1870-1879

Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra E. Hayt to Indian Agent E. Stephens at Green Bay Agency authorizing him to recruit two Menominee boys from Keshena to go to Hampton Institute, payment for which had already been sent along to Mrs. W. Wheeler from General Armstrong. Hayt also suggests that he might meet up with Indian Agent Charles…

Spencer Fullerton Baird of the Smithsonian Institution writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing how Pratt found the Carlisle Barracks site when establishing the school. Baird also encourages Pratt's son to use a scholarship to Dickinson College.

Richard H. Pratt signs an invoice confirming that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs sent him a large shipment of letter paper, note paper, and envelopes.

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…

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra E. Hayt's suggests that letters sent by the children cannot be classed under the head of official correspondence, and therefore those letters should not use "official" stamps." Hayt does encourage letter writing and tells Pratt to provide an estimate for the purchase of U.S. postage stamps.

Richard Henry Pratt telegrams the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, noting that no tickets were on deposit for recruited Cheyenne and Kiowa students met in Wichita, Kansas. Pratt also notes that the Osage did not receive enough information about the request for students, and that the Pawnee and Ponca agents had not heard about the request. Pratt…

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to the Secretary of the Interior, pleading for the provision of immediate transportation of recruited students from Wichita, Kansas to Carlisle. The Indian Office had failed to provide transportation for the students in time, necessitating Pratt's plea.

Richard Henry Pratt telegrams the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, informing him that the Cheyenne agent can supply students to make up the deficiency of students at Hampton, and should be instructed to send one third boys and two third girls. Pratt notes that these students could be escorted east by Alfred Standing and Sarah Mather, two…

Telegram from Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt sent to Richard Henry Pratt or Alfred J. Standing. (Hayt did not know who was at Wichita, Kansas to receive the telegram.) 

The telegram reads: "Bring on Osage, Pawnee, and Ponca children." 

Marianna Burgess writes to Richard Henry Pratt inquiring about a position as teacher at the newly formed Carlisle Indian School. Burgess provides details on her background, and offers to help recruit Pawnee children to attend Carlisle.

The Chief Clerk to the Secretary of War forwards a letter to the Secretary of the Interior. The letter, from Adjutant General E. D. Townsend, explains that the Secretary of War has authorized the transfer of Commissary property and stores at the Carlisle Barracks to the Department of the Interior.

Note: This item was copied from U.S.…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing a recent conversation with Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt, and forwards a letter (on the reverse side of the page) to Armstrong from Thomas H. Fraile about Whiteman's placement at Carlisle.

Charles E. Campbell, the agent for the Cheyenne and Araphoe Agency, writes to Richard Henry Pratt praising him for his work educating the Fort Marion prisoners of war, and giving him an update on recruitment efforts amongst the Cheyenne and Arapahoe for Carlisle. 

Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra E. Hayt to Indian Agent E. Stephens authorizing the selection of two more Menominee boys to be sent to the Carlisle Indian School. Hayt instructs Stephens to ensure their health is certified by a competent physician and then to rendezvous with Indian Agent Charles Crissey in Chicago. 

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt noting that the party of recruited students met in Wichita can be waggoned to Lawrence, Kansas if need be. Pratt again notes that he is desperate for a way to transport the pupils back to Carlisle.

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt noting that Alfred Standing has met up with him in Wichita, escorting Pawnee, Ponca, and Nez Perce students. Pratt notes that he is investigating the possibility of using wagons to transport the pupils to the Lawrence and Gulf railroad line, as he cannot secure enough…

W. F. White informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that Richard Henry Pratt is at Wichita with a party of Indians but has no authority to arrange transportation. White asks the Commissioner if he will reimburse him if he transports Pratt and his party to Kansas City.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm…

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, relaying a message from ticket agent W. F. White in Wichita, Kansas that he is unable to arrange the transportation plans requested by the Commissioner. Alternative transportation plans are suggested.

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, asking whether the party of pupils should be transported via the Northern Pacific Railroad line as initially planned, or the St. Louis and Northern Railroad line as received.

Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz returns a list of articles and supplies requested by Richard Henry Pratt for the Carlisle Indian School. Schurz grants immediate authority to make open market purchase of the requested supplies amounting to $1,972.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which…

Edward Bloeden writes to Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. A. Hayt to request employment at the Carlisle Indian School. He specifically refers to being a "steward" of the school.

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…

Hampton Institute Principal Samuel C. Armstrong informs Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz that he received a telegraph from Captain Richard H. Pratt, who is currently in the Indian Territory. Pratt stated that there are many Indian girls in the Indian Territory who would be suitable students at Hampton. Armstrong states that, though he…

Letter from Richard Henry Pratt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt, acknowledging receipt of change orders allowing Pratt to remain in the East at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt also apologizes for troubles during his recent trip to Wichita, and suggests that better planning be made for subsequent recruitment trips. Student…

Richard Henry Pratt writes to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt, informing him that his party of recruited students, met and delayed in Wichita, Kansas, safely arrived in Carlisle the previous evening.

Superintendent Richard Henry Pratt writes to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt regarding Circular No. 33, regarding rations for Indian pupils. Pratt suggests that this ration rate is insufficient given Carlisle's current nascent state, and requests permission to continue using the Army's rationing tables instead.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra A. Hayt writes to Samuel Chapman Armstrong at Hampton to report that Indian Agent Charles Crissey left Standing Rock and will likely reach Yankton soon.