Awful Disclosures

Awful Disclosures

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Title: Awful Disclosures Containing, Also, Many Incidents Never before Published
Author: Maria Monk
Release Date: May, 2005 [EBook #8095] [Yes, we are more than one year ahead of
schedule] [This file was first posted on June 14, 2003]
Edition: 10
Language: English
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[Note from the etext editor: The original page scans used to create this text were illegible
in places; the notation [illegible] has been used in the text to indicate these places.
Additionally,

Chapter XIV
was missing from both the table of contents and the book; presumably this is a printing
error as opposed to an actual missing chapter.]

AWFUL DISCLOSURES,
By
MARIA MONK,
Of the
HOTEL DIEU NUNNERY OF MONTREAL.
Containing, also, Many Incidents Never Before Published.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
This volume embraces not only my "Awful Disclosures," but a continuation of my
Narrative, giving an account of events after my escape from the Nunnery, and of my
return to Montreal to procure a legal investigation of my charges. It also [illegible] all the
testimony that has been published against me, or every description, as well as that which
has been given in confirmation of my story. At the close, will be found a Review of the
whole Subject, furnished by a gentleman well qualified for the purpose; and finally, a
copious Appendix, giving further particulars interesting to the public.
I present this volume to the reader, with feelings which, I trust, will be in some degree
appreciated when it has been read and reflected upon. A hasty perusal, and an imperfect
apprehension of its contents, can never produce such impressions as it has been my
design to make by the statements I have laid before the world. I know that
misapprehensions exist in the minds of some virtuous people. I am not disposed to
condemn their motives, for it does not seem wonderful that in a pure state of society, and
in the midst of Christian families, there should be persons who regard the crimes I have
mentioned as too monstrous to believed. It certainly is creditable to American manners
and character, that the people are inclined, at the first sight, to turn from my story with
horror.
There is also an excuse for those who, having received only a general impression
concerning the nature of my Disclosures, question the propriety of publishing such
immorality to the world. They fear that the minds of the young, at least, may be polluted.
To such I have to say, that this objection was examined and set aside, long before they
had an opportunity to make it. I solemnly believe it is necessary to inform parents, at least,
that the ruin from which I have barely escaped, lies in the way of their children, even if
delicacy must be in some degree wounded by revealing the fact. I understand the case,
alas! from too bitter experience. Many an innocent girl may this year be exposed to the
dangers of which I was ignorant. I am resolved, that so far as depends on me, not one
more victim shall fall into the hands of those enemies in whose power I so lately have
been. I know what it is to be under the dominion of Nuns and Priests; and I maintain, that
it is a far greater offence against virtue and decency to conceal than to proclaim their
crimes. Ah! had a single warning voice even whispered to me a word of caution--had
even a gentle note of alarm been sounded to me, it might have turned back my foot from
the Convent when it was upon the threshold! If, therefore, there is any one now bending a
step