to edify and instruct, by word and example, not only by her own
immediate labors, but also by the zeal of those who were in the designs
of God to continue the good work she so happily commenced, and to
continue it for centuries throughout the whole extent of that vast
country. Yet it was not Quebec but _Montreal_, that God intended to be
the centre of her missionary zeal, and that of her spiritual daughters.
She therefore made but a short stay in the capital, and could not rest
until she arrived at her final destination, accompanied by M. de
Maisonneuve. Words would be quite inadequate to express the joy she felt
on approaching Montreal. She was overpowered with gratitude to the
Almighty God when she first beheld the young city for which she had so
long sighed, and which was indeed the City of Mary, having been
consecrated to her, and this joy was so much the purer as it was
purchased by the pains and humiliations she endured for Christ's dear
sake. In addition to what has been already related of this voyage,
Sister Bourgeois says in her manuscripts, that as soon as they weighed
anchor, it was discovered the ship was rotten, and leaked in many
places. However, as it was well manned, having, besides the usual number
of sailors, 108 soldiers on board, it was hoped they would be able to
brave the sea, but the hope was vain. Although they worked night and day
at the pumps, the ship could not be kept afloat. The water gained
rapidly, and their provisions were nearly destroyed. They were obliged
to return to the port of St. Lazare, on nearing which they must have
perished but for the timely assistance rendered by the inhabitants of
the place. Margaret Bourgeois felt the danger more keenly, as there was
not a priest on board, and very few were prepared for death. M. de
Maisonneuve took the wise precaution of putting the soldiers ashore on
an island, to prevent desertions; but a few in despair cast themselves
into the sea to effect an escape, as the ship was sinking before their
eyes, and they believed M. de Maisonneuve was leading them to perdition.