1880-1889

Richard Henry Pratt forwards to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt a copy of the first issue of Eadle Keatah Toh, the first newspaper published at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt notes that more donations will soon fund the purchase of a better printing press, and discusses other topics including new student uniforms and the…

Two duplicate copies of the monthly school report for January 1880, submitted by the Carlisle Indian Training School to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The report includes a list of employees, a count of students by Nation/Tribe, descriptions of the educational program, and Superintendent Richard Henry Pratt's remarks about developments and…

Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. J. Brooks responding to J. A. Moore in Camp Hill, PA regarding an inquiry about educating Indian children at the Soldiers Orphans' Homes of Pennsylvania. Brooks writes that the funds for the current fiscal year do not allow for the education of more Indian children, but they are hopeful to receive more…

Richard Henry Pratt requests an immediate transfer of funds to cover debts from the fourth quarter of 1879.

Pratt writes to the Rev. A. H. Donaldson in New Mexico, forwarding a copy of a Department of Interior letter authorizing Navajo children to be admitted to the Carlisle Indian School.

This material is from the Richard Henry Pratt papers, donated by his family to Yale University in 1959 and 1976. Selected content from the Pratt collection…

Richard Henry Pratt forwards his cash and property accounts for the fourth quarter of 1879 to Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Edwin J. Brooks.

Richard Henry Pratt acknowledges receipt of a spring wagon from Toledo, Ohio.

Richard Henry Pratt submits his return of medical property and transfer of hospital supplies for the fourth quarter of 1879. 

Richard Henry Pratt reports on the buildings, grounds, industrial curriculum, and overall aims of the Carlisle Indian Training School. The report includes descriptions of building sizes and purposes, industrial capabilities, and the efforts then underway to establish Congressional approval for the school's continuation. Also included are…

Richard Henry Pratt informs A. O. Hyde that his son-in-law Lieutenant George LeRoy Brown has been using leave of absence from his post in Dakota to serve as the disciplinarian for the male students at the Carlisle Indian School but will have to return soon. As Pratt thinks this would be a monumental loss for the school, he informs Hyde that he'…

By command of Brigadier-General Pope, Assistant Adjutant-General E. R. Platt orders that two Lipan Apache children at Fort Hays, Kansas be sent to the Carlisle Indian 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, "…

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.

Letter wherein Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Edward J. Brooks responded to Captain Richard Henry Pratt's request for information about "Mr. Standing['s]" visit to the Kiowa and Comanche Agency. Brooks lets Pratt know that Brooks has already authorized "Mr. Standing" to bring ten children back with him from the Agency to be educated at…

Acting Commissioner Edward J. Brooks forwarding Captain Richard Henry Pratt's request to Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz for Lt. Brown, 11th Infantry, be detailed to report to Pratt and the Carlisle Indian School on a permanent basis. Pratt requested Brown in order to help maintain discipline since the number of students has increased.…

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.