did not believe in their views, and that his most ardent desire was to become a Catholic. He then made his confession to me; after which, I baptized him conditionally. He appeared to me to be perfectly contented and resigned
to die. I have since learned that he did not long survive
his baptism. May he rest in peace.
I commend myself to your prayers and sacrifices, Reverend Father Provincial,
Your most humble servant, CHRISTIAN HOEKEN, S. J.
Third Letter o f Father Christian Hoeken.- To Father Elet.
St. Joseph's, Jan. 3, 1851
Reverend and Very Dear Father Provincial:
I was obliged to wait in order to regulate my account with Mr. P. A. Sarpy, who was absent when I arrived at Council Bluffs. That time was not lost. I had the happiness of baptizing a great number of children of the Omaha tribe, and I met the young chief, Logan Fontenelle. He is
a spiritual child of Father De Smet. He is very worthy of the post he fills in his tribe, and will do all in his power co convert his people and bring them to the true faith.'
I quitted Council Bluffs on the 27th of December. I arrived on the river Nishnabotna at a place called French Village. It is occupied almost exclusively by Canadians, by half-breeds, and a mixture of Indians united among themselves. I was received with much kindness, and employed Saturday and Sunday in confirming and strengthening them in the faith.
z He fell, in 1855, in a combat against a great war-party of the Sioux. -(Note by Father De Smet.)