Letters/Correspondence

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a letter from Richard Sanderville requesting a position at the Piegan Agency.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the current system of student recruitment for non-reservation boarding schools is not working. Pratt forwards two letters detailing the difficulties of his employees in gathering parties of students as well as the reluctance of reservation superintendents to forward students to…

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a from Ralph Taylor requesting his assistance in securing a position in the Indian Service. Pratt provides information related to Taylor to the Office.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to cover the additional coal delivered due to fully loading train cars.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that since receiving a group of students from Puerto Rico he has been requested to receive more students from Puerto Rico. Pratt asks that if the Commissioner approves of increasing the size of the party from Puerto Rico that it be mentioned in the Carlisle Appropriation bill.

Charles E. Dagenett inquires of Richard Henry Pratt about his appointment as a clerk at the Quapaw Agency. Pratt forwards the letter to the Office of Indian Affairs and that he responded to Dagenett that the matter is in the hands of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

S. L. Diven, the school physician, compiles the monthly sanitary report for November 1900.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that due to the poor harvest of forage supplies including hay, corn, oats, and wheat that the supplies at the Carlisle Indian School are extremely low. As a result, he requests emergency authorization to purchase forage supplies on the open market.

Richard Henry Pratt follows up his request for emergency authorization to purchase forage supplies on the open market including timothy hay, straw, shelled corn, and oats.

Major Richard H. Pratt submits a report that lists new employees (S. W. Thompson and Edith McHarg Steele and those who have left the school (Sara E. Smith). These reports include personal information about those being hired as well as reasons for departure for those leaving. Smith's letter of resignation and Steele's application are attached.…

Richard Henry Pratt forwards letter of Martin Grove Brumbaugh in regard to enrolling students from across Puerto Rico at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt notes that no special act of Congress due to the fact that Carlisle generally carries more students than their appropriation number.

Frances B. Johnston informs A. C. Towner that she has received his letter regarding photographing the Carlisle Indian School. Johnston provides further details regarding the contract.

R. F. Armstrong writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing their shared and divergent views on slavery, comparing the current state of both Indian and formerly enslaved peoples in the United States. Armstrong also discusses his views of the Confederacy.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to pay the expenses associated with the treatment of Mary Tallchief's eyes at the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the deed for the Kutz Farm was sent to the Office on November 1, 1900 but has received no response nor has the deed been returned. Pratt also notes that the Pennsylvania legislature meets today and he should know the Office's conclusions before urging passage of the act.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a letter from James B. Holland, United States Attorney, regarding the transfer of the Kutz Farm deed to the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to expend $200 in outside labor in making uniform coats and pants as well as purchasing farm and garden seeds and postage for student correspondence.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase an additional 500 yards of Canton flannel.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the number of spring wagons, carriages, and harnesses for Indian Agencies has exceeded estimates and therefore there is a need to replenish supplies to produce these items.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase various electric lights for recently constructed buildings as well as asbestos cement for pipes and incidental repairs to buildings.

John W. Griggs, Attorney General, responds to the Secretary of the Interior inquiry regarding the title to the Kutz Farm. Griggs states that the papers have been referred to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Estimate of funds for the third quarter of 1901 amounting to $22,538.49 for support of the school, fulfilling treaties with the Seneca, interest on Seneca funding, and Indian money, proceeds of labor. Richard H. Pratt also requests additional funds amounting to $12,890.00 for regular employee pay. 

S. L. Diven, the school physician, compiles the monthly sanitary report for December 1900.

Major Richard H. Pratt submits a report that lists irregular employees who worked at the school during December 1900. The report includes details on compensation, position titles, race, and the number of days worked during that month. In an explanatory cover letter, Pratt informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs about the unauthorized repairs…

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the Pan-American Exposition desires to have the Carlisle Indian School Band for four weeks in July and August and are willing to pay expenses. In addition the band and a corps of cadets has been invited to participate in the Inaugural Parade.