PART V.
THE UTAH AND OREGON EXPEDITIONS OF 1858-59, AND SOME PRECEDING EVENTS.
Itinerary for the years 1852-59.
1852.
FATHER DE SMET spent this year mainly in St. Louis. He made one excursion, as Socius, with the Father Provincial, to Louisville, Bardstown and Cincinnati.
Distance traveled, 1,478 miles.
1853
"In the month of April of this year, with the approval of the consultors of the Vice-Province, the Reverend Father Provincial sent me to Europe, in company with the Right Reverend Bishop Miege, then Vicar Apostolic of the Western Indian Territory, east of the Rocky Mountains. His Lordship was to proceed to Rome, myself to France, Belgium and Holland, both on business of the Society."
While in Washington en route to New York, " we shook hands with President Pierce and were kindly entertained by his Excellency. I was made bearer of dispatches to various Ministers in several of the great European capitals, by recommendation of Colonel Benton and the kindness of the Secretary of State, the Honorable Mr. Marcy."
Visited Georgetown and Washington Colleges - Proceeded to New York - Entertained by the Fathers at Fordham and St. Xavier - May 9th embarked on Steamer Fulton-Crossed the Atlantic (eighth time) in eleven days - Landed at Havre - Proceeded to Paris whence Miege went to Rome and De Smet to Brussels -Father