33 chapters
11 hour read
Selected Chapters
33 chapters
CHAPTER I. — PARENTAGE.—FATHER'S MARRIAGE.
CHAPTER I. — PARENTAGE.—FATHER'S MARRIAGE.
I was born at St. John's, New Brunswick, in the year 1835. My father was from the city of Dublin, Ireland, where he spent his youth, and received an education in accordance with the strictest rules of Roman Catholic faith and practice. Early manhood, however, found him dissatisfied with his native country, longing for other scenes and distant climes. He therefore left Ireland, and came to Quebec. Here he soon became acquainted with Capt. Willard, a wealthy English gentleman, who, finding him a s
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER II. — THE WHITE NUNNERY.
CHAPTER II. — THE WHITE NUNNERY.
On my arrival at the nunnery, I was placed under the care of a lady whom they called a Superior. She took me into a room alone, and told me that the priest would come to me in the morning to hear confession, and I must confess to him all my sins. "What are sins?" I asked, and, "How shall I confess? I don't know what it means." "Don't know what sins are!" she exclaimed in great astonishment "Why, child, I am surprised that you should be so ignorant! Where have you lived all your days?" With all t
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER III. — THE NURSERY.
CHAPTER III. — THE NURSERY.
While in the White Nunnery, I spent the most of my time in the nursery. But the name gives one no idea of the place. The freedom and careless gayety, so characteristic of other nurseries, had no place in this. No cheerful conversation, no juvenile merriment, or pleasureable excitement of any kind, were ever allowed. A merry laugh, on the contrary, a witty jest, or a sly practical joke, would have been punished as the most heinous offence. Here as elsewhere in the establishment, the strictest rul
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IV. — A SLAVE FOR LIFE.
CHAPTER IV. — A SLAVE FOR LIFE.
During this illness I was placed under the care of an Abbess whom they called St. Bridget. There were many other Abbesses in the convent, but she was the principal one, and had the care of all the clothing. If the others wished for clean clothes, they were obliged to go to her for them. In that way I saw them all, but did not learn their names. They approached me and looked at me, but seldom spoke. This I thought very strange, but I now know they dared not speak. One day an Abbess came to my bed
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER V. — CEREMONY OF CONFIRMATION.
CHAPTER V. — CEREMONY OF CONFIRMATION.
I continued to regain my health slowly, and the Abbess said they would soon send me back to the nursery. I could not endure the thought of this, for I had the greatest fear of the Abbess who had the charge of that department. She was very cruel, while St. Bridget was as kind as she dare to be. She knew full well that if she allowed herself to exhibit the least feeling of affection for those children, she would be instantly removed, and some one placed over them who would not give way to such wea
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VI. — THE GREY NUNNERY.
CHAPTER VI. — THE GREY NUNNERY.
The Grey Nunnery is situated on St. Paul Street, Montreal. It is four stories high, besides the basement. It occupies a large space of ground, I do not know how much, but it is a very extensive building. The roof is covered with tin, with a railing around it, finished at the top with sharp points that look like silver, about a foot in length, and three feet apart. Over the front door there is a porch covered with a profusion of climbing plants, which give it a beautiful appearance. The building
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VII. — ORPHAN'S HOME.
CHAPTER VII. — ORPHAN'S HOME.
The Grey Nunnery is said to be an orphan's home, and no effort is spared to make visitors believe that this is the real character of the house. I suppose it is true that one part of it is devoted to this purpose; at least my Superior informed me that many children were kept there; and to those apartments visitors are freely admitted, but never to that part occupied by the nuns. We were never allowed to communicate with people from the world, nor with the children. In fact, during all the time I
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VIII. — CONFESSION AND SORROW OF NO AVAIL.
CHAPTER VIII. — CONFESSION AND SORROW OF NO AVAIL.
It was a part of my business to wait upon the priests in their rooms, carry them water, clean towels, wine-glasses, or anything they needed. When entering a priest's room it was customary for a child to knock twice, an adult four times, and a priest three times. This rule I was very careful to observe. Whenever a priest opened the door I was required to courtesy, and fall upon my knees; but if it was opened by one of the waiters this ceremony was omitted. These waiters were the boys I have befor
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IX. — ALONE WITH THE DEAD.
CHAPTER IX. — ALONE WITH THE DEAD.
The priest removed the peas from my limbs, and led me to a tomb under the chapel, where he left me, with the consoling assurance that "THE DEAD WOULD RISE AND EAT ME!" This tomb was a large rectangular room, with shelves on three sides of it, on which were the coffins of priests and Superiors who had died in the nunnery. On the floor under the shelves, were large piles of human bones, dry and white, and some of them crumbling into dust. In the center of the room was a large tank of water, severa
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER X. — THE SICK NUN.
CHAPTER X. — THE SICK NUN.
On my return to the kitchen I found the sick nun sitting as we left her. She asked me, by signs, if we were alone. I told her she need not fear to speak, for the Superior was two flights of stairs above, and no one else was near. "Are they all away?" she whispered. I assured her that we were quite alone, that she had nothing to fear. She then informed me that she had been nine days under punishment, that when taken from the cell she could not stand or speak, and she was still too weak to walk wi
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XI. — THE JOY OF FREEDOM.
CHAPTER XI. — THE JOY OF FREEDOM.
At length the long sought opportunity arrived, and with the most extatic joy we fled from the nunnery. The girl I have before mentioned, who wished to go with me, and another nun, with whom I had no acquaintance, were left in the kitchen to assist me, in taking charge of the cooking, while the rest of the people were at mass in the chapel. A chance presented for us to get away, and we all fled together, leaving the cooking to take care of itself. We were assisted to get out of the yard, but how,
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XII. — STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND.
CHAPTER XII. — STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND.
That night and the next day I suffered all the horrors of sea-sickness; and those who have known by experience how completely it prostrates the energies of mind and body, can imagine how I felt on leaving the boat at night. The kind-hearted captain set me on shore at a place where he left coal and lumber, a short distance from the village of Ogdensburg. He gave me twelve and half cents, and expressed regret that he could do no more for me. He said he could not direct me to a lodging for the nigh
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIII. — LANDLADY'S STORY CONTINUED.
CHAPTER XIII. — LANDLADY'S STORY CONTINUED.
The poor girl was overjoyed to meet her friends again, but how great was our astonishment and indignation when she informed us that she had never received a single line from home after she entered the school, nor did she ever know that we had called to see her until we informed her of the fact. Whenever she expressed surprise that she did not hear from us, they told her that we had probably forgotten her, and strove to awaken in her mind feelings of indignation, suspicion and animosity. Not succ
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIV. — THE TWO SISTERS.
CHAPTER XIV. — THE TWO SISTERS.
Next morning the lady informed me that I could not remain with her in safety, but she had a sister, who lived about half a mile distant, with whom I could stop until my feet were sufficiently healed to enable me to resume my journey. She then sent for her sister, who very kindly, as I then thought, acceded to her request, and said I was welcome to stay with her as long as I wished. Arrangements were therefore made at once for my removal. My kind hostess brought two large buffalo robes into my ch
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XV. — CHOICE OF PUNISHMENTS.
CHAPTER XV. — CHOICE OF PUNISHMENTS.
On our arrival at the Nunnery, I was left alone for half an hour. Then the Bishop came in with the Lady Superior, and the Abbess who had charge of the kitchen when I left. The Bishop read to me three punishments of which he said, I could take my choice. First.—To fast five days in the fasting room. Second.—To suffer punishment in the lime room. Third.—To fast four days, in the cell. As I knew nothing of these places except the cell, a priest was directed to take me to them, that I might see for
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVI. — HORRORS OF STARVATION.
CHAPTER XVI. — HORRORS OF STARVATION.
One day a woman came into my cell, dressed in white, a white cap on her head, and so very pale she looked more like a corpse than a living person. She came up to me with her mouth wide open, and stood gazing at me for a moment in perfect silence. She then asked, "Where have you been?" "Into the world," I replied. "How did you like the world?" "Very well," said I. She paused a moment, and then asked, "Did you find your friends?" "No, ma'am," said I, "I did not." Another pause, and then she said,
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVII. — THE TORTURE ROOM.
CHAPTER XVII. — THE TORTURE ROOM.
I remember hearing a gentleman at the depot remark that the very enormity of the crimes committed by the Romanists, is their best protection. "For," said he, "some of their practices are so shockingly infamous they may not even be alluded to in the presence of the refined and the virtuous. And if the story of their guilt were told, who would believe the tale? Far easier would it be to call the whole a slanderous fabrication, than to believe that man can be so vile." This consideration led me to
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVIII. — RETURN TO THE NUNNERY.
CHAPTER XVIII. — RETURN TO THE NUNNERY.
While we remained at this place I was not punished in any of the usual methods. Perhaps they thought the exposure to a burning sun, and a severe headache, sufficient to keep me in subjection without any other infliction. But immediately on my return to the nunnery I was again subjected to the same cruel, capricious, and unreasonable punishment. On the first day after my return one of the priests came into the kitchen where I was at work, and I hastened to give him the usual respectful salutation
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIX. — SICKNESS AND DEATH OF A SUPERIOR.
CHAPTER XIX. — SICKNESS AND DEATH OF A SUPERIOR.
The next excitement in our little community was caused by the sickness and death of our Superior. I do not know what her disease was, but she was sick two weeks, and one of the nuns from the kitchen was sent to take care of her. One night she was so much worse, the nun thought she would die, and she began to torment her in the most inhuman manner. She had been severely punished a short time before at the instigation of this woman, and she then swore revenge if she ever found an opportunity. Now
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XX. — STUDENTS AT THE ACADEMY.
CHAPTER XX. — STUDENTS AT THE ACADEMY.
Through the winter I continued to work as usual, leading the same dull, dreary, and monotonous life, varied only by pains, and privations. In the spring a slight change was made in the household arrangements, and for a short time I assisted some of the other nuns to do the chamber work for the students at the academy. There was an under-ground passage from the convent to the cellar of the academy through which we passed. Before we entered, the doors and windows were securely fastened, and the st
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXI. — SECOND ESCAPE FROM THE NUNNERY.
CHAPTER XXI. — SECOND ESCAPE FROM THE NUNNERY.
It was early in the spring, when I again succeeded in making my escape. It was on a Saturday evening, when the priests and nearly all the nuns were In the chapel. I was assisted out of the yard in the same way I was before, and by the same person. There was still snow upon the ground and that they might not be able to track me, I entered the market and walked the whole length of it without attracting observation. From thence I crossed the street, when I saw a police officer coming directly towar
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXII. — LONELY MIDNIGHT WALK.
CHAPTER XXII. — LONELY MIDNIGHT WALK.
It was near morning when I entered Mt. Bly, but I did not stop. I traveled all night, and late in the morning came to a respectable looking farmhouse which I thought might be occupied by Protestants. I always noticed that their houses were neater, and more comfortable than those of the Romanists in the same condition in life. In the present instance I was not disappointed in my expectations. The lady received me kindly, gave me some breakfast, and directed me to the next village. I walked all da
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIII. — FLIGHT AND RECAPTURE.
CHAPTER XXIII. — FLIGHT AND RECAPTURE.
Four happy weeks I enjoyed unalloyed satisfaction in the bosom of this charming family. It was a new thing for me to feel at home, contented, and undisturbed; to have every one around me treat me with kindness and even affection. I sometimes feared it was too good to last. Mrs. Branard in particular, I shall ever remember with grateful and affectionate regard. She was more like a mother to me, than a mistress, and I shall ever look back to the time I spent with her, as a bright spot in the other
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIV. — RESOLVES TO ESCAPE.
CHAPTER XXIV. — RESOLVES TO ESCAPE.
As summer approached, I expected to be sent to the farm again, but for some reason I was still employed in the kitchen. Yet I could not keep my mind upon my work. The one great object of my life; the subject that continually pressed upon my mind was the momentous question, how shall I escape? The dreaded December was rapidly approaching. To some it would bring a joyous festival, but to me, the black veil and a life long imprisonment. Once within those dreary walls, and I might as well hope to es
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXV. — EVENTFUL JOURNEY.
CHAPTER XXV. — EVENTFUL JOURNEY.
Once more I had the good fortune to obtain a passage across the river in a ferry-boat, and was soon pressing onward upon the other side. Passing through two places called St. Mary's and St. John's, I followed the railroad to a village which I was informed was called Stotsville, [Footnote: I beg leave once more to remind the reader that it is by no means certain that I give these names correctly. Hearing them pronounced, with no idea of ever referring to them again, it is not strange that mistake
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVI. — CONCLUSION.
CHAPTER XXVI. — CONCLUSION.
Here closes the history of Sarah J. Richardson, as related by herself. The remaining particulars have been obtained from her employers in Worcester. She arrived in this city August, 1854, and, as she has already stated, at once commenced seeking for employment. She called at many houses before she found any one who wished for help; and her first question at each place was, "Are you a Catholic?" If the answer was in the affirmative, she passed on, but if the family were Protestants, she inquired
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX I. — ABSURDITIES OF ROMANISTS.
APPENDIX I. — ABSURDITIES OF ROMANISTS.
It may perchance be thought by some persons that the foregoing narrative contains many things too absurd and childish for belief. "What rational man," it may be said, "would ever think of dressing up a figure to represent the devil, for the purpose of frightening young girls into obedience? And those absurd threats! Surely no sane man, and certainly no Christian teacher, would ever stoop to such senseless mummery!" Incredible it may seem—foolish, false, inconsistent with reason, or the plain dic
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX II. — CRUELTY OF ROMANISTS.
APPENDIX II. — CRUELTY OF ROMANISTS.
To show that the Romish priests have in all ages, and do still, inflict upon their victims cruelties quite as severe as anything described in the foregoing pages, and that such cruelties are sanctioned by their code of laws, we have only to turn to the authentic history of the past and present transactions of the high functionaries of Rome. About the year 1356, Nicholas Eymeric, inquisitor-general of Arragon, collected from the civil and canon laws all that related to the punishment of heretics,
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX III. — INQUISITION OF GOA—IMPRISONMENT OF M. DELLON, 1673.
APPENDIX III. — INQUISITION OF GOA—IMPRISONMENT OF M. DELLON, 1673.
"M. Dellon a French traveller, spending some time at Damaun, on the north-western coast of Hindostan, incurred the jealousy of the governor and a black priest, in regard to a lady, as he is pleased to call her, whom they both admired. He had expressed himself rather freely concerning some of the grosser superstitions of Romanism, and thus afforded the priest, who was also secretary of the Inquisition, an occasion of proceeding against him as a heretic. The priest and the governor united in a rep
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX IV. — INQUISITION OF GOA, CONCLUDED.
APPENDIX IV. — INQUISITION OF GOA, CONCLUDED.
The Inquisition of Goa continued its Autos for a century after the affair of Dellon. In the summer of 1808, Dr. Claudius Buchanan visited that city, and had been unexpectedly invited by Joseph a Doloribus, second and most active inquisitor, to lodge with him during his visit. Not without some surprise, Dr. Buchanan found himself, heretic, schismatic, and rebel as he was, politely entertained by so dread a personage. Regarding his English visitor merely as a literary man, or professing to do so,
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX V. — INQUISITION AT MACERATA, ITALY. NARRATIVE OF MR. BOWER. METH. MAG. THIRD
APPENDIX V. — INQUISITION AT MACERATA, ITALY. NARRATIVE OF MR. BOWER. METH. MAG. THIRD
VOL. I never pretended that it was for the sake of religion alone, that I left Italy, On the contrary, I have often declared, that, had I never belonged to the Inquisition, I should have gone on, as most Roman Catholics do, without ever questioning the truth of the religion I was brought up in, or thinking of any other. But the unheard of cruelties of that hellish tribunal shocked me beyond all expression, and rendered me,—as I was obliged, by my office of Counsellor, to be accessary to them,—on
2 hour read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX VI. — ROMANISM OF THE PRESENT DAY.
APPENDIX VI. — ROMANISM OF THE PRESENT DAY.
Whenever we refer to the relentless cruelties of the Romanists, we are told, and that, too, by the influential, the intelligent, those who are well-informed on other subjects, that "these horrid scenes transpired only in the 'dark ages;'" that "the civilization and refinement of the present age has so modified human society, so increased the milk of human kindness, that even Rome would not dare, if indeed she had the heart, to repeat the cruelties of by-gone days." For the honor of humanity we c
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPENDIX VII. — NARRATIVE OP SIGNORINA FLORIENCIA D' ROMANI, A NATIVE OF THE CITY OF NAPLES.
APPENDIX VII. — NARRATIVE OP SIGNORINA FLORIENCIA D' ROMANI, A NATIVE OF THE CITY OF NAPLES.
I was born in the year 1826, of noble and wealthy parents. Our mansion contained a small chapel, with many images, sacred paintings, and a neatly furnished mass altar. My father was a man of the world. He loved the society of fashionable men. As he lived on the rents and income of his estates, he had little to do, except to amuse himself with his friends. My mother, who was of as mild and sweet disposition, loved my father very dearly, but was very unhappy the most of the time because my father
57 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter