CHAPTER V.
EXPEDITION OF 18(7 TO THE HOSTILE SIOUX
Another Government mission to the hostiles -Injustices of the whites -Reprisals of the Indians-Across Illinois and Iowa-Arrested by floods-Tribute to the Irish-To Sioux City under difficulties - Piety of a Yankton Indian - The shifty Missouri - Through wild Dakota on horseback - Many baptisms - Council with chiefs - Indian life a hard one-They ask justice-Hurricane and floodJoins Government commissioners -Major De Smet-Work among soldiers - Various councils - Bitter complaints of the Indians - What can be done for them -Return to St. Louis in state of exhaustion.
~' SHALLbe on the road within a week. The object is as follows: The Secretary of the Interior requests me to accept the mission of envoy extraordinary to the hostile Indian tribes, to endeavor to bring them back to peace and submission and to prevent as much as possible the destruction of property and murder of the whites. There is a very formidable coalition of Indian tribes which seems from recent information to be growing from day to day. Among the hostile tribes are the Cheyennes, Arapahos, Sans-arcs, Hunkpapas, Blackfeet, Bloods, Brules and a great many Sioux tribes. They are able to put a number of thousand warriors on foot, and they make war on the whites wherever they can find them.
As you see, I have a very large and difficult task, and all that encourages me is the prayers that accompany me. I have accepted the Government's commission, there being nothing contrary to my duties as a missionary, and with the distinct understanding that I shall not accept any remuneration for my personal services. I prefer to be altogether independent in money matters and my only object is
x Extract from letter in French to his brother Francis, March 29, x867.