Headquarters, Department of Oregon. Fort Vancouver, W. T., October 28, 1858.
Special Orders, No. 4.
I. The Reverend P. J. De Smet, chaplain, etc., being about to proceed to the Coeur d'Alene Mission under instructions from the general commanding; officers commanding posts and stations in his route are directed to furnish the reverend father with every facility and means for prosecuting his journey securely, and in an expeditious manner. Orders will, therefore, be given to provide such guides, interpreters, escorts and animals to Father De Smet as will attain the object of this order.
2. The assistant quartermaster at Fort Walla Walla will defray the expenses of such expressmen as may be sent to that post, from time to time, by Father De Smet.
By order of Brigadier-General Harney,
A. PLEASONTON,
Captain 2d Dragoons, A. Asst. Adjt.-Gen'1.
Rev. P. J. DE SMET, Chaplain, etc.
My Dear Father;
Headquarters, Department of Oregon. Fort Vancouver, January I, r859
Your communication of the 9th ultimo, from the Coeur d'Alene Mission, has been submitted to the general who desires me to express to you the great gratification it has given him to learn of your safe arrival at the mission.
The interesting information you have furnished relative to the Indian tribes of your vicinity confirms the statements which have been tendered the general from every quarter, more especially the reports of the Reverend Fathers Con-