Letters/Correspondence

Richard Henry Pratt telegrams the Commissioner of Indian Affairs asking for permission to send Alfred John Standing to the Comanche Agency to recruit students. Pratt also asks if the former Florida prisoners can be sent back.

Richard Henry Pratt writes to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs regarding a desire by the Secretary of the Interior to increase enrollment at Carlisle. Pratt suggests that a number of new rules be adopted regarding students' ages, gender ratio, and health. Pratt also suggests that the children of chiefs and headmen be preferred, to ensure good…

Richard Henry Pratt requests a quick reply to his telegram of February 23, requesting permission to send Alfred John Standing to the Comanche Agency to recruit students.

Richard Henry Pratt submits invoices regarding the transfer of property and supplies at the Carlisle Barracks to the Department of the Interior. Pratt notes that these files were overlooked when others were transferred previously.

Richard Henry Pratt suggests to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that Alfred J. Standing's experience and reputation at the Kiowa and Comanche Agency will help him select suitable students there. Pratt also suggests that this recruitment should be done according to his recent suggestions regarding enrollment.

Richard Henry Pratt telegrams Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Edwin J. Brooks, informing him that a group of Iowa and Sac & Fox children arrived safely and will be held as directed.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that medicine transferred from the War Department is not needed at Carlisle, as his homeopathic physician will supply his own. Pratt suggests that the medicines be sent elsewhere.

Richard Henry Pratt requests to spend $50 to subscribe to periodicals and newspapers so that he and his assistants can stay informed.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents found in Record Group 75, Entry 79, "Letters Received by the Office of Indian…

Richard Henry Pratt writes to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, requesting that he petition the War Department to detail George LeR. Brown to service at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt states that Brown had served at Carlisle during his leave of absence from the Army, and that Brown showed potential in helping efficiently manage the school…

Commissioner of Indian Affairs William G. LeDue informs Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz that Richard Henry Pratt's request for garden seeds has been filled.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents found in Record Group 75, Entry 79, "Letters…

Richard Henry Pratt writes to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, stating that he is in Washington on an emergency trip to look after the best interests of the school. Pratt notes that the Congressional bill about the founding of the school is currently under debate, and requests permission to continue staying in Washington.

Richard Henry Pratt recommends George LeRoy Brown as a recruiter for the Carlisle Indian School among the agencies in Colorado and New Mexico. Pratt suggests that the assignment is difficult, and that Brown is the only person he trusts for the job.

Richard Henry Pratt requests funds to develop the industrial and mechanical training programs at the school. Specifically, Pratt hopes to establish a harness-making program and to expand the blacksmithing, wagon-making, carpentry, shoemaking, and tinsmithing departments. Pratt notes that this issue is already before the Secretary of the…

Richard Henry Pratt requests permission to sell two old mules, transferred from the War Department, and to purchase two farm horses.

Richard Henry Pratt requests permission to purchase seeds on the open market.

Andrew J. Koser informs the Secretary of the Interior that he visited the Carlisle Indian School, which he thinks is a "noble move toward civilization" and more effective than reservation schools. He proposes the idea of purchasing the building formerly housing the Orphans Home in Gettysburg to establish a new Indian boarding school.

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Richard Henry Pratt requests permission from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to immediately purchase school supplies on the open market. Pratt notes that these supplies were not provided when requested from the Department, and that a recent increase in pupils necessitates their purchase.

Richard Henry Pratt suggests to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that constructing a boiler for heating would be more efficient and less laborious.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that the approved expenditure for coal for the first quarter of 1880 did not meet the school's needs. Pratt requests funds to purchase additional coal for the first quarter, and refers to a previous letter on the subject.

Richard Henry Pratt requests additional money for postage of student letters from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Pratt states that letter-writing increases student morale and promotes the school's reputation among their families and tribes.

Richard Henry Pratt requests funds for the renovation of the mess hall, kitchen, and laundry. Pratt notes that the school's increasing student population necessitates these renovations, and describes which buildings will be added and renovated.

Richard Henry Pratt submits a "Special" Estimate of Funds form amounting to $3,075.25 for areas covering employee salary, clothing, water, coal, and chapel.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents found in Record Group 75, Entry 79, "Letters Received by…

Estimate of funds for the second quarter of 1880 amounting to $11,350 for areas covering subsistence, employee pay, repairs, clothing, mechanical industries, supplies, and contingencies.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents found in Record Group 75,…

Based on a discussion with the Secretary of the Interior and the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Richard Henry Pratt requests funds for the purchase of 110 sets of dormitory furniture on the open market.

Mattie G. Reynolds writes to Richard Henry Pratt asking for a position at the Carlisle Indian School in sewing or as a sewing teacher or assistant matron. Reynolds, who formerly worked with the Pawnees in a variety of roles, additionally describes a large building that was formerly used as a manual labor school for the Pawnees. Reynolds…