1837.
Left Belgium - Entered France - Embarked at Havre on an American packet-crossed the Atlantic (third time) in thirty days - Landed at New York - Went by rail and canal to Pittsburg - Thence by steamboat to St. Louis - Visited the Lazarist Seminary at the Barrens, St. Mary's County, Mo., and then repaired with three candidates to the novitiate near St. Ferdinand.
Distance traveled, 5,268 miles.
1838.
Sent by his Superior, with one father and two brothers, to found a mission among the Potawatomies - Left St. Louis May 10th -Traveled all the way by steamboat, visiting en route the Kickapoos, Sauks, Iowas, Otoes, Missouris and Omahas -Arrived at destination May 31st-Erected a residence and church several miles from the river within the limits of the modern city of Council Bluffs.
Distance traveled, 685 miles.
1839.
Father De Smet made a trip up the Missouri on a mission of peace from the Potawatomies to the Sioux, the two tribes having been at war - Traveled by steamboat - Started April 29th - Ascended as far as Vermillion - Met and conferred with the Yanktons and Sioux - Returned by canoe to St. Joseph (or St. Mary) about May 15th - Went to St. Louis in December to procure supplies for the mission - Traveled overland all the way, on foot, horseback, and by wagon.
Distance traveled, 1,322 miles.