Washington DC
214 1^st St S.E.

7^th June 93

My dear Miss Kate

A letter from Mrs McConville tells me of your sad bereavement and we are so sorry – not for her who has so gloriously ended her life of self-abnegation but for you who live to feel so great a loss. We are with you in heart with the little sorrowing band in Kamiah as they lay away all that is left of their beloved friend. Not all that is left for her teachings will ever abide in that valley. The picture of her life never fades out of mind. How she loved the "little ones" God only knows. As for you my dear friends how will this sorrow turn your life? Affect your plans? I know that it is not all grief – much joy will be mixed with your loss. It is much to feel as you do that a new a new tie to the better country is drawing still more your thoughts & hopes upward.

Your dear sister will be nearer than ever to you – she will be ‘round about you as spirits are which annihilates time & distance. We think much of you – we have talked much of you & planned for you. Will you not write us of your desires now because of this change to make any new plans for yourself.

Mrs. Thaw purposes to build the cottage this summer & authorized me to ask Mr McConville if he would over see its construction. Miss F. had a long talk with Dr Roberts & McMillan & they are prepared to start a new work among the Nez Perces want an other expert to visit the Reservation this summer & confer with you. We think that the old Lapwai Church should be left to take care of itself & a new one started at your place to which the really Christian people should be admitted – a white man sent to reside at the Fort building his own house along side of yours – he is to have supervision of all the Nez Perce churches going about & controlling the bad elements & encouraging the good. An energetic man with a capable wife working in harmony with you might work wonders. But Miss Kate dear, a new start must be made a beginning on the right basis a weeding out of the old Church would I think be impossible – still with God all things are possible.

Will you not so soon as you are able drop me a line. If the cottage is not built this summer I fear it will be postponed indefinitely – and we feel that Lapwai Valley will pass into the control of the Roman ch. If a white man is not settled there to fight for the faith one who can preach in English & gather in the children to Sunday School & draw in the white people who will soon be settling up the country. Miss F. is very busy at work in her office every day. I go to Chicago in a weeks time. She will follow soon. We are depressed by the heat of this place.

With our heartfelt sympathy and love to you always

Affectionately
Yours

E. J Gay