School Band Administration

Richard Henry Pratt informs Commissioner of Indian Affairs R. E. Trowbridge that when the late and former Commissioner, E. A. Hayt, visited the school several months ago, he recommended that Pratt hire an instructor and start a student band at the Carlisle Indian School. Pratt has finally found an instructor and requests Trowbridge's approval…

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an inquiry by A. B. Upshaw, Acting Commissioner, regarding the charity fund by referring to previous annual reports as well as furnishing a copy of the deed of trust for the Hocker farm.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase 60 embroidered band caps. Pratt notes that the band uniforms were produced at the school, but the caps are standard army caps with a harp and the words "Carlisle Indian Band" on them.

Richard Henry Pratt requests to turn over the Carlisle Indian School Band instruments to the government accounting in order to reimburse the charity funds. Pratt also details the history of how he acquired instruments for the band.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase a set of instruments second-hand for the school band. Pratt references the upcoming Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York as a reason to make the purchase quickly.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to drop from his property return three musical instruments which were exchanged for a concert flute and upright bass tuba. Pratt notes the exchange was necessary as the old instruments were not needed and the others were.

A note on the letter asks if Pratt had to authority to make this exchange.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding his request for authority to drop three instruments from his property returns. Pratt details that he did not occur to him the instruments were on his property returns as they were not previously and the new instruments were needed.

This audit and report, which concerns the finances of the Carlisle Indian School as administered by Richard Henry Pratt, was prepared immediately following his retirement as superintendent of the school. The report focuses on the use of non-governmental funds - charitable donations to the school, as well as income earned through athletics and…

William A. Mercer responds to the report of W. S. Olive, Special U.S. Indian Agent, regarding unaccounted funds. Mercer states that the nature of the Athletic Funds means they should not be run through the Indian Office and he is willing to resign his position if it means complying with Departmental regulations.

William A. Mercer responds to the Office of Indian Affairs proposal for overseeing various funds at the Carlisle Indian School. He further requests that relative to the Printery Fund that he be allowed to expend $100 without prior approval.

An Office memo states that this proposal is satisfactory but that he should be required to submit…

Representative J. A. M. Adair informs Commissioner of Indian Affairs Robert G. Valentine that the conductor of the Carlisle Indian School band owes money to one of his constituents, W. G. Carey. Adair asks what jurisdiction the band is under and how to make sure that a payment is made. Carlisle Superintendent Moses Friedman informs Valentine…