Extract from a Diary, kept by the late Dr. A.A. Madden, Arichat, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia:

1856. June 8^th.

The Rev^d Father Girroir, read a letter, from Montreal, from His Lordship, Dr. MacKinnon, informing him , that he would leave Montreal by Rail, with the Rev^d Neil McLeod, & four nuns, to establish a branch of their order, in Arichat.  His Lordship, directed the Rev^d Gentleman, to do his best, to have the house furnished to receive them.  His Reverence, read the letter to the congregation, & requested those, who, could afford it, to assist in furnishing the house, with such articles as they could spare.

June 10^th.

Today the Rev^d H. Girroir received another letter, from his Lordship, from Boston, informing him, that he had arrived, there, with the ladies safe, the same night, and, that they were to embark on board the 'Brigh-Appoline", Capt. Dominick Girroir, on the 9^th [?] for Arichat - (my son Daniel is mate on board).

June 15^th.

The last three days, have been very foggy, to the great disappointment, of the Catholics here, as they hourly expected the arrival, of the "Brigh-Appoline", which was to bring from Boston, the Bishop, and Nuns.  On the evening of the 15^th (Sunday) 6 o'clock p.m., in the midst of a thick fog, the vessel arrived at the entrance of the harbor.  Guns were fired from her, which was the first intimation, of her vicinity.  They were promptly answered, from the Bishop's residence, as Rev^d Mr. Girroir, had been indefatigable in his efforts, to give the Bishop, Priest, & nuns, a hearty welcome, Boats (it being calm) were put off immediately, and towed, the vessel to, Mr. Stubert's wharf.  In the meantime, 13 guns, as a salute, were fired for the Bishop, & many more, for great joy, at the safe arrival of His Lordship, & fellow travellers.

"The Clergymen accompanying his lordship were - The Rev^d - Fathers - Neil McLeod, Acquaroni, & McDonough - & 5 Ladies of the 'Congregation de Notre Dame' "

(originally copied by D. O'C. Madden, 29th July, 1901; D. O'C. Madden's note copied by Dr. J.E. MacDonell, from which this page is transcribed)