proof of his filial and religious affection and the generosity of his heart.
In 1843 I found myself for the first time at Rome, and the very Reverend Father-General Roothaan had the kindness to present me to Gregory XVI. The Pope lent a paternal attention to my little narrative of the missions and my account of the good dispositions of the Indians of the Rocky Mountains. He smiled at Victor's proposition and invitation; but then he said, with a seriousness of tone which has always lingered in my mind, " Truly, the time is at hand when we shall be forced to quit Rome. Whither shall we go? - God alone knows - Give those good savages my apostolic benediction."
Please present my best respects to Mrs. Tappan. I shall anxiously expect a copy of her valuable poem and wish for it a far-spread and great success.
I have the honor to be, etc.
St. Louis University, October 25, 1872.
(HICKEY.)
Dear Sir.- I take great interest and pleasure in sending you some extracts of letters from Reverend Father Giorda, S. J., Superior of the missions in the Territories of Montana and Idaho, known by the name of the Rocky Mountain [missions]. These letters were written in Italian in the years 1863, 1864, 1865 and were never published on this side of the Atlantic.
I consider amongst the happiest days of my life when in 1840 I was sent out by my superiors on a visit to the Rocky Mountain Indians to sound their dispositions and, if found favorable, to establish missions among them. They ex ceeded all my expectations and in the course of a few years the following missions and missionary stations were erected
Ist. St. Mary's Mission among the Flatheads in the Bitter Root valley.