Monsignor Augustin Ravoux (1815-1906) emigrated from France in 1838, responding to the plea of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dubuque, Iowa, for missionaries among the Indians. His first mission was at Prairie du Chien, where he remained until he began ministering to the Sioux [Dakota] Indians in 1841. During his time with the Sioux, 1841-1844, he became proficient in their language and developed a permanent mission at Little Prairie (now Chaska). Between 1844 and 1851, Ravoux also ministered to communities at Mendota, St. Paul, Lake Pipin, and St. Croix. Ravoux divides his book into three sections: reminiscences and memoirs comprise the first; lectures he delivered comprise the second; and miscellaneous letters, lectures, and essays (usually written by other authors) comprise the third. The reminiscences and memoirs cover the period from 1838-1862 and conclude with his ministry to Sioux condemned to death for their part in the 1862 Sioux uprising.