TO THE RIGHT REVEREND DR. HUGHES, BISHOP OF NEW YORK.
Monseigneur,
From the distant solitudes of the Rocky Mountains, in the midst of my missions among the Children of the Forests, I had the honor of addressing to you most of the letters contained in this Volume. I may, therefore, I feel, take the liberty of inscribing it to you, not only as a token of veneration for the distinguished qualities and eminent abilities which mark your character and add lustre to your dignity, but, likewise, as a tribute of personal friendship and esteem, with which I am allowed to subscribe myself,
Monseigneur,
Your humble servant,
P. J. DE SMET, S. J.
New-York, April 19th, 1847.