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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC05788.01 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1860s |
| Title | Pierre-Jean de Smet to Orville H. Browning, with detailed description of diplomatic activities among the Indian tribes |
| Date | 10 September 1867 |
| Author | Smet, Pierre-Jean de (1801-1873) |
| Recipient | Browning, Orville H. |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to Secretary of the Interior Browning a detailed description of diplomatic activities among the Indian tribes in the Missouri River country during the Sioux wars of the 1860s. Outlines his expenses and outlays during his visit with the Indians. Discusses his visit with the Tanton tribe of the upper Missouri, who he describes as "in a prosperous condition." Describes visits with several other and diplomatic maneuvering related to establishing reservations. Written from St. Louis University. |
| Subjects | Westward Expansion American Indian History Diplomacy Military History Finance Peace Government and Civics |
| People | Smet, Pierre-Jean de (1801-1873) Browning, Orville Hickman (1806-1881) |
| Place written | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Theme | Westward Expansion; Government & Politics; Native Americans |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Biography: Father Pierre-Jean de Smet, a Jesuit missionary called Blackrobe by Indians, had a influential career as one of the leading and most articulate advocates for western tribes. His missionary activities began in 1838 among the Potawatomi at present day Council Bluffs and continued through the 1840s with the founding of several missions. In the 1860s, he was an official U.S. government peace envoy among the tribes of the upper Missouri, the period from which this letter comes. He was active in fund raising and diplomatic work and had a respected reputation as a knowledgeable and able peace negotiator. During the Sioux wars of the 1860s, the United States government felt increasing pressure to introduce a mediating influence to the conflict; De Smet was singularly qualified for the role. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Related documents | Pierre J. De Smet to Orville H. Browning, accepting appointment as peace envoy among Indians |