394 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 



case with myself, intimately acquainted with their camp regulations, 

 understanding their language, and in many instances entering into 

 their feelings and actions. The whole has been well digested, the 

 different subjects pursued in company with the Indians for an entire 

 year, until satisfactory answers have been obtained, and their motives 

 of speech or action well understood before placing the same as a 

 guide and instruction to others. The answers refer to the Sioux, 

 Arikara, Mandan, Gros Ventres, Cree, Crow, Assiniboin, and Black- 

 feet Nations, who are designated as prairie roving or wild tribes, 

 further than whom our knowledge does not extend. 



I am aware of your capacity to judge the merits of the work, and 

 will consider myself highly honored if I have had the good fortune to 

 meet your approbation. Moreover, I shall rejoice if I have contrib- 

 uted in any degree toward opening a course of policy on the part of 

 Government that may result in the amelioration of the sad condition 

 of the savages. Should the facts herein recorded ever be published 

 or embodied in other works, it is hoped the errors of language may be 

 corrected, but in no instance is it desired that the meaning should 

 miscarry. 



Should any references be inquired by the department for whom 

 this is written I beg leave to name as my friends and personal ac- 

 quaintances in addition to your Excellency. Col. D. D. Mitchell, Ken- 

 neth Mackruger, Esq., Eev. P. I. De Smet, Messrs. P. Chouteau, Jr., 

 & Co., and Alex. Culbertson, Esq., all of St. Louis, and Dr. John 

 Evans, United States geologist, any of whom will satisfy inquiries on 

 this head. 



Permit me, my dear friend, to remain with great respect and high 

 consideration, truly your most obedient servant. 



Edwin T. Denig. 



