Kamiah June 24^th 1885
Rev. G.L. Deffenbaugh

Dear brother
I did not remember until after I gave William Wheeler the letter this other day to you that he will probably not see you until the first of next week, and I need so much to know now whether to buy the boards for boys Winter Quarters. Charlie is the only thing I know in the way of our needing school winter quarters, as they must, if the school continues. Please tell me what you think the earliest moment you can will you not? And, please, mail the letter (enclosed) to Lester. There is a check in it!!

I forgot to say I sent the copies of J.B. Ms letters, with the ‘surprise’ in them, thinking of the coming Camp Meeting. I am full of apprehension. There is more in it than meets the eye, even mine. If late events (I don’t mean simply Roberts case) frustrated ‘surprises’ now, we will perhaps have more light in the spring or sooner. It was in Archies plot last winter they told me for the Umatillas, Nez P Exiles, Spokanes &c to go from the Camp meeting to the Camas ground, their old ‘stomping grounds’ before the war. I do not know [illegible] program & lands now. With his Church here, of course Archie would be here too. Please, please keep him away from Kamiah.

Tom Hill is Jimmy’s right hand man in working for the Chieftainship. Tom Hill was appointed by the Agent on the Lawyers recommendation, at the Camp Meeting, I was told, and much more was done. Which work, of course received an impetus from Charlies visit and help) and tells me that Archie is the ‘takesh’ (superintendant or the one who has charge of) all the ministers. Silas still acknowledges as his ‘takesh .

James Hayes who speaks very slowly tells me that the ‘tukin’ over the river (in Jimmys neighborhood, is now as much against every one of the ministers, who at the Church court covered up pehwit (adultery) as they express it as against Robert as much against James, now as Robert, because he ‘led’ in the not guilty under Mr D. Of course, Archie is still the only minister whose hands are ‘clean’ from the sin of ‘covering up pewit’ save Peter who is now ashamed and wants away.

It is, as I said, dear brother, not simply a questions of Robert, or school or ‘rival families &c ‘ It is the Church and heathenism (or a return to the old Regime, which are in conflict now).  Another thing: Silas tells me that it was decided by or at Presbytery that he should come to Kamiah in Sept. And study this winter again. Is this true? Do you know of his confession to Robert after Pres. of Archies scheme for him in this matter? I think I ought to tell Mr D about this although it is in his province not in mine.
In haste

S.L. McB