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[[preprinted]] 288 [[/preprinted]]

[[underlined]] 4 [[/underlined]]

be taught if help was denied to men ^[[who]] failed to maintain their families and lived a fast and loose life.  The Decora brothers' names were not then on my list. I had not then looked into Peter's case. The Agent spoke to me about Peter's lazyness and his hanging around the Agency, but I do not recall making any reply. After I had examined Peter's application, and concluded to put the three brothers as one family on my list, as many other matters came up, concerning which I had to speak with Agent Ashley that I forgot to tell him my decision concerning the Decora brothers.

When Peter came to me, I listened to all he had to say concerning his needs and his intentions, and also to a lengthy explanation from James Alexander, one of the most trusty men in the tribe, of the family difficulties and struggles, as well as his belief that if the Decoras were once helped on their lands they would advance and prosper. I looked over my list and I saw that ^[[of those]] on the on the unencumbered land whom it was proposed to help, there was no one representing this large family connection. These brothers, all young men with growing families, if they were