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Nez Perce
July 20    1

Hon. Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Sir:

Permit me to call your attention to the following historical statement concerning the Mission at Lapwai Nez Perce reservation, and to ask your approval of my allotment of land for its purpose under the Act of Feb. 8, 1887.

In 1836 the Rev. Mr. H. Spalding began his work among the Nez Perce Indians not far from the present site of Ft. Lapwai School.  This mission was started at the same time that Dr. Whitman began his work at Wallula Oregon.  It was at Lapwai mission that the first printing press was set up west of the Rocky Mts. and from this period and its twin mission at Wallula spread the influences which eventually gave this region to the Americans of the United States.  After a season or so the Rev. Mr. Spalding moved his mission house to the mouth of the Lapwai creek and opened his school farm; gradually the valley of the Lapwai became dotted with Indian homes and garden spots.