am; thus I shall race through the post, troubling myself little about style and punctuation. Besides, may one not make oneself comfortable with one's friends? I believe I told your ladies about the kindly manner in which the Sisters of Saint Joseph received us at Gorée and Rio.

''[p. 2]''

;[2]: His Excellency the nuncio<ref>Ambrogio Campodonico, apostolic internuncio and envoy extraordinary at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (cf. ''Notizie'' 1844, p. 336).</ref> and a French priest, as well as a French count whose name does not come back to me at the moment, offered us the most generous hospitality. So much has been said about Rio, Brazil, and its beauties that it would hardly become me to give you a description which so many others have produced with greater talent than I could myself. Let us therefore hasten to arrive as quickly as possible, and perhaps we shall find something along the way that may interest you.

;[3]: If a gale would give you pleasure, I would tell you about the one we experienced off the Plata; without it, I would not have known what a storm was. The hardships of the sea meant little to me, or rather I had no time to experience them, so attentive were Monsieur and Madame Bruat<ref>Armand Joseph Bruat, admiral and governor of the French Establishments in Oceania (cf. doc. 292, § 4).</ref> toward me. I likewise have nothing but praise for the officers and passengers of the ''Uranie''.<ref>A French corvette which carried Douarre and his six companions from Toulon to the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, where Admiral Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars placed the ''Bucéphale'' at Douarre's disposal for the remainder of his journey (cf. docs. 292, § 13; 293, § 9).</ref>

;[4]: I tried to make myself useful during our ports of call. At Valparaiso I administered baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist to a young child from the Marquesas; the governor and his wife kindly agreed to be his godfather and godmother.<ref>Cf. doc. 292, § 9.</ref> This moving ceremony took place in the chapel of the French priests who have been established there for several years. There is no need to tell you how kindly they treated us. We were ''[p. 2]'' missionaries, a recommendation more than sufficient to earn us an excellent welcome. I would also tell you about the multitude of children whom I confirmed,<ref>Roudaire states that Douarre administered the sacrament of confirmation to more than 5,000 people at Valparaiso (cf. doc. 292, § 9).</ref> were I not so eager to reach the Marquesas, and about the surroundings of Valparaiso, which offer nothing especially remarkable.

;[5]: We had been sailing for a month when we sighted the Marquesas. We greeted them with pleasure, so impatient were we to arrive, and the next day, at Houapou,<ref>This should probably read Ua Pu, 50 kilometres from Nuku Hiva; these two islands and others form the northwestern group of the archipelago. Roudaire, who was among the missionaries travelling with Douarre, nevertheless states that the ''Uranie'' called at Tahuata, in the southeastern group, and that the bishop celebrated Mass on the shore beneath a large tree (cf. doc. 292, § 11). Since the ''Uranie'' made the journey from the first port of call to Nuku Hiva on the same day, Monday, 16 October 1843, it seems more logical that the point of departure for this short journey was Ua Pu rather than Tahuata.</ref> I offered the holy sacrifice of the Mass on the seashore for the installation of the governor. The senior officers of the ''Uranie'', several landing companies, and the garrison under arms were in attendance.

;[6]: A few days later the same ceremony was repeated at Nouku-Hiva.<ref>This should read Nuku Hiva. Douarre and his companions were required to leave the ''Uranie'' there, but they were able to continue aboard the ''Bucéphale''.</ref> I shall omit my departure from the ''Uranie''; my heart is still heavy from it, for it is difficult not to love those who are so sincerely attached to you. Monsieur Laferrière, commander of the ''Bucéphale'', neglected nothing that might lessen my regrets. The officers under his command showed us nothing but the most sustained and benevolent consideration.

;[7]: We travelled with the greatest happiness aboard the ''Bucéphale'' over the remaining distance to Tonga Tabou. There we were able to admire the goodness of Providence and the wonders that God knows how to accomplish with, so to speak, no human assistance. Our missionaries have been established there for scarcely twenty months. They had to contend with Protestants who have resided there for twenty years, yet this did not prevent them from winning the esteem and affection of almost all the inhabitants. They have a church that would be admired in France. Neither nails nor pegs were used in its construction, yet it is no less beautiful or solid. Cords arranged in the most varied designs take the place of all these things; non-believers and Catholics alike had a hand in the work. Bishop Bataillon will soon send them reinforcements because, as this island sets the tone for the surrounding archipelagos, once it is converted the neighbouring islands will be converted as well. ''[p. 3]''

;[8]: I would need time and many pages to tell you about the inhabitants' beauty and strength, their perfectly constructed houses, and their canoes, far superior to anything I have seen so far. But you must attend with me the beautiful ceremony at Wallis: the consecration of His Excellency. Contrary winds detained the ship for several days at the entrance to the roadstead, so I decided to go by canoe<ref group="variant">“By canoe” was written above the line.</ref> to embrace our gentlemen. The first Sunday of Advent was chosen, and in the presence of almost all the inhabitants I placed upon the head and hands of Father Bataillon the anointing that was to give him a place among the princes of the Church. I was too deeply moved to know what was happening around me. The pencils falling from the hands of a Protestant officer who had asked my permission to draw the ceremony would say more than all my words. What struck him most particularly was a hymn sung by the inhabitants at the end of the holy sacrifice. Their voices were shrill, but they sang in perfect unison. Imagine, my dear friend, the Christians of the early Church and you will have an idea of those of Wallis. The men and women are beginning to work; our weavers' looms will not be useless and, perhaps, at the very moment when I am scribbling these few lines to you, they are already at work! There is, however, one young man with his wives who tempers His Excellency's satisfaction. If that unfortunate man had the courage to overcome his passion, nothing would be lacking from the happiness of this excellent missionary, who could obtain such fine results only through much hardship and fatigue.

;[9]: The Futuna mission was founded through the blood of the good Father Chanel. Will I soon be able to tell you of similar successes achieved in New Caledonia? I desire it keenly and await this grace from Divine Providence.

;[10]: On 20 December we entered the harbour of Balade, and on the twenty-first, the feast of Saint Thomas, I prostrated myself upon this unbelieving land, which ''[p. 4]'' I placed under the protection of Mary and the Apostle of the Indies. On Christmas Day I celebrated Mass on the site of my house, in the presence of the officers and commander of the ''Bucéphale'' and part of the crew under arms. A good number of inhabitants attended this ceremony, which was entirely new to them. The reverence on one side and the attention on the other were at their height. The temple was far grander than the stable; the poverty of my altar, which consisted of two candlesticks, a cross, and the altar frontal made by your good sisters, represented the manger rather well.<ref group="variant">The word “not” in the French expression “did not represent poorly” was written above the line.</ref> I cannot make you understand all the sensations and emotions of my heart. The day, the place, the people in attendance: everything was undoubtedly calculated to move me. If God has ever been bound to hear my prayers, He could not have been insensible to those I offered Him for the conversion of this good people. I thought I heard, echoing in the depths of the hearts of my poor savages, that admirable hymn which the shepherds heard on the same day. Their hearts could not have been simpler, and their poverty could not have equalled that of my diocesan flock.

;[11]: I have not yet travelled through enough of the country to give you entirely accurate ideas about this region. Nevertheless, I shall tell you what I can.

;[12]: The high mountains of New Caledonia appear rather arid, although some bear the precious sandalwood tree. Its numerous, well-watered valleys, however, could provide great resources if they were cultivated by hands other than those of the inhabitants, who are too indolent for this. The interior contains fairly extensive and very pleasant plains. In some places they are cultivated with yams and taro; from the manner in which the inhabitants arrange their land, one must believe that the country is subject to great floods. The continual rains that have fallen for three days give sufficient indication of this; if they are always so heavy, the country must frequently witness, if not universal deluges, at least semi-deluges. The pastures appear excellent. Only one thing is lacking: livestock. There is not a single quadruped on the island, although there is plenty of game. Not even the breadfruit tree, which would be such a great resource for us, is found here. ''[p. 5]'' The inhabitants are short and black; they are also somewhat inclined to steal. I have no complaint against them, however, because they have lavished every kind of attention and consideration upon me.

;[13]: From what I had heard about these savages, I believed them unapproachable. It appears that the angel of the Lord had prepared the way. We found nothing that we had feared most: no foreigners except a few inhabitants of a neighbouring island, no Protestants, and perhaps cannibals, although I do not know. Besides, I shall do what Monsieur Roudaire, whom I left at Wallis to manage the printing press, said he would do: if they wished to put me in a safe place, I would take care to open my arms wide. I admit that the thought of being eaten has not yet troubled me. Since my departure from France, I have yet to experience my first shiver. Are not the hairs of my head numbered, and can one of them fall without God's permission?<ref>Cf. Luke 12:7 and 21:18.</ref> How happy and peaceful one is when one expects everything from His infinite generosity and can rely upon Him alone!

;[14]: Thus I did not have the slightest difficulty entrusting myself to these thoroughgoing ''sans-culottes'', something you do not yet know: they are ''in puris naturalibus'', except for the women, whose waists are encircled by a belt three or four inches wide. This is an advantage not to be despised: no time is lost dressing, and there is no risk of getting one's clothes wet. Their complete nakedness explains the shape of their houses, which rather resemble a wheat stack, with a door one metre high and proportionately wide. In the middle, or in any other part, there are one or more fires, which is not always agreeable; I know something about that.

;[15]: On that subject, I shall tell you a little story in which your friend was the principal actor. Several chiefs had come to visit us. I was glad to return their visit and, at the same time, to learn which place would be most advantageous for establishing our residence. On an earlier excursion I had noticed a beautiful plain crossed by a magnificent river and quite well cultivated in several places. The numerous houses scattered along its banks had almost made me want to settle there without further delay, were it not for my present need to remain at Balade because of communications ''[p. 6]'' with the ships. Later, I shall have missionaries not only at Coco,<ref group="variant">“Coco” replaces “which is” in the source text.</ref> the name of the beautiful plain I have mentioned, but also at Bondé, about which I still have to tell you.

;[16]: Aboard the ''Bucéphale'' we had seen the chief of the latter place. His open manners suited my character rather well and, although the other chiefs appeared to fear him greatly, I was burning with impatience to become more closely acquainted with him. The commander of the ''Bucéphale'', wishing to see the river I had told him about, undertook to travel to Coco by sea, which took us a day. I would have waited until the following day to continue my journey, but time was precious and I needed to see what was happening at my house, which was then being built. I therefore continued, accompanied by a missionary, Father Viard, vicar general to Bishop Pompallier, and two inhabitants. Before long we encountered a river and houses scattered here and there. Everywhere we found great fires beneath the coconut trees and a good number of inhabitants gathered around them. Most of the young men had visited the ship, so our presence caused them little surprise. It was different with the old men, who expressed their astonishment with grimaces that made one want to die laughing. If the niece of the parish priest of Saint-Louis had been there, we would have held a fine funeral the next day. After the first houses, our escort grew larger. The inhabitants used torches to show us the path and took my hand whenever it became a little difficult. You cannot imagine their consideration and attentiveness toward me.

;[17]: We had travelled for three hours when we reached the end of our journey. We then had to cross the river, which I did without difficulty on the back of a savage. On the other bank we found a large company of men and women. Everyone wanted to see us, and only a few minutes after the missionary did I find myself in the reception room beside the great chief. Shouts of joy, embraces - everything was lavished upon me by this old man, who did not know how to express his happiness! ''[p. 7]'' I gave him my presents and, after remaining with him for quite some time, expressed the desire to go and rest.

;[18]: I was shown into a house<ref group="variant">“A house” replaces “houses” in the source text.</ref> exactly like those<ref group="variant">“Exactly like those” was written above the line.</ref> I have already described to you. The door was well sealed and there was a good fire, which was most welcome at that moment because my trousers were completely soaked. The smoke inconvenienced me considerably, but no matter: there I was, softly stretched out upon what bed? The hospice bed. That would have been too great a pleasure, or rather it would have been a poor way to begin my mission. But with a fine mat and my bag for a pillow, no prince ever slept better. At five in the morning I awoke completely refreshed, and this time my dressing took no longer than that of my diocesan flock. Nevertheless, I went to wash at the river. The tender caresses of my chief had left more than one mark upon my sweet little face because, to make themselves more handsome or more terrible, the New Caledonians take care to smear themselves with some black substance whose nature I do not know. If the chaplains and the sisters would not be too scandalized, I would tell them that, having to satisfy... You are going to say, “What a bishop! Can one speak so badly?” Well then, guess what is certain: I managed as best I could, although not to my great satisfaction, since the inhabitants were exceedingly curious.

;[19]: I then visited the surroundings of the royal residence, which are truly charming. The banks of the river are quite well cultivated. Seen from a distance, the taro and yam plants and a kind of reddish potato rather resemble beautiful vineyard slopes. I returned to inspect the interior of the palace before leaving. You already know two of its rooms: the reception room, a large shed open to every wind except on one side, and the bedchamber, a windowless rotunda. Another room, exactly like the latter, contains enormous and quite terrifying masks, with feathers reaching down to the knees of the person called upon to wear them. However bold the street children of France may be, they would flee in terror. I believe the inhabitants use them in their dances or perhaps at their burials. There remains one other room, exactly like the preceding two except that the interior has a double row of columns. Its much wider entrance is ornamented with two ugly heads, crudely carved and painted red. As it is used by their ladies, it is much larger than the others. The whole stands in the middle of a courtyard enclosed ''[p. 8]'' by bamboo. Two main entrances are decorated with crossed human bones and skulls. I think these are the heads of enemies killed in war. I did not want to incur the cost of an envelope, so let us continue; you will thereby save the postage on two letters, which you will forward to their recipients.

;[20]: Here we are, then, with the chief accompanying us to see the commander, aboard a rather poorly constructed double canoe moving very slowly. I had been in it for five hours and was becoming quite bored. I asked to disembark, leaving Father Viart, who spoke the Wallis language perfectly and who, through a foreign islander<ref group="variant">“Islander” was written above the line.</ref> recently arrived and familiar with the language of New Caledonia, was able to make himself understood by the inhabitants and speak to them about religion.

;[21]: I was far from expecting what was about to happen to me. I had been searching for more than an hour when I made a sad encounter: a river, or stream, of great width and proportionate depth. Although born beside the water like the ducks, I do not share their ability, so my embarrassment was considerable; yet this was still the least of it. I had already recruited many people along my route, far more than I wished, with curious onlookers everywhere. I had to make a change of clothing for which I would gladly have dispensed with witnesses. In vain did I make signs for them to move away; it was useless, for womankind is the same everywhere. There I was, surrounded by a band of male and female savages who went into raptures over every item of clothing I removed. You should have heard the cries of astonishment when they saw fairly white flesh and a body that was not too thin, because aboard the ships I have so far experienced only Carnival; Lent should not be long in coming. “Ah, the unfortunate man!” you say, because you dare not say anything more forceful!... Do not worry: despite the wishes of the spectators, and still more of the female spectators, I am not altogether in the costume of an angel. I have my trousers, which are going to bathe with me. Two inhabitants, supporting me with one hand and swimming with the other, soon carried me to the opposite bank. You no doubt think that this little taste of the water would have stopped my female diocesan flock, but they were with me on the other side of the river. It was the same river I had already seen without realizing it,<ref group="variant">“Without realizing it” was written above the line.</ref> and on this second occasion I once again had to dress in front of them, which I accomplished quite successfully.

;[22]: I would still have much to say, but I must turn my attention to very urgent business letters. I scarcely know what I have told you, so tangled up have I become. There is no need to urge you to share it with your good sisters and even with others if ''[p. 9]'' you consider it appropriate, because I care little about criticism and did not attempt to produce a masterpiece while conversing with a friend. You would greatly oblige me if you would be kind enough to give news of me to the Bishop of Fréjus.<ref>Louis-Charles-Jean-Baptiste Michel, bishop of Fréjus from 27 July 1829 until his death on 22 February 1845 (cf. Ritzler and Sefrin, vol. 7, p. 197).</ref> I would have liked to find one brief moment to do so myself, but it is impossible. Nor am I writing to the good parish priest of Saint-Louis, fully convinced that you will take my place with him. In your next long letter you will tell me whether his good mother still laughs as heartily, whether she prays for me, and whether she has stopped talking in church. I pass over many confused matters. Do not forget to tell the families who have shown an interest in me - you know them all - that I shall never forget the signs of keen interest they have constantly shown me; that I shall remember them before the Lord; and that I earnestly ask them to do the same on their side. Our mission, although beautiful, is nevertheless difficult because, of all savages, the New Caledonians are the least advanced; this is literally true. You will also offer them my most humble respects, as well as all the priests of Toulon whom I have had the happiness of knowing. Give my kind remembrance and earnestly commend me to the prayers of all the sisters, both within and outside Toulon. Please visit all their houses on my behalf, whatever order they belong to; I esteem them all equally. You also know the boarding schools that have shown an interest in me; you will know what must be done.

;[23]: I distributed a large number of smocks, which are probably no longer intact because the Caledonians share them as brothers.<ref group="variant">“Because the Caledonians” replaces “because they” in the source text.</ref> At the beginning, cloth will be more precious to us, but we would need so much of it!

;[24]: I have not spoken to you about your family, or about the sisters and clergy whom we visited on ''[p. 10]'' that journey of happy memory. I hope you will not allow anyone to forget me.

;[25]: It is time, my dear friend and vicar general, to bring this to an end. Love me as I love you; pray for me as I shall pray for you; and believe in the respectful attachment with which

:I have the honour to be,
::my very dear friend,
:::your wholly devoted servant in Jesus and Mary,
::::+ G(uillaume) Douarre, Bishop of Amata

Port Balade, New Caledonia, 19 January 1844.

;[26]: P(ost) S(criptum). It is expressly forbidden to give the newspapers the slightest passage from my letters. That would be entirely contrary to the interests of the Propagation of the Faith, which instructed me on this matter, and consequently contrary to my own interests as well.

== References ==
<references />

== Textual Variants ==
<references group="variant" />

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 10 August 2026
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	;[2]: His Excellency the nuncio<ref>Ambrogio Campodonico, apostolic internuncio and envoy extraordinary at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (cf. ''Notizie'' 1844, p. 336).</ref> and a French priest, as well as a French count whose name does not come back to me at the moment, offered us the most generous hospitality. So much has been said about Rio, Brazil, and its beauties that it would hardly become me to give you a description which so many others have produced with greater talent than I could myself. Let us therefore hasten to arrive as quickly as possible, and perhaps we shall find something along the way that may interest you.		;[2]: His Excellency the nuncio<ref>Ambrogio Campodonico, apostolic internuncio and envoy extraordinary at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (cf. ''Notizie'' 1844, p. 336).</ref> and a French priest, as well as a French count whose name does not come back to me at the moment, offered us the most generous hospitality. So much has been said about Rio, Brazil, and its beauties that it would hardly become me to give you a description which so many others have produced with greater talent than I could myself. Let us therefore hasten to arrive as quickly as possible, and perhaps we shall find something along the way that may interest you.

	;[3]: If a gale would give you pleasure, I would tell you about the one we experienced off the Plata; without it, I would not have known what a storm was. The hardships of the sea meant little to me, or rather I had no time to experience them, so attentive were Monsieur and Madame Bruat<ref>Armand Joseph Bruat, admiral and governor of the French Establishments in Oceania (cf. doc. 292, § 4).</ref> toward me. I likewise have nothing but praise for the officers and passengers of the ''Uranie''.<ref>A French corvette which carried Douarre and his six companions from Toulon to the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, where Admiral Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars placed the ''Bucéphale'' at Douarre's disposal for the remainder of his journey (cf. docs. 292, § 13; 293, § 9).</ref>		;[3]: If a gale would give you pleasure, I would tell you about the one we experienced off the Plata; without it, I would not have known what a storm was. The hardships of the sea meant little to me, or rather I had no time to experience them, so attentive were Monsieur and Madame Bruat<ref>Armand Joseph Bruat, admiral and governor of the French Establishments in Oceania (cf. [[Girard0292\|doc. 292]], § 4).</ref> toward me. I likewise have nothing but praise for the officers and passengers of the ''Uranie''.<ref>A French corvette which carried Douarre and his six companions from Toulon to the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, where Admiral Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars placed the ''Bucéphale'' at Douarre's disposal for the remainder of his journey (cf. docs. [[Girard0292\|292]], § 13; [[Girard0293\|293]], § 9).</ref>

	;[4]: I tried to make myself useful during our ports of call. At Valparaiso I administered baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist to a young child from the Marquesas; the governor and his wife kindly agreed to be his godfather and godmother.<ref>Cf. doc. 292, § 9.</ref> This moving ceremony took place in the chapel of the French priests who have been established there for several years. There is no need to tell you how kindly they treated us. We were ''[p. 2]'' missionaries, a recommendation more than sufficient to earn us an excellent welcome. I would also tell you about the multitude of children whom I confirmed,<ref>Roudaire states that Douarre administered the sacrament of confirmation to more than 5,000 people at Valparaiso (cf. doc. 292, § 9).</ref> were I not so eager to reach the Marquesas, and about the surroundings of Valparaiso, which offer nothing especially remarkable.		;[4]: I tried to make myself useful during our ports of call. At Valparaiso I administered baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist to a young child from the Marquesas; the governor and his wife kindly agreed to be his godfather and godmother.<ref>Cf. doc. 292, § 9.</ref> This moving ceremony took place in the chapel of the French priests who have been established there for several years. There is no need to tell you how kindly they treated us. We were ''[p. 2]'' missionaries, a recommendation more than sufficient to earn us an excellent welcome. I would also tell you about the multitude of children whom I confirmed,<ref>Roudaire states that Douarre administered the sacrament of confirmation to more than 5,000 people at Valparaiso (cf. [[Girard0292\|doc. 292]], § 9).</ref> were I not so eager to reach the Marquesas, and about the surroundings of Valparaiso, which offer nothing especially remarkable.

	;[5]: We had been sailing for a month when we sighted the Marquesas. We greeted them with pleasure, so impatient were we to arrive, and the next day, at Houapou,<ref>This should probably read Ua Pu, 50 kilometres from Nuku Hiva; these two islands and others form the northwestern group of the archipelago. Roudaire, who was among the missionaries travelling with Douarre, nevertheless states that the ''Uranie'' called at Tahuata, in the southeastern group, and that the bishop celebrated Mass on the shore beneath a large tree (cf. doc. 292, § 11). Since the ''Uranie'' made the journey from the first port of call to Nuku Hiva on the same day, Monday, 16 October 1843, it seems more logical that the point of departure for this short journey was Ua Pu rather than Tahuata.</ref> I offered the holy sacrifice of the Mass on the seashore for the installation of the governor. The senior officers of the ''Uranie'', several landing companies, and the garrison under arms were in attendance.		;[5]: We had been sailing for a month when we sighted the Marquesas. We greeted them with pleasure, so impatient were we to arrive, and the next day, at Houapou,<ref>This should probably read Ua Pu, 50 kilometres from Nuku Hiva; these two islands and others form the northwestern group of the archipelago. Roudaire, who was among the missionaries travelling with Douarre, nevertheless states that the ''Uranie'' called at Tahuata, in the southeastern group, and that the bishop celebrated Mass on the shore beneath a large tree (cf. [[Girard0292\|doc. 292]], § 11). Since the ''Uranie'' made the journey from the first port of call to Nuku Hiva on the same day, Monday, 16 October 1843, it seems more logical that the point of departure for this short journey was Ua Pu rather than Tahuata.</ref> I offered the holy sacrifice of the Mass on the seashore for the installation of the governor. The senior officers of the ''Uranie'', several landing companies, and the garrison under arms were in attendance.

	;[6]: A few days later the same ceremony was repeated at Nouku-Hiva.<ref>This should read Nuku Hiva. Douarre and his companions were required to leave the ''Uranie'' there, but they were able to continue aboard the ''Bucéphale''.</ref> I shall omit my departure from the ''Uranie''; my heart is still heavy from it, for it is difficult not to love those who are so sincerely attached to you. Monsieur Laferrière, commander of the ''Bucéphale'', neglected nothing that might lessen my regrets. The officers under his command showed us nothing but the most sustained and benevolent consideration.		;[6]: A few days later the same ceremony was repeated at Nouku-Hiva.<ref>This should read Nuku Hiva. Douarre and his companions were required to leave the ''Uranie'' there, but they were able to continue aboard the ''Bucéphale''.</ref> I shall omit my departure from the ''Uranie''; my heart is still heavy from it, for it is difficult not to love those who are so sincerely attached to you. Monsieur Laferrière, commander of the ''Bucéphale'', neglected nothing that might lessen my regrets. The officers under his command showed us nothing but the most sustained and benevolent consideration.
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	;[19]: I then visited the surroundings of the royal residence, which are truly charming. The banks of the river are quite well cultivated. Seen from a distance, the taro and yam plants and a kind of reddish potato rather resemble beautiful vineyard slopes. I returned to inspect the interior of the palace before leaving. You already know two of its rooms: the reception room, a large shed open to every wind except on one side, and the bedchamber, a windowless rotunda. Another room, exactly like the latter, contains enormous and quite terrifying masks, with feathers reaching down to the knees of the person called upon to wear them. However bold the street children of France may be, they would flee in terror. I believe the inhabitants use them in their dances or perhaps at their burials. There remains one other room, exactly like the preceding two except that the interior has a double row of columns. Its much wider entrance is ornamented with two ugly heads, crudely carved and painted red. As it is used by their ladies, it is much larger than the others. The whole stands in the middle of a courtyard enclosed ''[p. 8]'' by bamboo. Two main entrances are decorated with crossed human bones and skulls. I think these are the heads of enemies killed in war. I did not want to incur the cost of an envelope, so let us continue; you will thereby save the postage on two letters, which you will forward to their recipients.		;[19]: I then visited the surroundings of the royal residence, which are truly charming. The banks of the river are quite well cultivated. Seen from a distance, the taro and yam plants and a kind of reddish potato rather resemble beautiful vineyard slopes. I returned to inspect the interior of the palace before leaving. You already know two of its rooms: the reception room, a large shed open to every wind except on one side, and the bedchamber, a windowless rotunda. Another room, exactly like the latter, contains enormous and quite terrifying masks, with feathers reaching down to the knees of the person called upon to wear them. However bold the street children of France may be, they would flee in terror. I believe the inhabitants use them in their dances or perhaps at their burials. There remains one other room, exactly like the preceding two except that the interior has a double row of columns. Its much wider entrance is ornamented with two ugly heads, crudely carved and painted red. As it is used by their ladies, it is much larger than the others. The whole stands in the middle of a courtyard enclosed ''[p. 8]'' by bamboo. Two main entrances are decorated with crossed human bones and skulls. I think these are the heads of enemies killed in war. I did not want to incur the cost of an envelope, so let us continue; you will thereby save the postage on two letters, which you will forward to their recipients.

	;[20]: Here we are, then, with the chief accompanying us to see the commander, aboard a rather poorly constructed double canoe moving very slowly. I had been in it for five hours and was becoming quite bored. I asked to disembark, leaving Father ~~Viart~~, who spoke the Wallis language perfectly and who, through a foreign islander<ref group="variant">“Islander” was written above the line.</ref> recently arrived and familiar with the language of New Caledonia, was able to make himself understood by the inhabitants and speak to them about religion.		;[20]: Here we are, then, with the chief accompanying us to see the commander, aboard a rather poorly constructed double canoe moving very slowly. I had been in it for five hours and was becoming quite bored. I asked to disembark, leaving Father Viard, who spoke the Wallis language perfectly and who, through a foreign islander<ref group="variant">“Islander” was written above the line.</ref> recently arrived and familiar with the language of New Caledonia, was able to make himself understood by the inhabitants and speak to them about religion.

	;[21]: I was far from expecting what was about to happen to me. I had been searching for more than an hour when I made a sad encounter: a river, or stream, of great width and proportionate depth. Although born beside the water like the ducks, I do not share their ability, so my embarrassment was considerable; yet this was still the least of it. I had already recruited many people along my route, far more than I wished, with curious onlookers everywhere. I had to make a change of clothing for which I would gladly have dispensed with witnesses. In vain did I make signs for them to move away; it was useless, for womankind is the same everywhere. There I was, surrounded by a band of male and female savages who went into raptures over every item of clothing I removed. You should have heard the cries of astonishment when they saw fairly white flesh and a body that was not too thin, because aboard the ships I have so far experienced only Carnival; Lent should not be long in coming. “Ah, the unfortunate man!” you say, because you dare not say anything more forceful!... Do not worry: despite the wishes of the spectators, and still more of the female spectators, I am not altogether in the costume of an angel. I have my trousers, which are going to bathe with me. Two inhabitants, supporting me with one hand and swimming with the other, soon carried me to the opposite bank. You no doubt think that this little taste of the water would have stopped my female diocesan flock, but they were with me on the other side of the river. It was the same river I had already seen without realizing it,<ref group="variant">“Without realizing it” was written above the line.</ref> and on this second occasion I once again had to dress in front of them, which I accomplished quite successfully.		;[21]: I was far from expecting what was about to happen to me. I had been searching for more than an hour when I made a sad encounter: a river, or stream, of great width and proportionate depth. Although born beside the water like the ducks, I do not share their ability, so my embarrassment was considerable; yet this was still the least of it. I had already recruited many people along my route, far more than I wished, with curious onlookers everywhere. I had to make a change of clothing for which I would gladly have dispensed with witnesses. In vain did I make signs for them to move away; it was useless, for womankind is the same everywhere. There I was, surrounded by a band of male and female savages who went into raptures over every item of clothing I removed. You should have heard the cries of astonishment when they saw fairly white flesh and a body that was not too thin, because aboard the ships I have so far experienced only Carnival; Lent should not be long in coming. “Ah, the unfortunate man!” you say, because you dare not say anything more forceful!... Do not worry: despite the wishes of the spectators, and still more of the female spectators, I am not altogether in the costume of an angel. I have my trousers, which are going to bathe with me. Two inhabitants, supporting me with one hand and swimming with the other, soon carried me to the opposite bank. You no doubt think that this little taste of the water would have stopped my female diocesan flock, but they were with me on the other side of the river. It was the same river I had already seen without realizing it,<ref group="variant">“Without realizing it” was written above the line.</ref> and on this second occasion I once again had to dress in front of them, which I accomplished quite successfully.
Line 72:		Line 72:
	::::+ G(uillaume) Douarre, Bishop of Amata		::::+ G(uillaume) Douarre, Bishop of Amata

	Port Balade, New Caledonia, 19 January 1844.		:Port Balade, New Caledonia, 19 January 1844.

	;[26]: P(ost) S(criptum). It is expressly forbidden to give the newspapers the slightest passage from my letters. That would be entirely contrary to the interests of the Propagation of the Faith, which instructed me on this matter, and consequently contrary to my own interests as well.		;[26]: P(ost) S(criptum). It is expressly forbidden to give the newspapers the slightest passage from my letters. That would be entirely contrary to the interests of the Propagation of the Faith, which instructed me on this matter, and consequently contrary to my own interests as well.