Kamiah Dec 3^rd 1881
Rev. J.C. Lowrie D.D.

Dear Sir
I reproach myself, somewhat, for the hasty note I sent Dr Lowrie the other day about the small pox & Kamiah, although it was, and is, all true. Why should I trouble Dr L. with a trouble which he could neither prevent or remedy when he has so many other cares to burden him?  When Miss McB. visited the St. Louis hospitals (as a delegate of the U.S.C.C.) during the war, she was exposed to the disease, and had a very slight attack of what some said was varioloid. If it was that, or not, I cannot tell, but do not fear for self now, as I did not then. Neither does my sister fear. She was exposed to the disease some years ago and did not take it (though she might now).

The leading Kamians are doing what they can to protect the Kamiah people. They have forbidden any from here going into or near infected regions, and have sent word to those regions that if anymore ‘refugees’ come to Kamiah that they will be turned back, and not permitted to enter. The first of the week I sent three of my pupils to Mt. Idaho to be vaccinated (for which the M.D. there charged $2.00 apiece). I purpose (D.V.) to have all my pupils vaccinated. The teacher of the Gov School here went himself to Lapwai for vaccine matter, and vaccinated his pupils and a few of the people, but the matter does not seem to have been good. He has sent for more they tell me, and I think he will do for pupils and people what he can. (I have not met him yet, only his wife.)

The Mt Idaho physician offered to vaccinate the whole community of Kamiah for $100.00 (there are between 93 & 100 log & frame houses inhabited by Kamians) they tell me, besides the few tents which still remain, and the houses have usually as many in them as they can accommodate. The Kamiah leaders are making an effort to raise the $100.00 among the people and have the Mt I. M.D. sent for. I do not know if they will succeed or not.

Three weeks ago the money could have been raised, I think, but the people were waiting and expecting to hear orders or direction, or have help sent from Lapwai, and fearing that Mt Idaho would be closed to the Nez Perce (as Lewiston was reported to be, then) spent their money in laying in groceries &c for the winter.

I have had to lay down my pen to help one of ‘our boys’ over a hard place in the preparation for tomorrow (Sabbath) and must (D.V.) write notes to other friends today. I only write this that Dr L and the friends may not be perhaps unnescessarily troubled. God is here and will care for us all. Robert did not go to Synod, and consequently did not ‘remain in Oregon to study this winter.’ Perhaps the Master wanted him here now. $312.50, one half of the check for $625.00 sent for school buildings is still in my sisters hands, where I placed it at first as I told the friends. I have no present intention of lifting it (to repay what I expended from my own funds) as long as we both remain among the Nez Perce. I will not leave my sister without that fund to fall back on for building for womans school – should she need it, or emergency arise. If I should die among the Nez Perce that $312.50 is willed (long ago) with whatever else I may die possessed of to the Nez Perce mission. Schools, and everything else at Kamiah are going on quietly and pleasantly. The Church, harmoniously.

We have not had a word from Lapwai that I have heard of since I last wrote. Mr & Mrs D was expected there on Thanksgiving. I do not know if they have arrived. Pray for them, and all the friends for the Nez Perce & for

S.L. Beth

Evening
My sister who has come over to prepare her S.S. lesson with me (she teaches her S.S. principally in Nez Perce) bids me send her kind regards to Dr L and tell him that she has it in her heart to write to him soon. (D.V.)
Write to us please. The Mt. Idaho Post Office is open to us yet.