Testimonial of Fred Smith, 1899-08-24

1899.45029 pp. 11-14; p. 15 says Aug. 24, 1899 Fred Smith of Carlisle School in re poor food and clothing at the EH, Ex. 7 Carlisle, PA Aug. 24, 1899 [handwritten letter from Fred Smith]

Mr. Chas. Dickson;

Hearing that you have taken steps towards finding out the truth in regards to the management of those pupils at the Indian Educational Home and being that I have been a pupil of that school and know thro ? the length of time I was there how the school is managed, thought it would be some what helpful to you if I would write and give you a definite idea in regards to how the pupils are used, as I feel very sorry for the boys who are spending there time there without being benefited by it, I’ll assure ? you that I will always be ready to do what I can in an honest way towards helping them.

I arrived at that school the twenty first of July last year [1898] and stayed there until the twenty eighth of November when I was transferred here [Carlisle].

From the time I was there until I left the management of that school was very poor.

The boys are not given very good clothing the clothing they have on during the week is not fit to wear. The uniforms are very old and they are only wore during Sunday.

The food is very poor. The boys have not got an place where they could stay during the day except outside and in a little room called play-room.

As I do not know what I will help you the most, I will close hoping you will succeed.

I remain yours truly, Fred Smith

P.S. I feel very thankful that I have been transferred to this place and must say that it is a very fine place and that the managers or Superintendent and teachers do all that could be required towards helping the pupils to become able to take care of themselves when they leave this school. I would not want to go back to the Educational Home unless a great change was made there.

If you desire more information in regards to that school please let me know.

Fred Smith

Document History

• Transcribed by HS 2025-07-27