Lapwai, July 3^rd 1879
Rev. J.C. Lowrie D.D.

Dear Sir
Your favor of April 10^th with the enclosed check for $400.00 (300.00 on account of salary for six months, and $100.00 towards expenses of native preachers) was duly received, and would have been answered sooner, only, I was waiting to try to be able to write more definitely about the house in which Mr Spaulding lived at Kamiah and in which I had my school there. It seems that although that house was built for the missionary it belongs entirely to the Agency (or Gov.) The mission has no claim upon it. Mr Montieth always said I could have it. I asked the new Agent, Mr Warner, in regard to it and he said that if the new Miller for Kamiah with whom he was in correspondance was a ‘man of family’ he wanted the Spaulding house for him. If he was not a ‘man of family’ I could have it. So, the matter still stands.

Dr Lowrie knows, probably, that the twenty years (or 22 yrs) treaty of the Government with the Nez Perces expires next year. We do not know what changes there may be then. It may be that buildings would be opened to us then. It may be that even those we are now occupying will be closed to us – as far as we can see now it would perhaps be safe to build at Kamiah, at all events. Mission buildings there would be secure, as long as the Nez Perces are there. It is the only place for a girls & womens school. They are so eager to have my school there (i.e. the Kamians are). The girls school, and house for missionary family could be built under one roof, if desired instead of two schools and S.L. McB would take her risk of a building for her school. The missionaries wife when she comes could then help in Girls School as the Phila friends suggest. I filled so much of my last letter with the ‘Mission building’

The last of my pupils returned home the 20^th of last month. Two went some days before, the others at intervals a short time before, their early crops needing their care. They and their families had fewer straitened places’ last year than the year before. They are improving in ‘forethought’ as well as other things. This year too, they have put in heavier crops which are doing well. The shew no signs of flagging in their studies either, but are as ‘hungry to know’ as ever.

They have been ‘pushed to the front’ in church work much faster than I would have chosen, or they either, had it not seemed absolutely nescessary. They have taken charge of the two weekly prayer meetings and took their turns (save the two youngest) in ‘preaching’ on Sabbath afternoon & evenings preparing their ‘sermons’ with me beforehand as I think I told Dr Lowrie, conducting all the services when Mr D was absent, or without an interpreter.

For this reason, and for the sake of Mr Deffenbaugh who generally was with us part of the mornings getting an insight into the language by listening to the translations &c the last year we have studied the Bible alone (in the school room). I wanted with Gods help so to indoctrinate them in the truths of the Bible. And I think with His blessing and the help of His Spirit that we have had a profitable year.

If God spares us another year, I want (D.V. ) to take up the dropped studies, and new ones and I want a larger class if the Master pleases.

To human view, at present, the next few years will be trying (or ‘crisis’) years in the history of this tribe. The expired treaty may bring them new conditions. We do not know what changes may come to them from the ‘Government." Emigration is pouring rapidly into Idaho filling up the valleys and prairies, in some places to the very edge of the Reservation and greedy eyes are looking over that edge, putting the Nez Perces in fear for their homes. It is vital to the interests of the Nez P. church under God, I think, as well as to their prosperity, or even continued existance as a people) that the Nez Perce men be fitted to take their places as men among men, as speedily as possible. (God prospering efforts.) Some, I think with Gods help could do that now, but there is still great need for the work. There are only children in the boarding schools. I think Mr Montieth himself, was not satisfied with the results of so many years labor in those schools (James Reuben by far the most advanced learned the Eng. Language in a white family)

Gen. Howard, too, thinks that we have ‘struck a vein’ even in the problem of the civilization of the Indian by this work with Indian men – work among adults, and through adults who have and must long have the controlling influence). He said in his short visit, last week (have you seen any of his kind notices of my pupils in the ‘Advance’?) He said he wanted just the same work done among the Spokanes where he had just been visiting. The simple fact, too of a woman teaching their chiefs and leading men has done more to raise the Nez Perce women, socially, than if I had been teaching the women alone I think – that and the teachings and example of my pupils and their wives. But I must stop talking Nez Perce (and ‘Ego’) and turn to business.

A letter from Dr Lowrie, dated Dec 31^st enclosed $75.00 for native preachers for which, I think, I have not accounted. That and the $100.00 I his last for same purpose makes $175.00

Archie and Mark reached the Ind. Ter. penniless (about) and were a long time there before receiving anything from the Gov. save a promise of salary (and were feeling badly and were in need. So, with Mr Ds approval I sent them $35.00 a gift from Dr. Lowrie to shew them that although so far from home they were not ‘elwitis mamaiats’ (orphans). They have done a good work, there, I hope. Late letters speak of 115 of the late hostiles, who have renounced heathenism, 7 who have professed faith in Christ. They have (all those Nez Perce) been moved to the Ponca Agency. Do you know any ministers in that vicinity? Could you reach them there? It is a fearful test for our boys. Mark & Archie to stand alone with those new converts (James Reuben is not a Christian), in the midst of the heathenism out of which they themselves so lately emerged.

In the winter when Robert came for things he needed – then his expenses to Presbytery, and while there amounted to $45.00 (Mr D disbursed the money to him of course). About the beginning of May, I gave him $26.00 for self and family. He needed it ‘badly’. Last week I gave James Hines $15.00. He had been sick for sometime and has been preaching faithfully on Sabbath at North Fork when able. In all I have spent:
     $35.00
     $ 7.50
    $45.00
    $25.00
    $15.00
  $127.50
- $175.00
    $47.50
Which leaves $47.50 still in my hands & I have consulted with Mr D every time, and given with his approval. Does Dr Lowrie approve?  Mark & Archie will not, probably again need help. James Hines perhaps only occasionally, but Robert both needs and deserves, I think. Mr Defenbaugh went Wednesday to spend the 4^th & Sabbath and have a Camp meeting, always the 1^st week of July. I do not know what MR D will succeed in doing this time, but so far, Robert has received ninety from the Nez P church, and is entirely dependent on his own labor for support of himself and family, save what he recieves from the Board as a ‘gift’. And with the sole pastoral charge of (by far) the largest church membership and congregation on the Reservation I am afraid he will break down. He seems to be a ‘born’ Pastor, and leader. His people all trust and love him and I think he has the cincere respect of all the white who know him. He was not ordained suddenly, I think, still I remember the ‘pit’ out of which he and Archie & Mark, & James were ‘digged’ after they were full grown heathens.  He wants very much to study and he needs to study more. I could do so, if my school is at Kamiah. I wish he could go away to school for a year.

Mr Deffenbaugh has doubtless reported the 17 accessions to the church at Kamish the last communion, and the 17 baptisms, 32 in all. There are ‘in good & regular standing’ at Kamiah 220 members, I believe, and I think about 50 in the church here. Dr. Lowrie probably knows that Mr Cowley has asked to be dismissed from this Presbytery to unite with the Congregationalists among the whites. There are some Presbyterian Spokanes in charge who ought to be cared for when he leaves them. I wish some of our boys were ready to take charge of them.

I send this just before starting a short visit for Portland hoping if God spares me to return I may find an answer from Dr Lowrie on my school. I think if my sister comes she will not be here for some time yet & (a month perhaps). I have given her so much to be sure she knows how to do, so that she can teach the N.P. woman when she comes. I am so ignorant of domestic matters. Dr. L knows a little of my life work which has never been in that direction (i.e. domestic). I have begun the letter to the Phila ladies which I hope to send soon.

Please send me a letter soon, telling me if this is all right even if it is only a note these hot days.
Respectfully I am

S.L. McBeth