1880-1889

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.

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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Letter from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. J. Brooks to Indian Agent L. J. Miles at the Osage Agency to select five Osage boys and five Osage girls to send to the Carlisle Indian School for education.

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.

Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Edward J. Brooks wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz lobbying for an experienced person to be sent to Colorado and New Mexico to recruit students from the Tribes of those states. Brooks stressed the need for the individual to be competent in their knowledge of dealing with Tribes and…

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…

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra A. Hayt wrote to Andrew J. Koser in Bigler, Pennsylvania and responded to his request to purchase a building formerly used as an Orphan's Home in Gettysburg to turn it into an Indian Training school. Hayt explains that while the Office wants to expand its facilities for "educating Indian youth away from their…

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,…