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[[preprinted]] 271 [[/preprinted]]

8.

Foreign Missions claimed their right to the land they deeded on Feb. 14, 1868 to Mr. W. G. Langford. At this latter date nearly all the tract deeded was occupied by Indian homes, the people having been induced to settle on this land by missionary efforts.

By office letter dated Aug. 14, 1889, marked "Law and Land 20118-1889," I am instructed not to allot this tract claimed by W. G. Langford "leaving it to be held by the Indians in common."

The land covered by the Langford claim is among the most valuable possessed by the Nez Perce, and is the most valuable today occupied and improved by Indians.  It is all of it a rich bottom, well watered, easily irrigated, where fruits, vegetables, and any sort of crops can be raised; fruits and vegetables need irrigation as well as other crops in that section of the country. The value of this tract is well known to white settlers, and the recent passage of a bill through the House of Representatives granting a right of way for a rail-road down the Potlatch creek to the