try, from the falls of the Coeur d'Alene to some distance above the mission, and thence to near Clark's Fork, a region of 3,000 or 4,000 square miles, is adapted to grazing and culture. A small portion will be overflowed by the melting of the mountain snows, and another portion will be occupied by the mountain spurs or isolated peaks, capable simply of furnishing timber and fuel.
" The Fathers state that a better site for the mission is furnished by a river flowing from the southeast into the western end of the Coeur d'Alene lake, and called by them St. Joseph's river. It is said to be larger than the Coeur d'Alene river, to have many prairies along its banks, and the country generally to abound in wood, grass and water.
" On the return of the Indians from the field above spoken of, I talked to them in these words
"' I am glad to see you, and to find that you are under such good direction. I have come four times as far as you go to hunt the buffalo, and have come with directions from the Great Father to see you, to talk with you, and to do all I can for your welfare. I see cultivated fields, a church, houses, cattle and the fruits of the soil - the works of your own hands. The Great Father will be delighted to hear this, and will certainly assist you. Go on; and every family will have a house and a patch of ground, and every one will be well clothed. I have talked with the Blackfeet, who promise to make peace with all the Indian tribes. Listen to the Good Father and to the good brothers who labor for your good."
These details are drawn from the Message of the President of the United States to Congress, 1854-5 P. 416. Accept, dear Father, my respectful homage, and believe me, Your devoted servant and brother in Christ,
P. J. DE SMET, S. J.