Lies near Beuthen in Upper Silesia, about half a mile from the Russian
frontier. It is the most extensive foundry in Upper Silesia, and was
only erected in 1839. It may easily be imagined that my spirits were
not a little affected by the difficult circumstances in which I had been
placed; for, besides seeing all my past labours brought to a fruitless
termination, I had been compelled to submit in silence to all the
attacks which had been made upon my character. Several of my Catholic
friends had slighted me, or treated me unkindly; and the greater number
of my Catholic fellow-citizens did not appear sufficiently to feel the
oppressive yoke of Romish superstition.--The time had not yet come! My
confidence had been severely tried by all these causes. I only clung
the more closely, however, to my pupils at Laurahuette, and I often
felt inclined to beg of them that they would not treat me so unkindly as
other friends had done. I trembled if they left me for even half a day.
I tried to find a resting place within their hearts, by building on
their love. And truly, the brightest hours of my life have been passed
in the school-room, cheered by their innocent and youthful hearts.
My mind was gradually strengthened and refreshed, to which result the
tender kindness of my friends at Laurahuette mightily conduced.
I employed my hours of leisure in work connected with my avocation, and
several performances were already completed, when the day of my release
arrived, which I had been long expecting, and with increased impatience
and assurance the nearer it approached. Our feelings oftentimes outrun
all reason, and my confidence of ultimate release had been rising ever
since I left the Seminary. The day at length arrived!--the 1st day of
October 1844. From the moment when I saw my article in print (I trembled
lest it should be interdicted) I felt as if the month of May were come,
and spring were budding in my Fatherland.