and you may tell the Indians so, that the idea of establishing missions among them has not been abandoned by their friends the Black-robes, but has only been postponed, and that perhaps for only a short period.
You may not forget to tell Crazy Bear, the Three Bears and others, that the old Black-robe thinks frequently of them, and begs daily of the Great Spirit to bless and protect all his Indian friends, to make them happy here in this world and grant them the favor of knowing him, of loving him, of serving him in this world, to be made happy with him in heaven for all eternity. I will always take great interest in their welfare.
I give you no news either from the States, or from Europe. I could only take it from the papers, which of course you will read, and with eagerness, I dare say, for the Eastern war will procure us very thrilling and interesting subjects.
Major Vaughan will bring you a great deal of news. I had the pleasure and happiness of seeing him several times in St. Louis. You will not lose, I hope, by your kindness toward him. The razors I now send you by the present occasion will, if anything, I think shave cleaner [than those sent before]" and assist you for many long years to come as you very beautifully express it in your letter, " to shave and lather the inner man occasionally." We cannot often enough think of this and we ought to prepare for the life to come.
I beg of you as a great favor, not to forget to write to me as often as you conveniently can - If you have an elk-horn bow to send with a quiver of arrows, I would greatly thank you for it. I promised to procure one to a friend in Europe.
I remain with great respect, Dear Friend,
It Presumably religious instruction of some sort. Some eighteen months before Father De Smet had sent him two razors and a penknife.