The new Archbishop reached Algiers on May 16, 1867, accompanied by M. l'Abbé Bourret, a friend of many years' standing, who is at the present time Bishop of Rodez.

Mgr. Lavigerie took possession of his see with the customary ceremonial, the effect of which was heightened by the brilliant African sun and the picturesque appearance of the native population. It would be no difficult matter to imagine what were his feelings on that important occasion, even if he had not given them eloquent and characteristic expression in his first pastoral letter, addressed to the clergy and faithful under his care. Nothing could give a more just idea of the sentiments which led him to the shores of Africa and of the plan of action he had sketched out beforehand for himself. The energy and fidelity with which he carried out that plan and adhered to that line of action will appear later on. At present we will allow him to speak for himself by means of some extracts from the letter to which we have just referred. After a few introductory phrases in regard to the circumstances attendant upon his landing on African soil, he thus continues:–

‘I should only be deceiving you, dearest brethren, were I to attempt to conceal from you the fact that my weakness at first recoiled from the thought of the difficult and laborious task now lying before me, and that the idea of all that is involved in exile from my native land was deeply painful to me.