Prichard, A. A. (fl. 1871-1881) to Frances B. Shiras
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.09 Author/Creator: Prichard, A. A. (fl. 1871-1881) Place Written: South Dakota Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 May 1871 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.6 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses Daniel and Nancy Hemans's recent wedding, attended by Indians and whites on a very rainy day. Notes Daniel's bad health and susceptibility to consumption.
Quotes
"Dan has really a very nice wife. She is of the same tribe as he (Santee) she has been living in the family of the Presbyterian missionary for nearly four years. She reads and speaks English well, advanced as far as History and Physiology in English school, and is said to be a good house keeper. They have been taking their meals with us since their marriage, but will go to house keeping probably next week. They have a very comfortable log house, with two large room, a few yards from the Mission House."
"The wedding was at half past seven...there are but six white families in the place, these were well represented, and with a large number of Indians made quite a respectable company. The Agent's wife furnished fruit for the cake, and candies and raisins. all who were present were invited to the dining room to partake of the refreshments. It has a strange looking company - whites, Indians and half breds. Some in clothes and some in blankets, and with the ever present pipe. A sister chief and my pet John Ree were very much troubled at not knowing how many pieces of cake to take at once."
"Dan is looking very badly, hollow cheeked and sunken eyed...the Indians are very subject to consumption."
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