27th.  A letter of this date, from Fort Union, on the Missouri, published in the St. Louis Bulletin, gives a frightful account of the ravages of the small-pox among the Mandans, Aurickerees, Minitares and Gros Venters, of the Missouri.  This disease, which first broke out about the 15th of July, among the Mandans, carried off about fifteen hundred of that tribe.  It left about one hundred and thirty souls.[82] It spread rapidly, and during the autumn carried off about half of the two tribes mentioned.  It was carried to the Blackfeet, Crees, and Assinaboines, who also suffered dreadfully.  Upwards of one thousand of the Blackfeet perished, and about five hundred Minitares.  Whole lodges were swept away, and the desolations created were frightful.

[Footnote 82:  The report that they were entirely extinguished was an error.  The survivors fled to their relatives, the Minnitares, where they increased rapidly, when they returned to their ancient villages on the Missouri, where they now (1851) reside, numbering about five hundred souls.]

28th.  Mr. F. Ayer writes from Pokegoma, on Snake River, of the St. Croix Valley of the Upper Mississippi:  “Shall we be molested by government soon, or at a future time; or, in case the government sell the land to a company, or to individuals, will they consider our case and make any reservation in our favor?”

Dec. 2d.  Rev. Oren O. Thompson writes in relation to Michilimackinack:—­

“1.  Have you a missionary engaged for that station?

“2.  Do you feel the importance and necessity of obtaining one who is already acquainted with the Indian language?

“3.  Do you wish to engage one for that station, who is in sentiment a Presbyterian?

“4.  Are there appropriations for his support?

“5.  What will be his business particularly?

“6.  How long will he probably be wanted there?

“7.  What, in your opinion, is the prospect of his usefulness there?”

Dec. 1st.  Mr. Hamill, of Lawrenceville, N.J., responds to my inquiry for a suitable school for my son—­a matter respecting which I am just now very solicitous.

13th.  Set out by railroad for Flint River, accompanied by Major Garland and Mr. Conner.  Weather very cold, and the snow forming a good road.  At Pontiac, we took a double sleigh, and drove out to Flint Village.  I was invited to his house by Mr. Hascall, who did everything to render the visit agreeable.  Between 400 and 500 Indians were assembled.  They appeared poorly clad, and needy, having suffered greatly from the small-pox during the autumn and winter.  About 40 had died on the Shiawassa River, and some 30 on the Flint.  After the Major had completed the payment of their annuities and delivery of goods, I opened a negotiation with them to complete the sale of their reservations.