Beschreibung:

DE SMET, Pierre J., S.J. (1801-1873), Jesuit Missionary. Autograph letter signed ("P. J. De Smet, S.J.") to Col. J. F. Tappan, St. Louis University, 1 March 1871. 5 pages, 4 o, ruled paper, some foxing on blank integral, otherwise FINE. DE SMET FONDLY REMEMBERS A CHIEF OF THE FLATHEADS. Col. Tappan had suggested that "McKenney's History of the Indian tribes of America" (the 1870 edition published in Philadelphia by D. Rice & Co.) should have included "the Portrait of Victor, chief of the Flat-Heads," and the Jesuit missionary warmly agrees. "I shall ever remember," De Smet writes, "with the deepest sentiments of consolation, the day which Victor received Baptism--the joy and happiness he expressed, when together, with a great number of other adults of his tribe, he was admitted into the 'Fold of the Lord,' of which he has ever been a bright example." De Smet goes on to quote another glowing eulogy of the fallen chief, published by an American soldier, and says, "I am happy to be able to subscribe to it fully, and bear him testimony." He fondly remembers the day he gave a lecture to the Flatheads about attacks against the Papacy throughout European history. De Smet remembers how Victor "hastily rose, and full of animation said: 'Should our Great Father, the Great Chief of the Blackgowns be in danger, you speak on paper [or write], send him a message, in our name, and invite him to our mountains. We will raise up his lodge in our midst, we will hunt for him and keep his lodge provided, and we will guard him against the approach of his enemies." Based in the Jesuit novitiate that later became St. Louis University, the Belgian born De Smet spent more than 30 years traveling among the tribes of the Northwest, creating missions and often acting as an unofficial ambassador between the U.S. government and the Indians. He refused to travel with the Army and was often critical of persecution against the tribes by soldiers and settlers.