Nez Perce Agency
Jany 2^nd, 1886
Rev’d F.F. Ellinwood D.D.
New York City

Rev’d and Dear Sir:
Brother Deffenbaugh has read me his letter to you pertaining to day school at Kamiah. I agree with Mr D. in what he has written on the subject. I endeavored to start a Gov’t day school at Kamiah, but was given to understand that the people would not require the children to go so far every day as they would be obliged to, to attend a day school. I think a good missionary and his wife could – jointly – open a school or schools similar to that operated by the Misses McBeth, receive young men and women also children. The Dep’t would undoubtedly allow you the use of the boarding school buildings at Kamiah for that purpose. In this way I think twenty-five or thirty could be found who would attend such a day school, and much good could be done. To secure the number above stated it would necessary to refuse to issue permits to the young men to attend school at Mt Idaho. This would close Miss McBeth’s school and leave her free to retire from the field, which would be the very best thing that could happen the people of the east end of the reserve.
A disposition to commit insubordination on the part of Miss McBs scholars was shown by refusing to ask permission to attend her school at Mt Idaho, until the last moment; even then she found it necessary to write all the applications (except one) and have them sign the same. Nine applications for permits have been received and permits issued. Two of the nine have not attended school as yet and I am informed that they do not expect to. Said applications are dated "viz" Nov 17, 20, and 24, Dec 11, 14, 15, 17 and 22, 1886 which dates are from one to two and one half months after she rec’d word from you to the effect that such permit must first be obtained before she could receive her scholars. It is my candid opinion that were it not for the boxes of clothing sent her by parties in the east for distribution, she could not succeed in getting scholars. In other words, I believe said attendance is purchased with the clothing & above referred to.

Let us see what is the result already of the Misses McBeth leaving Kamiah. Yesterday the judge and two policemen stationed at Kamiah came down to get their pay for last quarter. I asked them how they were getting along with those who had been working so hard against the Court of Indian Offenses and police force. They reply was in substance as follows:
Robert Williams (the minister at Kamiah and Miss McBeth’s strongest supporter heretofor), had stated in church recently, that it was the duty of all to respect, sustain and assist the Court and police in their efforts to do good, that this was spoken since the Misses McBeth left. They also informed me that most of those who opposed them in their duties while the Misses McBeth were at Kamiah, are now very pleasant and offer to assist in any way they can, that there are a few who have not been very friendly, but even such are cooling off, using their expression.  They attribute this change to the absence of the influence of the Misses McBeth, and I think they are right. It is turning out just as I expected, and the sooner Miss S.L. McBeth leaves this section of the country the better it will be for this people. She has outlived her usefulness so far as this tribe is concerned. I think she is living in the hope that I will not be re-appointed in which event she will make an effort to reestablish herself at Kamiah.

I am called upon by the Keon Commissioner to report as to the advisability of contracting with your Board concerning a ‘Day school" at the rate of $7.50 per quarter for each pupil. I shall report favorably as indicated in the forepart of this letter. Mrs Montieth desires to be remember and she, as also myself, wish to be remembered in your prayers,
I remain your very truly

Chas. E. Montieth