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Omaha Agency, Neb., August 19th., 1879

Mr. T.H. Tibbles:
  Dear friend,
      I was very glad to get the letter which your wife sent me. What you told me when you first entered my tent I will always remember, that is about getting a good paper(deed) for my land
 The rest of the Indians who do not work get food from the Great Father. I work. I do what you told me, and I have plenty to eat here. I am full. What you told me to do is not very hard, but I am troubled about my horses. There are no grazing places for them, so I have to keep them tied now.  I do not know how I am to cut any hay for them to eat this winter.  I wish to made a shelter for them against the winter, as well as a house for my family before the cold weather.
           We regard you as our Father, who has gone away from his children on business for them.  And we think "When will he come back, and how will it be for us when he returns?"
           In the hot land for four months before I left, the Agent did not give me any rations.  Here I have food.  I have a hog and ten pigs, a hen and five chickens, but I can not get a cow just yet.
            I have worked for five families.  I have earned $40, and 30 bushels of wheat: so I shall not die.  I have told you and your wife exactly as it is.  Your friend,

Te-zhe-ba-te, or, Buffalo Chip.