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[[preprint]] 463 [[/preprint]]

within a few feet of this land; under these circumstances the accredited Missionary has been forced to work in camp meetings, in tempory lodgements, and for a considerable time on this very Military reservation.  The settlement of the Lapwai valley is the work solely of this Mission.  When Mr Spalding came in 1836 the Indians were living in long communal tents at the mouth of the Lapwai, not a sod had ever been turned or a tent pitched up the valley.  Mr Spaulding started his mission not far from the tract proposed for assignment.  He there broke the soil & planted fruit trees; every farm that now dots this entire valley is the direct outcome of the Mission founded by him ^[[and the only one ever in this Valley of the Lapwai.]]  It is because of the thoroughness of the work done by it, that not an acre of unoccupied land remains which I can allot the mission on which to build its mission house, except the proposed tract on the Military reservation.

The requirements of the Act of Feb 8. 1887 regarding occupation are met by this mission, and I must urgently and respectfully request that the land proposed by assigned to this efficient and their honored ^[[Lapwai]] Mission.

Respectfully

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