Letters/Correspondence

Richard Henry Pratt sends a letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs requesting a leave of absence to take a trip to Bermuda. 

Thomas Ryan, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, forwards a letter of Richard Henry Pratt regarding the manufacture of spring wagons and harness at the Carlisle Indian School to the Office of Indian Affairs.

John S. Mayhugh, U.S. Indian Agent for the Western Shoshone Agency, requests to have Henry Sue and Willie Van Derzer enrolled at the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that tickets will be delivered to Chester P. Cornelius.

Richard Henry Pratt provides a list of the rooms and dimensions for the sleeping quarters, dining room, and school rooms at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt focuses on the dormitories due to the excess space as compared to Office regulations.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards fireman Joseph N. Jordan's application for a 20-day annual leave of absence. 

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs inquiry regarding former student William Butcher, including his experience in the printing department.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards assistant seamstress E. Corbett's application for an additional 28-day sick leave of absence and a physician's certificate confirming Corbett's illness, "inflamation of the bowels." The Commissioner of Indian Affairs recommends Corbett's request be granted. 

Richard Henry Pratt follows up on the request of Gertrude Simmons to take additional training to further her career. Pratt additionally requests advance notice of the party of Cheyenne and Arapaho's arrival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Note: Gertrude Simmons later became known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin and Zitkala-Sa. 

Major Richard H. Pratt submits a report that lists irregular employees who worked at the school during November 1898. The report includes details on compensation, position titles, race, and the number of days worked during that month.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards the application of Edith (here Edythe) Pierce for a position of assistant matron and/or vocal teacher along with a recommendation from Laura R. Shaffner and himself.

S. L. Diven, the school physician, compiles the monthly sanitary report for November 1898.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a letter from Ida Wade requesting his assistance in helping Gertrude Renfrew obtain a position in the Indian Service. Pratt also includes a recommendation from Laura R. Shaffner and himself.

Nathaniel McKay responds on behalf of matron R. E. Wilson in response to Richard Henry Pratt's actions towards asking her to transfer to another school.

Richard Henry Pratt requests 250 smallpox vaccines be sent to Carlisle or that he be authorized to purchase them on the open market.

Alfred John Standing informs the Office of Indian Affairs that Miss Frey of the Mt. Pleasant School declines transfer to the Carlisle Indian School to replace Gertrude Simmons. Standing asks an assignment of a primary teacher from the Civil Service lists.

Note: Gertrude Simmons later became known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin and Zitkala-Sa…

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that Gertrude Simmons has turned in her resignation. Pratt notes that Supervisor Wright has recommended Miss Frey at the Mt. Pleasant School as her replacement.

Note: Gertrude Simmons later became known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin and Zitkala-Sa. 

M. F. Holland, Supervisor of Indian Schools, provides the Office of Indian Affairs with a inspection report of the Carlisle Indian School.

James A. MacAlister writes to Mother Katharine Drexel regarding Nash's ability as a student as well as his tuition bill. Nash "is a bright fellow, an industrious student, and stands well in all his classes," as Drexel notes. MacAlister was the first president of Drexel Institute of Art Science and Industry (now Drexel University) while Drexel…

Major Richard H. Pratt requests a six-month supply of two dozen different blank administrative forms used by the United States Indian Affairs division of the Department of the Interior. Pratt also includes a note asking that the memorandum books be sent immediately

S. L. Diven, the school physician, compiles the monthly sanitary report for December 1898.

Major Richard H. Pratt and Assistant Superintendent A. J. Standing submit a report that lists irregular employees who worked at the school during December 1898. The report includes details on compensation, position titles, race, and the number of days worked during that month. 

Estimate of funds for the third quarter of 1899 amounting to $20,663.58 for support of the school and purchase of supplies, $11,120.00 of which is for regular employee pay.

Alfred John Standing provides information and recommendation for Laura D. Pedrick (former student Laura Doanmoe) to be appointed to the position of field matron at the Kiowa Agency.

William Hugg writes to W. A. Jones of a letter from Richard Henry Pratt regarding the discharge and transfer of Abraham Smith.