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[[preprinted]] 290 [[/preprinted]]

[[underline]] 6 [[/underline]]

different tack; He has a troublesome clan of men to deal with, and he has inherited with his office contentiousness of men, both Indian and White, inside and outside the reservation, which complicate almost every effort on his part to increase the efficiency of the service, or to advance and help the people. This, added to the present transition state of the reservation, partly under [[precised??]] sale and partly under agency control, tends to confusion and trouble in all sides, and increases the urgency of the help proposed by placing as many Indians as possible on their individual farms with such assistance as is proper, that they may in the future maintain their labors and live decently under the laws of the State. 

I return Agent Ashley's letter and also that of Peter Decora.

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