Kamiah Nov 9^th 1880
Rev. Dr. J.C. Lowrie

Dear Sir
I send you another precious picture for the ‘Nez Perce gallery’ - the Presbytery of Idaho. It was taken at the Meeting of the Presbytery of Idaho at Union City W.T. last spring, and I have been trying, in vain, ever since to procure a copy of it. The Artist had moved, leaving no trace taking the negative (if not destroyed) with him. A few days ago I incidentally learned, that Roberts father W.J. (or Billy) Williams had a picture (this one) and persuaded him to let me have it. He had ‘cut down’ the photo to frame it which accounts for its appearance. If I can (possibly) find another copy – not cut – I will, perhaps (D.V.) send it to you, asking you to send this photo to the Phila friends for their Nez Perce gallery if you please.

There are six white men in the picture and eight (full blood) Nez Perces. Silas & William were not liscensed when it was taken, but are now. One of the Kamiah Elders too was only a ‘spectator’ at Presbyter too. James Hays, our shaggy headed, broad shouldered six foot, youngest ‘boy’ is still only a ‘candidate & helper’ yet as you know. He sits at the extreme left, near Robert of course. (I have been amused, often, at his manuevering to get to sit near Robert in the school room. He is Roberts ‘son in the Lord’ and the love of the two for each other almost ‘passes the love of women.’ It was one of my ‘dreams’ that they should be associated together in the care of the Kamiah church if the Lord willed). The photos are very badly taken as you can see by comparing it with those of our boys which you have in other pictures. You have them all in other photos now, save James (i.e. all of our boys who are in this) James has a clear, smooth, complexion white as many white men though he is a full Nez P. has fine eyes which with his white even teeth, change his appearance when speaking. James was a short time in Mr Cowleys school when a little boy, and could read easy lessons if I remember rightly. At least knew all the alphabet when he came to me. But that was all the good, short schooling had done. Six months before he came to me (a youth, not fully grown) he was sitting at the late hostile ‘White Birds’ camp fire in blanket & leggins as wild as any of his camp mates. Robert found him, led him to the Saviour, took him to his own house, instructed him for a time, then, brought him to me in his first civilized garments, some of Roberts own clothing which he could then ill spare. James was two years under my eye at Lapwai, the first year, with Robert the second, with Enoch, when they lived in the rooms back of my school room there and, from the time of his conversion until now, he has lived an exemplary life. And he has a great deal of good sense and judgement though full of fun as any boy.

I have not a more promising pupil than James, nor any save Robert, whom I trust more (because I have ‘tested’ Robert longer.) I tell Dr Lowrie all this about James now, because his name is not yet on the role of Presbytery and if the Master should send for Miss McBeth – I want Dr Lowrie still to keep track of and watch over, and care, for my youngest boy, and pray for him that he may do good work for the Master. Help him to do it. I sent Dr Lowrie a photo of our three new Licestiates and three Elders last week. Did he receive it? Please tell me.
In haste, but truly ours

S.L. McBeth
Please let me know, as soon as you can if this reaches you safely. Will you not? I will be anxious to hear.