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Nez Perce Agency
June 20, 1889.

Hon. Comm'r Indian Affairs

Sir:
The Nez Perce Indians are forming themselves with settlements in different parts of the reservation, widely separated from each other. They desire that as they are allotted in these settlements, certain tracts of land selected by them as a church and graveyard site, should be surveyed and set apart. I desire instructions as to how I shall report upon these sites, and how I should explain their terms to the Indians. These sites I understand will be occupied by native churches, presided over by native ministers, and will hardly come under the provisions for mission allotments, as I understand the Indians would like to possess the tittle to the land, which they now select.

To secure these tracts, may require legislation — it will certainly be for the advantage of these Indians to possess those sites for churches & the orderly burial of the dead.

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