to abandon boat about fifty miles above St. Joseph - Took wagon and overtook last steamboat of season between St. Joseph and Kansas City-Arrived in St. Louis late in December.
Few dates given.
Distance traveled, 9,772 miles.
1849
Early in the spring Father De Smet, in the capacity of Socius, left on his inspection of the colleges at Louisville, Bardstown and Cincinnati.
After their return to St. Louis, they set out in August to visit several of the Indian missions - Ascended the Missouri to Westport - Thence overland via Fort Scott to the Osage Mission of St. Hieronimo on the Neosho river - Thence visited the Miami, Shawanoes and other tribes - "Followed for some time the great Santa Fe Route " on their way to St. Mary's Mission in the valley of the Kansas - Then returned to Westport and thence to St. Louis, visiting the various towns on the way.
Distance traveled, 2,766 miles.
1850.
Early in the spring Father De Smet went to Chicago and return on affairs of the Province - Then he visited, with the Father Provincial, their establishments at Louisville, Bardstown, Cincinnati and Chillicothe - " Toward the end of summer " Father De Smet and the Father Provincial went to New Orleans on business of the Society - Visited several places on the way - Visited Springhill College near Mobile, Alabama and returned to New Orleans about the end of the year.
Distance traveled, 4,191 miles.
1851.
Returned with the Father Provincial from New Orleans to St. Louis in January.