are now in Washington, holding consultations on what has been done and on the future course to be adopted, in regard to the Indian war. Hitherto nothing is known of the resolutions taken. I hope they will terminate favorable.
Present my best respects to the worthy Colonel Otis and all friends who may remember me at Fort Rice.
Most respectfully, Dear Friends,
Your humble servant and friend,
P. J. DE SMET, S. J.
P. S.- I should have added to my first queries, to let me know the probable cost, monthly, for interpreter, driver, light wagon and horses or mules.
St. Louis University, Jan. 28, 1868.
General W. T. Sherman:
General.- I hope my letter will reach you in Washington and you will please excuse the liberty I take of addressing you. I desire to expose to you my actual intentions and views, as to my future trip and visit among the Indian tribes on the Upper Missouri. I received several letters in the course of the present winter, from Messrs. Galpin and La Framboise, traders and interpreters at Fort Rice, acquainting me with their interviews with several chiefs and warriors of the hostile bands. They informed me that these Indians expressed on all occasions a great willingness and desire to see me and promised to use their influence to admit me among the hostile tribes. I have informed them that I was anxious to accede to their request and had an intention to make an early start and leave St. Louis in the first steamer bound for the Upper Missouri. Should my trip meet with the approval of the Honorable Mr. Taylor and Honorable Indian -Commissioners, if thought worthy