Letter-1849, January 25

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Jan. 25, 1849

   Sir: I have the honor to enclose for your consideration a letter this day recd from Agent Cummins in relation to church difficulties among the Shawnee; also a copy of a letter addressed by Bishop Morris to the Rev. M. Gurley[?] from Ohio who has been appointed by the Bishop to preach to the Wyandotts.

   It is to be deeply regretted that this difficulty should be agitated among the Indians by two societies maintaining the same church doctrines and discipline; the only point of difference being that in which the Indians can have no interest immediate or remote.

   Major Cummins has very forcefully alluded to difficulties that may occur in reference to the subject; And should they occur it will be difficult to foresee their effect upon the Indians.

  My opinion is that the agitation of the subject will be a serious affair to the Indians; it is already prejudicing their moral and religious character… If it is practicable the sooner it is checked the better.

Thomas Harvey, Supt. [Indian affairs]

Hon. W. Madill
Commissioner of Indian Affairs

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[Superintendency of Indian affairs, v. 9.]