CHAPTER IX.
SELECTED LETTERS RECEIVED.
Nicollet on his plans - Demers to the unknown priests - McLoughlin on transportation-On cattle-On deserters -Harriote on Blackfeet and interpreters - Rowand on Americans - Some bishops and others on De Smet - Benton on De Smet's services to the nation - Stevens asking assistance - Correspondence from army people - Schoolcraft, Thurlow Weed, Seward and Lincoln - General Stanley's estimate of what De Smet accomplished in 1868- Letters from Indian men.
Washington City, March 18, 1840.
Reverend and Dear Friend:
04 OW much I thank you for the good letter you wrote ,,a me on the 5th of February last; it reached me in thirty-five days. The news you gave me interested me greatly, particularly poor Dixon's sketches relating to the Big Sioux. There was a difficulty about the lower portion of that river regarding which he and old Dorion, who lives at Fort Pierre, could not agree. One claimed that Broken Kettle river emptied into the Missouri, and the other said into the Big Sioux, and Dixon was determined to clear the point up. It turns out that Dixon was right, according to his sketch, which I am very glad to get and for which I thank you really with all my heart. Your zealous pains to help me arouse my profound gratitude. As to the mistake about the lakes higher up on the Sioux, that is all settled, because I explored that region completely two years ago.
Poor Dixon! May God keep his good soul. He is a man whom I truly regret.
I write in great haste, to take advantage of the departure
of Mr. Sanford, who leaves in a few hours for St. Louis, in 115491