1880-1889

Richard Henry Pratt requests to employ a vocal music teacher in addition to the irregular labor estimated on September 19, 1885.

Richard Henry Pratt follows up his letter from October 3, 1885 regarding transportation for four students from the Sisseton Agency to Carlisle. Pratt notes that due to a delay the Sisseton Agency did not receive the order placed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs until after Pratt had sent his letter.

Charles H. Potter, U.S. Indian Agent for the Winnebago Agency, forwards a request from Sin da ha-ha to have his son returned from the Carlisle Indian School due to his age and living conditions. John Oberly denies the request.

Captain Richard H. Pratt provides the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with a list of irregular labor required for November 1885. Pratt also includes details on compensation, position title, and the number of workdays required for the month.

Descriptive Statement of Pupils regarding 3 children transferred to the Carlisle Indian School from the Sisseton Agency.

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing Superintendent of Indian Schools John Henry Oberly's recent comments at the Mohonk Conference, suggesting that Oberly will become the Commissioner of Indian Affairs eventually and discussing President Cleveland's Indian policy.

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing recently arrived students at Hampton, and discussing plans to begin making industrial products to sell to the Indian Department. Armstrong states that he does not wish to compete with Carlisle in making industrial products, and asks whether harnesses…

H. J. Armstrong, U.S. Indian Agent for the Crow Agency, informs the Office of Indian Affairs that he can send six or ten students to the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt requests transportation for John W. Olmstead and 20 students from De Pere, Wisconsin to Carlisle.

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing his professional network, including news on a plan to eliminate boarding schools in favor of reservation schools and a trip to Philadelphia.

Richard Henry Pratt requests that Kent Black Bear be sent home due to poor health at the request of his father.

Estimate of funds for the fourth quarter of 1885 amounting to $7,530.71 for support of the school. Richard H. Pratt also requests additional funds amounting to $6,055.00 for regular employee pay. 

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a newspaper clip to the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding four students who had been transferred to the Martinsburg Indian School. He notes that he regrets sending the students to Martinsburg and the students mentioned in the clipping were exemplary students while at Carlisle. He recommends transferring the…

Richard Henry Pratt discusses the desire of Standing Bear to have his daughter returned home from the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt provides the circumstances surrounding the request including Standing Bear's long support of the school. However, he notes that the student does not desire to go home and he believes the office should commend…

These materials include a cover letter, correspondence, and a Descriptive Statement of Pupils regarding Moses Neal of the Sac & Fox Agency requesting admission for Christina Moore (Coch-na-qua) and Stanley (Po-po) at the Carlisle Indian School. Neither individual ever enrolled at Carlisle.

Richard Henry Pratt submits a voucher for travel expenses of a Carlisle Indian School employee in attempting to recover Henry Keoke. Pratt also provides a history of how Keoke came to the school.

Richard Henry Pratt replies to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding the lease of the Hocker Farm. Pratt notes that he believed the lease which was renewed in 1884 was for five years and was confirmed in this belief when the funds for the second quarter were granted without question and have already been paid.

Captain Richard H. Pratt provides the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with a list of irregular labor required for December 1885. Pratt also includes details on compensation, position title, and the number of workdays required for the month.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to cover the expenses of an Assistant Disciplinarian in charge of large boys for the months of November and December which was omitted from the Irregular Employees report.

Richard Henry Pratt submits a report that lists a new employee (George W. Kemp). The report includes personal information about those being hired. An explanatory cover letter is included.

Richard Henry Pratt submits a travel voucher for the return of Henry Keoke who was resting in Saxton, Pennsylvania when caught by a Carlisle Indian School employee.

Oneida Sachems and Councilors request the return of various students currently at Carlisle due to lack of full consideration. Richard Henry Pratt notes that the request should be rejected as there is little discontent among the students aside from routine and some work requirements. He states that some parents requested additional children to…

Lewis Elm requests the return of his son, Levi Elm, from the Carlisle Indian School as he claims Levi is at Carlisle against both of their wishes. Richard Henry Pratt responds to the Bureau that Levi Elm arrived at the school on a five year term and despite a rough early start has now become accustomed to the school life. In addition, he…

Richard Henry Pratt submits a voucher for travel expenses incurred while returning Dana Long Wolf and Charles Redmore. Pratt includes the context of what led Redmore and Long Wolf to run away from the school and the discipline meted out to Redmore. He ends by proposing the government develop a reformatory where students can be sent to prevent…

Dennison Wheelock requests permission from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to return to his home at the Green Bay Agency. Wheelock cites his cold room and the general ill health of many students at Carlisle. In reply, Obadiah G. Given, the school physician, claims that as a percentage there are no more sick students than at any other time. Richard…