Kamiah Feb 11^th 1880
Rev Dr J.C. Lowrie D.D.

Dear Sir
I send with this, a badly taken photo of Felix Corbett, the present Head Chief. I sent you sometime ago, a long letter, which I hope you have received. I also sent one to the Phila friends, which, perhaps, you have seen.

Sometime ago, Mr Deffenbaugh sent us a short letter addressed by you to him, my sister, and myself. We have not seen Mr D since last fall, and do not know when we can see him to talk over matters in it – perhaps not for a long time. I have written to ask him what Dr Lowrie meant by ‘making an estimate of expenses for the next year’ and have delayed this for his answer. But it has not yet come. Communication between here and Lapwai, is so infrequent and uncertain these winter days we may not hear from him for some time yet. We (he, Mr J.B. Montieth & I) made estimates as nearly as we could of probable cost of mission school) building last summer and sent it to the Phila friends, or Dr Lowrie or both, I think. As I told the Phila friends lately, I have seen no reason as yet to change the estimate of probable cost and I think Mr D still thinks as we did then.

If it is personal expenses mine are no less at least than they were at Lapwai last year, and the year before. In some things greater because of the greater distance of Kamiah from the ‘base of supplies’ and the cost of transportation, while the cost (and need) of supplies remain the same. Kamiah is 72 miles from Lewiston – 25 miles from Mt Idaho – no wagon road, only a difficult ‘trail’ between this and the latter. As I wrote the Phila friends, my sisters coming does not diminish either labor or expense to me. Having her care of the women I have taken a larger class of men. I am so glad to do that.

The ‘crisis’ through which the tribe has passed since I wrote to Dr Lowrie has made me feel how slight a hold we have on the ‘Spaulding house’ and the need of a building large enough to accommodate both schools, if permanance is desired. I feel quite sure that Mr D would agree with me in this, and I know my sister does. And I still think that $500 or $600 would put up a building large enough for both. When I wrote to the Phila friends I though we had passed the ‘breakers’ i.e. the tribe had. Lately we have had a suspicion of a possible ‘breaker ahead’ in July – but ‘God reigns’.

Probably Mr D has written to Dr Lowrie about both ‘crisis’ & building and he is weary of the subject. If he has not and Dr L wishes, I will write more fully of tribal matters again (D.V.)

I have such a nice class and so has my sister, interesting and interested pupils. Mr D doubtless keeps Dr Lowrie posted in church matters. Last week, James Hays, my youngest pupil ‘preached’ for the first time, preparing his sermon with me before hand. He is Roberts ‘son in the Lord’ and loves Robert much, and I had him in my thoughts as Roberts ‘helper’ here, if the Lord wills. He is an excellent and very promising young man. Robert administered the sacrament of the Lords Supper unaided in the Church here last Sabbath. He baptized eight children and the week before united a number in Christian marriage, who although they had been received into the Church by former ministers had only been married long ago according to their heathen customs. Robert is doing well. Pray for him and for

Respectfully yours,

S.L. McBeth

I am hoping for a letter from Dr Lowrie soon. Shall I not have it, if he can find time? Please. Please address me Kamiah, Nez Perce Co. Idaho Ter. Via Mt. Idaho, Idaho Ter.