get your suggestions in reference to matters of transportation, etc., and shall feel under great obligation for any suggestions you make make.
Yours very respectfully and truly, ISAAC I. STEVENS.
Telegram.
St. Louis Telegraphery, April 22, 1853.
War Department,
Washington, May 13, 1858.
The following dispatch has just been received, dated Washington city, April 21, 1853:
To Father P. J. DE SMET
Sir.- Is it an absolute impossibility for you to 'go with my expedition? It will be a great opportunity to meet your friends among the Indian tribes, and you would render great service to them and the country.
Answer by telegraph paid here immediately. Yours, etc., ISAAC I. STEVENS.
Sir:
The President is desirous to engage you to attend the army for Utah to officiate as chaplain. In his opinion your services would be important in many respects to the public interest, particularly in the present condition of our affairs in Utah. Having sought information as to the proper person to be thus employed his attention has been directed to you, and he has instructed me to address you on the subject, in the hope that you may consider it not incompatible with your clerical duties or your personal feelings to yield to his request.