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[[preprinted]] 97 [[/preprinted]]

In the Field. Nez Perce
Aug. 23     9

Hon. Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Sir:
The horses which I am using and for which I receipted to the Agent at Umatilla Agency, were in bad condition as to their feet when they reached me. One had been foundered & possibly both. Their hoofs were dry & cracked, & had overgrown their shoes. Before I could have them shod at all, they had to stand unshod in mud for over two days, and their feet have been troublesome ever since. Their shoes get loosened easily owning to the bad hoofs, and the severe mountain travel they must make. Worse since I left the Agency I have had to send them to the blacksmith to have their shoes reset, and renewed. The horses fall lame at once when their shoes give out.

For this shoeing expenditure I have no authority. I would therefore respectfully request, that while in the field, distant from the Agency, I be authorized to have the horses shod when necessary — and take vouchers for the same.

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