Mt. Idaho Aug 12^th 1886

Kate – dear sister
Will you please tell Mr Deffenbaugh that no notice from the 1^st National Bank of Portland of any deposit being from him or you being placed to my credit there has reached me yet. (I do not make deposits in the 1^st Nat Bk of P now.) As I have ‘tied up’ my ‘Reserve fund’ and am in debt to Mr Brown for two months rent of house and stable for our boys, besides my food supplies from Mr B. for the same time and have before me an unpaid bill of $61.75 from Mr Scott which he needs before he goes East (soon) for Mary. Have other bills to pay besides ‘current expenses.’ I need the check for salary very much. Will Please do not forget.

And Kate, if you come up to Kamiah or Mt Idaho this summer please bring the striped shawl (black stripe broad) and brown or red or yellow stripe, you know the shawl I mean) which Agnes sent me some years ago. It is just the thing I need here for my yard or stepping in to a neighbors. One of the things I enjoy here is the long grass without snakes.

If Lapwai is any hotter than Mt. Idaho this week it is hot enough. I have been trying to find a cool place since dinner to rest in but rest was ‘saian.’ A little breeze has sprung up now. In July it was ‘yakeshmik’ and then cooled off. But the past few days are as hot as ever. I have had no school since the 3^rd week of July my boys busy with their harvest. Three of them passed through this morning with their packs of wheat and oats on their way to ‘Warrens.’ They were the first to finish their harvest. The others they say are not through yet.

We have no ‘vacation months’ this year. All through the summer even. Their houses here are open for them, and their teacher ready for them whenever they can come to study if even for a few days only. I expected Caleb again last week to study but Enos has the chills he said and needs help.

I am glad you have a cool place among the trees where there is almost always a breeze from creek or river (I used to wish there was no so much breeze in winter in my little old house near the school-house (torn down now, I suppose).

Mary Scott has gone East as perhaps you know. Mrs Smith started to Oregon last week. Birdie Sherwin to Lewiston this week. You may possibly see her and Georgie (who was at Mt. I. lately). That is all the ‘news’ I can think of now.

Kate, Mrs Riggan makes me good butter. Mr Riggan said that she could make some for you and put it up in jars, and send to you, if you would like to get your winter butter from her.

The photo of Arthurs sister was not in the letter. Did you put it in? I would like to see it. Please don’t forget to attend to the check at once Kate. I need it now. Don’t forget. Write as often as you can and don’t wait for answer. You have more time and eyes [illegible] than I.

Kind regards to Mr & Mrs D

Sister Sue