23 Fifth Ave., New York,
February 8, 1903.

Col. R. H. Pratt,
Carlisle, Pa.

Dear colonel:

Let me congratulate you right now on your promotion.
If the Army Bill, now pending in Congress, passes, as I hope it
may, you will be retired when the time comes, as a Brigadier General,
which you have well earned.

I expect to take the 2.20 train on Monday afternoon,
for Carlisle, which according to time table you sent me, will be
due there about nine o'clock in the evening.

Tickets duly received. I may ask you to have them
changed, if convenient, so that I can go from Carlisle to Washington
early Thursday morning and from Washington to New York on the
morning of the 14th.

Very sincerely yours,

23 Fifth Ave., New York,
February 22, 1903.

Col. R. H. Pratt, U. S. A.,
Carlisle, Pa.

Dear colonel Pratt:

I share with your friends their surprise and regret at the action of the Government, as to yourself. I am unable to comprehend it, in view of your distinguished, faithful and most useful services to the Government and to civilization, in the post you have so long filled at Carlisle. I cannot help but regard it as a public misfortune, that you are no longer to remain in a position of so much utility to an unfortunate race, which has signal claims upon the regard and sympathy of the American people. I hope your decision to retire from the school is not irrevocable. I shall be glad to join your friends in any steps deemed advisable to obtain from the authorities a just recognition of your admirable record.

While in Washington, - unfortunately my visit was too brief, - I did endeavor to get a hearing in your behalf, on Friday, the day following my arrival. Unfortunately, it was "Cabinet Day" and I was unable to see the President or the Secretary of War. I only met the President and cabinet officers at the Army and Navy reception, on Thursday night; that being an occasion of ceremony, I could not introduce business. I left Washington on Saturday morning, having been called to New York, imperatively and unexpectedly.

With cordial regards to your family, believe me,

Very sincerely your friend,