Selections from a letter by George Deffenbaugh to Dr. J.C. Lowrie written July 19, 1879.

… I am afraid you have misunderstood me in regard to Miss McBeth. I think from your writing that you see us in imagination spitting fire at one another and not getting along at all pleasantly. But certainly such is not the case. Sometimes I have listened to her advice and sometimes not, whenever I thought best to follow my own inclination, I have done so without any words about it and that would be the end of it. I have written you about somethings impatiently, perhaps, because I though she was too persistent in meddling with what was strictly my own business; but from anything that I ever said to her, I do not suppose she would ever suspicion my writing to you or any one else about our disagreements. I know these are ‘impatient’ words, but it seems to me that although there is one great end in view, we can not avoid having distinct spheres of duty; and it is natural to resent any encroachments made by one in a different sphere. I am not at all averse to acting on good advice let it come whence it will, because to do otherwise would be foolish, but I do claim the right of acting on my own convictions as to what is best & for the best. I may make mistakes & doubtless will, but it will not be intentionally. I want to do the right as God shows me the right.

Now as to planning to separate Miss McBeth and me in order to ensure our getting on more pleasantly, please do not think of such a thing. I am willing for that matter to be governed entirely by force of circumstances (God over all). If it could be I would much rather we be at the same place, and if I am not mistaken, she would say the same thing. But it may be best for the work, still I am doubtful, for Miss McBeth and her sister to locate at Kamiah. I feel quite sure this is the place for me, so long as there is no native pastor here; and I doubt it ever it will be necessary for me to go to Kamiah to live. It seems to me that so soon as the church here is put on as good a foundation as the one at Kamiah I would be no longer needed here. And with Miss McBeth’s scholars to help me that time might soon come. So I am doubtful as to whether it is best for the school to move to Kamiah. Even if not for taking the men away from their farms & stock. There would be no question and another thing, there are no habitable houses here for them to occupy. With this I will pass on to the next item.

I trust you will not think we need to be separated in order to get along pleasantly. I tell the Indians it always takes two to quarrel and I always try to remember that fact. I had never thought or hoped anything of enlarging the house at Kamiah. I think it a good idea, however provided the Department will bear the expense. I do not think it would be wise for the Board to put an addition to a Government building at its own expense; and especially to such an inconvenient uninviting house as the one at Kamiah is. I do think since it has grown so late in the season that it will be as well to let matters rest in place for this year. By next year we will know something about the future of the tribe and consequently be better able to plan our work. The Agent wants the Indian to hold several councils sometimes this fall and agree on what they want the Government to do with them when the treaty expires. He does not want it generally known that he is agitating this move, as it might get him into trouble. But I think it a very good thing.

…Miss McBeth left for Portland last Saturday. She did not know how long she would remain away. It would be according to circumstances. I forwarded a letter from her sister the other day and I shall write her soon about your proposition to enlarge the house at K. so she will know soon how long she can stay. I told her to quit thinking & worrying about out work if possible and try to enjoy her vacation.