Father promised them a school and teachers, and now it is seven years and they have seen nothing as yet. Doctor Burleigh had a school for his children. There is another religious [teacher] that wants to come and remain with us. He wants to teach us the Santee language, but we do not
want them. We want no other but you and your religion. The other wants to learn us how to read and sing in the Indian language and which we all know how to do in our own way. What we want is to learn the American language and their ways. We know enough of the Indian ways. I am now very old and before I die I want to see a school and the children learn how to read and write in the American language, and if you will try and get with us, I will be very happy. Our agent has not arrived as yet, but when he comes I will have a long talk with him and will send you an answer to what he says.
I will say not much until the agent arrives and then I will tell him what I have to say and what I want and then I will send you a few lines. After you had gone, all my Indians have had plenty of buffalo. We have made a surround from this place. I think the Great Spirit will take
pity on us and grant all our requests. Hoping that we may hear and see you soon, we remain, ever yours.
THE MAN THAT STRIKES THE REE. X
LITTLE SWAN. X
FEATHER IN THE EAR. X
MEDICINE COW. X
JUMPING THUNDER. X
Copy o f Letter of Yankton Chiefs.
Greenwood, D. T., July 26, 1866.
Reverend Dear Father De Smet:
I send you a few lines from the chiefs of the Yanktons. They say when they were at Washington their Great
2(I write this for the Chiefs, who have requested me so to do.)
J..B. CHARDON, for Indians.
2 Note in parenthesis by Chardon.