1870-1879

Letter from Richard Henry Pratt to Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Edwin J. Brooks regarding sick students discharged from the Hampton Institute. Pratt insists that too many boys were sent home, against his and the doctor's advice, and asserts that Spotted Tail and Red Cloud will be less interested in sending students to Carlisle as a…

Acting Secretary of the Interior A. Bell returns an Estimate of Expenditures (not attached) for building repairs at the Carlisle Barracks to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. As Bell deems these repairs to be necessary to converting the Barracks to a school, he grants Richard Henry Pratt authority to spend $1,332 on supplies.

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Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing arrangements for Indians coming to either Hampton or Carlisle, as well as arrangements to transfer the Florida prisoners north. He also notes that Pratt can turn to the American Missionary Association for funding.

Hampton Institute Principal Samuel C. Armstrong informs Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. A. Hayt that he has signed his contract. He states that he's unhappy with the terms of the contract and describes the expense and difficulty of educating Indian students.

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

Jonathan Cornman requests to manufacture and repair shoes for Indian women and children that are rumored to be quartering at the Carlisle Barracks in the fall.

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…

Haus Eugen Bahn writes to Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz regarding the news that an Indian school will soon be established in Carlisle. Bahn requests an appointment as teacher at 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…

Descriptive Statement of young people recruited for the Carlisle Indian School from Pine Ridge Agency, as prepared by the acting Indian Agent for Pine Ridge J. W. Alder. Of the 27 names on this list, only 18 ultimately traveled to Carlisle, the parents perhaps having changed their minds about sending their children. The names of the other 9 do…

Herman Berg writes to Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. A. Hayt regarding the Government's intention to establish an Indian school in Carlisle. Berg requests the opportunity to furnish supplies to the school and states that he will provide ample bonds in order to fulfill any contract.

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

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra A. Hayt's reply to a letter from H. E. Behn seeking appointment as a teacher at the Carlisle Indian School wherein Hayt suggests that he directly contact the head of the school, Richard Henry Pratt, to apply.

Descriptive Statement of young people being sent to the Carlisle Indian School from Rosebud Agency, as sent by the Rosebud Indian Agent Cicero Newell. 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra A. Hayt's reply to a James E. Rhoades, a man who requested that two Shawnee boys who he is looking after "be sent to school at Hampton, Va." Hayt lets Rhoades know that he can arrange to have the boys be educated at Hampton Institute or Carlisle Indian School. Hayt describes Pratt's plan to go to Indian…

Acting Secretary of the Interior A. Bell grants authority to purchase a list of articles and supplies, including bedding and clothing, amounting to $2,000, on the open market rather than through regular government contractors. This action was taken because, as the letter notes, the students needing the supplies are already currently on their…

Acting Secretary of the Interior A. Bell writes to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, returning and approving lists of articles and supplies required at the Carlisle Indian School to be purchased either under contract or through the open market. The lists are attached.

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

Edward Bloeden writes to U.S. Indian Inspector William J. Pollock looking for a job, so Pollock forwards Bloden's letter to Richard Henry Pratt. Pratt forwards Bloeden's letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. A. Hayt and states that he doesn't know him well but believes he could be a good employee for the Carlisle Indian School.

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Frank D. Karr, Superintendent of Warehouse, transmits a list of articles to be purchased for the Carlisle Barracks and asks the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for shipping directions.

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,…

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt, at the Yankton Agency, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs informing him that 47 boys and 17 girls from Rosebud as well as 12 boys and 6 girls from Pine Ridge have been recruited. Pratt notes that he will proceed on to Carlisle. The note suggests that Pratt was due to rendezvous with "C" (probably agent…

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt in Onawa, Iowa, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs following up on a previous message regarding his orders to recruit a party of students for the Hampton Institute. Pratt notifies the Commissioner that he has started his return journey.

Telegram to Richard Henry Pratt from Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. J. Brooks while Pratt is out recruiting students to attend the Carlisle Indian School that reads, "had better wait for [Charles] Crissey. If he does not arrive by fifth without telegraph". Charles Crissey was the Indian Agent who was recruiting students for the Hampton…

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs requesting materials and funds to erect a "picket fence six feet high to keep Indians in and citizens out" of the Carlisle Indian School campus.

Telegram from Richard Henry Pratt informing the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that he has arrived in Carlisle with the first party of students. Pratt also asks about his previous requests for supplies and rations, which have gone unanswered.

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt, discussing some correspondence from mutual acquaintances. Armstrong also discusses Pratt's recent recruitment efforts, including gender and health concerns.

Frank D. Karr, Superintendent of Warehouse, states that his sewing machine contractor E. J. Howard does not have the Wilcox & Gibbs sewing machine requested for the Carlisle Indian School and asks the Commissioner of Indian Affairs what he should do. He also asks for more information about a requested horse carriage and hose and recommends…

Telegram from Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt to Richard Henry Pratt informing him that Hayt has given permission for an increased recruitment quota from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency. The new number of young people will be 25. 

Hayt also tells Pratt that the party of young people from Indian Territory will be meeting him…

Telegram from Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt to the Agent of Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency John D. Miles which tells Miles that he has permission to recruit 25 young people to be sent to Carlisle. 

Hayt orders Miles to have a physician certify these young people's health then send them to Winfield, Kansas to meet Pratt on…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt about payment for expenses for prisoners from Ft. Marion.