Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886

Monday 4th October. In London. Had an interview with Mr Walcott, Secretary to the Emigration Committee. He promised to have accommodation provided on board the "Annie Wilson" for the clergyman as chaplain and not as religious instructor. At first he seemed unwilling to do this, alleging various frivolous excuses, which I indignantly put aside. Our conversation turned on other matters of importance to the moral guardianship of the emigrants during the voyage out. It was late when I left him. He is a man of routine and somewhat of a bigot. It seems everything regarding the ship arrangements for the emigrants and the selection of them are left to agents, all Protestants, who cannot be favourable to Catholic emigration from any of the Islands. The Irish clergymen leave the recommendation of the Catholic emigrants to the parsons. This is another great evil.

Wednesday 6th October. I received a letter from Mr. Walcott stating that accommodation could not be had on board the Annie Wilson for the chaplain, but that a schoolmaster could be provided for. I immediately waited on him and, in bitter indignant language, complained of his shuffling conduct. I said that I was determined the chaplain would sail with the emigrants, and, if provided with indifferent accommodation, I would make it a matter of serious complaint to the Colonial Government. On this he changed his tone and tactics, and said he would see that the clergyman was provided with the necessary and becoming accommodation. We parted with a better knowledge of each other - at least, he will be careful not to trifle again with me.

Friday 8th October. I got a letter from Walcott saying that proper accommodation would be ready for the clergyman. Saw him soon after and advised the alteration of the rules, a copy of which he sent to Mr. Woodlock, being most objectionable in their present state. He promised to do so. The clergyman as chaplain is perfectly free and independent, as to his department, of captain and surgeon. Obtained from him a list of the books provided for Protestants with a view of weeding it of those containing passages offensive to Catholics, and to furnish a list of religious books for Catholics.

Monday 11th October. I arranged to have vestments, chalice, and everything necessary for the celebration of Mass sent on to Father Moore, who sails in the emigrant ship "Annie Wilson."

Sunday 17th October. Witnessed the consecration of Dr. Etheridge, S.J., Vicar-Apostolic of British Guiana. The Cardinal (Wiseman) was the consecrator. My uncle (Right Rev. Dr. Hynes) was one of the assistant consecrators.

Wednesday 20th October. Wrote to Dr. Woodlock in reference to the appointment and duties of chaplains to emigrant ships; recommended that a schoolmaster, subject in his department to the chaplain, should be also appointed on recommendation from the Bishop or his agent.

Saturday 23rd October. Left with my uncle a case containing chalice, gold trowel, pectoral cross &c., to keep for me. Left for Dover en route to Rome.

Wednesday 27th October. In Paris.

Sunday 31st October. Visited the palace at Fountainbleau and palace grounds. Said a short prayer in the old chapel of that part of the building called the chateau of St. Louis, which was consecrated by St. Thomas a'Beckett. Here is kept the altar at which Pius the VII celebrated during his detention in the palace.