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[[preprinted]] 434 [[/preprinted]]

Nez Perce
July 2     1

Hon. Commis Indian Affairs.
Sir:

I have today sent a telegram to you asking that the Agent be instructed to prevent the Indians leaving the reservation until they have reported to me & been allotted. The people leave almost immediately after the 4 of July and then it is almost impossible to do any work. All the settled Indians are allotted; it is the roving class that remain, and it is very difficult to catch them.  During the last month I had to hire a man several days to go and hunt up Indians to keep the Surveyor in supply, and now that we must soon cross the mountains, it will take three or four extra men in the saddle to go after Indians. I have not burdened the office with the difficulties that beset this work, but being determined to close the allotment this year, I have made the request of today, as my last resort for help from the government.

Respectfully
[[signature]] Alice C. Fletcher [[/signature]]
Spl. Ind. Agt.