Letter-1848, December 7

Transcribed letter from Thomas Johnson, Superintendent Manual Labor dated Dec 7, 1848

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Ft. L.[eavenworth] Ind. M.L. School Dec 7th 1848

Sir,

   I have had the honor to receive yours of the 24th ult informing me that the contract for the Kansas school had been signed by the comr of Ind. affairs.

   In reply I would inform you that Bishop Andrews appointed me to carry out the provisions of that contract+ I am ready to commence to prosecute the work with as much energy as practicable. But it will be necessary for me to have a copy of the contract which I hope you will forward to me at the earliest opportunity with any suggestions you may think proper to make about either the location, the buildings or the farm_

   It will also be necessary for the funds furnished by the government to be either forwarded to me or placed somewhere subject to my order for it is a principal by which I am governed in all my transactions not to go in debt+ as I expect to have men engaged this winter to make the buildings and farm preparatory to an early commencement in the spring+ as I will be held individually bound to the men employed, you perceive at once that the funds must be placed under my control.

   This can be done by paying them over to the Rev. E. Stevenson of Louisville, Ky, who is expected to visit Washington during the winter, or forwarding by any other agency which may best suit the Department.

I have the honor
to be yours respectfully
Thos. Johnson
Supt. F.L.M.L. School

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[Transcribed from microfilm roll number MS980 frames 1003-1004 in the collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, (National Archives Microfilm Series M234, roll 784) by Roger Berg Jr., June 1991]