" To the Medicine Man of the White Nation.
" Black-robe, Father and Friend:
" I was so happy as to become acquainted with you at Fort Union, in the summer of 1851 ; but I was then ignorant, in a great degree, of the motives of your visit among us, and hence I could not discover to you my inmost feelings and explain to you my thoughts. At Fort Union you preached to us -telling us of the Great Spirit and his law. You said you would like to come and teach us, so as to
ameliorate the mental and moral condition of our tribes. I think, also, that you gave us reason to expect that after two or three winters some Black-gowns would come and establish themselves among us, in order to show us how to live
well and how to train up our children. Afterward we
traveled together as far as the Platte. During that journey and since my return from Fort Laramie I have learned and heard much of the beautiful word of the Great Spirit, which you first made known to us. Now I am persuaded that this word would change our state and render us happy. At the Great Council, our great Father (Colonel Mitchell, superintendent of Indian Territory) told us that some Blackgowns would come and live among us in the course of four
or five years. Black-gown, five years are long to wait! In this long interval I and many of my children may have entered the land of spirits. Take pity on us! The Black
gowns ought not to delay their coming so long. I am growing old: before I die I should like to begin the work,
and then I could depart satisfied. My country is tranquil, we are at peace with all the surrounding tribes-our ancient enemies, the Blackfeet, are the only ones we have to
fear; but we can protect you. All my nation call aloud for the Black-gown, and invite him to come with all speed: I sincerely hope that our expectation may not be deceived. We know that the Black-gowns devote themselves to the
happiness and well-being of the Indians. If to hasten the project pecuniary aid be wanting, I will cheerfully give a portion of the annuities of my tribe to meet this deficiency.