National Archives and Records Administration

John R. Wilbon, Superintendent of the New York Warehouse, seeks authority to send pebble duck canvas to the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase 1000 chestnut rails and 200 locust posts for repairing the fence at the Parker Farm.

Richard Henry Pratt refers to a letter from the Office of Indian Affairs authorizing him to send George Thomas to the Fort Stevenson School to take over the harness shop. However, he notes that no provision was made for transportation.

The Commissioner of Indian Affairs forwards the letter to the Secretary of Interior recommending the…

Richard Henry Pratt requests the Office of Indian Affairs correct an error in approving irregular pay for July 1887.

These materials include a cover letter and a Descriptive Statement of Pupils of students from the Rosebud; Pine Ridge; and Omaha and Winnebago Agencies transferred to the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards expense vouchers related to the recruitment of students in the Omaha and Winnebago Agency as well as the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Agencies.

Ida Johnson, a teacher at Grand River Indian Territory, requests permission to enroll her brother and sister in the Carlisle Indian School. Richard Henry Pratt forwards the request to the Office of Indian Affairs with his favor by indicating the proportion of various Indian Nations at the School.

Captain Richard H. Pratt provides the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with a list of irregular labor required for September 1887. Pratt also includes details on compensation, position title, and the number of workdays required for the month.

Richard Henry Pratt requests from the Office of Indian Affairs that all circulars referencing teaching English in Indian Schools be sent to him due to articles in the Christian Union and The Advance.

Pratt also writes that the bids on the building surprised him and that office should be pleased.

Supplementary estimate of funds for the third quarter of 1887 amounting to $15,755.39 for support of the school. 

The U.S. Indian Agent for the Navajo Agency requests from Richard Henry Pratt that Benjamin Damon a student at the Carlisle Indian School be employed a position as an interpreter at the Agency.

Pratt forwards the letter to the Office of Indian Affairs noting that Damon is competent in English and would quickly regain his ability to speak…

Richard Henry Pratt seeks authority to pay expenses of agents visiting pupils on farms and in families. Pratt notes that the cost will be $300 and the funds are already to his credit.

Richard Henry Pratt seeks authority to have the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency Agent send 10 individuals for the Constitutional Centennial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pratt notes that due to a limited amount of time he is unable to get people from multiple Agencies.

Richard Henry Pratt asks for the immediate delivery of stationery previously requested on February 9, 1887.

George E. Sanluier protests against the sentiment of having students from the Carlisle Indian School at various entertainment events.

Richard Henry Pratt asks the Office of Indian Affairs if authority to send 10 individuals from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency to the Constitutional Centennial parade or if there is an objection to them coming.

George S. Schmidt requests from the Office of Indian Affairs for 50 students from the Carlisle Indian School to participate in the York, Pennsylvania Centennial Celebration. Schmidt notes that this will come at no expense to the school.

Chauncey F. Black requests the participation of students from the Carlisle Indian School and the Carlisle School Band to participate in the Centennial Celebration being held in York, Pennsylvania. Black notes that the committee in charge of the celebration will furnish transportation for the students to participate.

Levi Marsh requests permission from the Office of Indian Affairs to have the students at the Carlisle Indian School in the York, Pennsylvania Centennial Celebration.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter noting the approval of the Office for the school to participate in the Centennial Celebration being held in York, Pennsylvania.

Captain Richard H. Pratt provides the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with a list of irregular labor required for October 1887. Pratt also includes details on compensation, position title, and the number of workdays required for the month.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to have Henry Kendall enroll at Rutgers College. Pratt also requests that $167 per year be allocated to pay Rutgers for Kendall's education from the general appropriation or through Pratt's fund.

Annie S. Ely requests permission for a leave of absence for 30 days starting September 30, 1887. Richard Henry Pratt recommends the leave be granted.

This is a card tracking the details of Richard Davis' employment with the Office of Indian Affairs. He began working at Carlisle as an assistant disciplinarian in 1887, resigned in 1888, and returned as a dairy manager/dairyman from 1891 to 1894.

Note: upon request for Davis' Official Personnel Folder at the National Archives in St. Louis…

Richard Henry Pratt writes to the Office of Indian Affairs that he agrees with the office's order regarding English in the schools. He notes his disagreement with the missionaries who oppose it. He ends by noting that teaching English will lead to greater emancipation and eliminate interpreters at agencies which would be highly beneficial.