LETTER OF CAPTAIN PLEASONTON.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF OREGON.
Fort Vancouver, W.T., June 1, 1859.
MY DEAR FATHER:
THE general commanding instructs me to inclose a copy of his special order, No. 59, of this date, authorizing you to return to St. Louis through the different tribes of the interior, which you are so desirous to visit once again, for the purpose of confirming them in their good disposition towards the whites, as well as to renew their zeal and intelligence in the elements of Christianity,-the means so signally productive of good-will and confidence, in your labors of the past winter, requiring such self-denial and resolution.
On your arrival in St. Louis, the general desires you to report by letter to the adjutant-general at Washington, when your relations with the military service will cease, unless otherwise ordered by the War Department.
The general is anxious that I should communicate to you the deep regret with which he feels your separation from the service, and in making the announcement he is assured the same feeling extends to all those who have in any way been associated with you.
By the campaign of last summer submission had been conquered, but the embittered feelings of the two races, excited by war, still existed, and it remained for you to supply that which was wanting to the sword. It was necessary to exercise the strong faith which the red man possessed in your purity and holiness of character, to enable the general to evince successfully towards them the kind intentions of the Government, and to restore confidence and repose to their minds. This has been done: the victory is yours, and the general will take great pleasure in recording your services at the War Department; for such services no one feels more sensibly than yourself the proper acknowledgment is linked with the hopes that are cherished in the fulfilment of a Christian duty.
Satisfied that all necessary blessings will be bestowed upon you, in whatever sphere of duty you may be called to serve, the general will always be happy to tender to you the evidences of his esteem and friendship. I remain, Father, with the highest respect,
Your most obedient servant,
A. PLEASONTON,
Captain 2d Dragoons, A. Adjt.-gen.
REV. P.J. DE SMET, S.J.,
Chaplain, &c., Fort Vancouver, W.T.