asking instructions as to my own future movements in the upper country, I received, for answer: ".Your judgment and experience will suggest to you the best manner in which to proceed in carrying out the desires and intentions of Government, and if, in your course, circumstances should require that other directions than those already given (in 1867) should be furnished, they will in due time be communicated to you." The telegraph from Washington (March 16th) in regard to the Indian Peace Commission, had the following: " The Indian Peace Commission will meet at Omaha the zd of April. All the members expect to be present except Mr. Manderson. Generals Sheridan and Augur will also attend. The intention is to form parties to visit the Indian settlements, one to go to Fort Laramie and the other to New Mexico."
How far this telegram may be relied upon I cannot say. As soon as I receive inside news I will let you know. I intend to leave St. Louis for Fort Rice at the end of the present month. I firmly rely upon your promise and assistance in bringing about good feelings and confidence toward the Government and whites in general among the hostile bands.
I see your daughter occasionally at the convent. She is in the enjoyment of good health and very much beloved and esteemed by the kind and motherly ladies of the academy. I intend to pay her a final visit before I leave St, Louis, and shall take charge of her commissions, if she has any to send to her good parents.
Most respectfully, Dear Mr. Galpin,
To the Hostile Camp on Powder River.'
Last March I was honorably requested by the United
States Government, as in the preceding year, to go
2 The following was prefaced to the copy of this letter which Father De Smet sent August 28, 1868, to the editor of the PrIcis Historiques, as published in volume VI of the third Belgian edition.