I chose the feast of St. Ignatius for the closing of the religious exercises, when over a hundred children and eleven old people were baptized. Many of the latter, who were carried on buffalo hides, seemed only to await this grace before going to rest in the bosom of God.
The oldest neophyte, nearly a hundred years old and blind, said to me: – My life has been a long one, and for many years I have wept without ceasing for the loss of my children and friends. I am now alone, and live as a stranger among my tribe, with only sad and bitter memories for companions. Yet I have one consolation: I have always avoided bad company, my hands are clean of thieving, quarrels, and murder. Today the Great Spirit has taken pity on me; I am happy and I offer Him my heart and life.

Father Peter De Smet s.j. (1801-1873)
Missionary

“– Black Robe, he sobbed, you see before you an unhappy father who has lost his beloved daughter. Have pity on me! I have been told that the Black Robe’s prayers are powerful with the Great Spirit. Speak on my behalf to the Master of life, and I shall not then despair of again seeing my child.
These words, and the old man’s deep sorrow, moved the missionary. He promised to pray for his daughter’s return, but admonished the chief that it rested with himself to dispose heaven in his favor, through his own good conduct. He then made him forswear all unjust aggressions against the neighboring tribes, and summoned him, with his tribe, to listen to the commands of the Great Spirit.
The next day Father De Smet offered the Holy Sacrifice, at which the Indian chief assisted, imploring, in a loud voice, the help of God. When Red Fish returned to his camp, he assembled his warriors and informed them of his interview with the Black Robe. Suddenly, joyful cries came from the extremity of the camp. They rushed forth to inquire about the cause, and saw the captive daughter returning.
The old chief could scarcely believe his senses. He ran from his tent to receive his child, who threw herself into his arms. But how did it happen? The young girl told her story:
– From the time of my capture I was tied by my hands and feet to stakes driven into the ground. One night an unknown woman came and loosened my cords. She then gave me food and several pairs of moccasins, and said to me in low tones, ‘Rise and return to your father.’ I started off at once and walked all night. At daybreak I hid in the hollow of a tree. Some hours later, a band of warriors who were looking for me passed by without seeing me. Not finding my tracks on the other side of the river, they returned to camp. At nightfall I again set out, and in this manner I walked six days and nights until I had the joy of finding my father.
Who was this woman who liberated her? Father De Smet does not tell us, but he asserts the event happened the night immediately following the day he had celebrated Mass at Fort Peter.”

Lawrence Benedict Palladino (1837-1927)
Author of “Indian and White in the Northwest; A History of Catholicity in Montana”