My health, for some time past, has been rather on the decline. I hope, however, I shall be able to undertake the trip, toward the Loth or 12th of next month, and introduce two reverend companions among the various bands at Grand River.
When I was in Washington, January last, I was not sufficiently posted as to the actual situation or statistics, of some of the Catholic missions in Idaho, Montana and Washington Territories. I then promised to forward to you, what information I should be able to obtain. The Superior of Indian Missions, the Reverend Joseph Giorda, Society of Jesus, has sent me a sketch, with some remarks, as to the number of converts among the various tribes, under his charge, which I consider as implicitly reliable and beg to be allowed to present it to your kind attention and considera tion. I hope, that as soon as practicable, the benevolent in~ tention of the President will be established in favor of these missions, to wit: " That the agent and the missionary or teacher, may work in unison, for the welfare of the people under their charge and care."
In Montana Territory, I commenced the missionary work thirty years ago. All the missions and missionary visits to the various tribes of that extensive territory, have been attended exclusively by Catholic clergymen.
In the Flathead agency, we have two regular mission establishments. One of these is among the Flatheads, in Bit ter Root Valley. The total number of these Indians is about 450 - all Catholics. The agent, Mr. Jones, is well liked, and merits the confidence, both of the Indians and missionaries. The Indians possess some very good farms and are fencing in considerably. It is hoped the treaties between Governor Stevens and the Flatheads in 1855, and in 1869 with General Sully, may be strictly carried out. Hitherto, these treaties have been rather disregarded, or have remained unfulfilled. Father D'Aste, one of the missionaries, writes to me: "As to the removal of the Flatheads from Bitter Root valley, I think it may be obtained without