Founding of the School

An excerpt from the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal year ending 1879, containing the Commissioner's report on Indian education. That report discusses the founding of the Carlisle Indian School under the command of Richard Henry Pratt, the school's location and campus, and…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong writes to Richard Henry Pratt encouraging him to write to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt to share Pratt's ideas about an Indian school. Armstrong provides some advice to Pratt about downplaying Pratt's views about Indian girls' education, how to find political allies in Washington, and how to play towards Hayt…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong writes to Richard Henry Pratt informing him that Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt has approved Pratt's idea to recruit Indian youth to attend the Hampton Institute. Armstrong discusses the construction of a new building to house them, and asks Pratt to have photographs taken of the party for promotional purposes…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong writes to Richard Henry Pratt informing him that Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra Hayt has approved Pratt's idea to recruit Indian youth to attend the Hampton Institute. Armstrong discusses the construction of a new building to house them, and asks Pratt to have photographs taken of the party for promotional purposes…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong writes to Richard Henry Pratt enclosing a letter of concerns, potentially from Diggs, about Indian education. The enclosure is not included in this file, but Armstrong outlines some of the concerns, including that "we'll spoil the Indians" as well as opposition to industrial training and the southern location of Hampton…

Spencer Fullteron Baird, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, writes to Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz to endorse Captain Richard H. Pratt's request to establish an Indian School at the Carlisle Barracks. Baird contends that there is "no better spot" to open an Indian School because the buildings at the barracks would be well-suited…

Letter from Richard Henry Pratt to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ezra A. Hayt suggesting an increase in the per-student funding afforded by the government to Indian schools. Pratt also encourages the Commissioner to continue pursuing Congressional approval for the opening of an Indian school at the Carlisle Barracks.

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt about Pratt's attempts to establish a school at Carlisle. Armstrong notes that Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt seems less inclined to support their work. Armstrong also notes that he is glad to hear of Pratt's prospects with Carlisle, that he recognizes the "…

Samuel Chapman Armstrong of the Hampton Institute writes to Richard Henry Pratt discussing public sentiments towards Indian education, arguing that Pratt's upcoming school at Carlisle will help shift public views.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs E. A. Hayt instructs the Acting Commissioner to allow Richard Henry Pratt to select 70 students from Sioux Nations and 30 from the Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents…

Adjutant General E. D. Townsend states that the Secretary of War has approved the Secretary of the Interior's request to transfer the Carlisle Barracks from the War Department to the Interior. The Barracks will be used as a school for Indian children and will be under the charge of Richard Henry Pratt. The War Department retains the right to…

Secretary of War George W. McCrary informs the Secretary of the Interior that he has issued orders to transfer the Carlisle Barracks to the Interior Department to use as an 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,…

The Chief Clerk for the Secretary of War forwards a series of documents to the Secretary of the Interior regarding the transfer of the Carlisle Barracks from the War Department to the Interior Department. First, Adjutant General E. D. Townsend issues Special Orders No. 194 stating that Richard Henry Pratt now officially works in Indian…

Secretary of War Alex Ramsey transmits to Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz a report from Lieutenant E. T. C. Richmond indicating that the transfer of the Carlisle Barracks from the War Department to the Interior was completed on January 6, 1880 and correspondence regarding said transfer. Also attached is an official order from Major…

Captain William G. Mitchell issues Special Orders No. 52 ordering the transfer of the Carlisle Barracks from the War Department to the Interior Department, with the Barracks' commanding officer Lieutenant E. T. C. Richmond overseeing the transfer and taking inventory of the value of the transferred goods and buildings. Major General Winfield S…

Adjutant General E. D. Townsend informs the Commanding General of the Atlantic that the Secretary of War George W. McCrary has ordered that all "movable property" at the Carlisle Barracks be turned over to the Indian Bureau as part of the transfer of the Barracks from the War to Interior Department. McCray encloses the letter to the Secretary…

Acting Secretary of the Interior A. Bell informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that the War Department has transferred the buildings at the Carlisle Barracks to the Interior Department and that Special Agent Richard Henry Pratt is authorized to create an Indian school at the Barracks using the buildings. He also grants authority for Pratt…

The Chief Clerk to the Secretary of War forwards a letter to the Secretary of the Interior. The letter, from Adjutant General E. D. Townsend, explains that the Secretary of War has authorized the transfer of Commissary property and stores at the Carlisle Barracks to the Department of the Interior.

Note: This item was copied from U.S.…

Refers to proceeding of a Board of Survey at Carlisle Barracks of Public Property transferred to Indian Department. 

Note no document is attached.

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…

A.G. Agnew, the brother of Dr. Cornelius Rea Agnew, asks Richard Henry Pratt about a recent piece in the New York Mail that failed to mention Dr. Agnew's early work with the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. A.G. Agnew asks for Pratt to submit a correction to the New York Mail, and also discusses family matters.