Letter-1862, October 6

Washington City
Oct 6th 1862

Sir

   I learned from you this morning that Government desired that the S. M. L, School of which I am Supt. should be suspended & the contract existing between the Miss. Society of the M. E. Church South & the Government should be annuled. To this decission I have no objections; So it only remains for us to settle up the business of that school according to the Terms of the contract. And in doing this it will appear upon examination that the school has been kept up regularly for Eight (8) years, commencing Oct. 1, 1854 and ending Sept. 30th 1862. Quarterly vouchers approved by the government agents have been furnished, showing that the school has been kept according to contract.      It will also appear on examination that the government has paid the Society in money for six years & a half schooling amount to Thirty two thousand five hundred ($32,500.) Dollars. Leaving one year & a half amounting to Seven thousand five hundred ($7,500) Dollars still due the school

   But it will further appear on examination that the Society owed the government for Reservation of land Ten thousand ($10,000) Dollars, on which the Society was entitled to a credit of One thousand ($1,000} Dollars a year·as long as the school was kept up, which being Eight (8} years, will leave the Society in debt Two thousand ($2,000) Dollars for the Reservation— Now if we take that amount from the Seven thousand five hundred ($7,500) Dollars, still due the school, It will leave a balance of only Five thousand five hundred ($5,500) Dollars to be paid. But the whole of the Ten thousand ($10,000] being thus paid up according to terms of Treaty & Contract we are entitled to a patent for the land.

   By examination of papers marked A. B. C. &. D. It will be found that I have bought the whole of land from the Society consequently the Patent should be made to me.

   And by examination of the papers marked E. & F. It will be found that I am authorized to receive any money which may due the school & receipt for the same

   If the unfortunate difficulties which now embarrass our country had not cut me off from all communication with the Board of Managers of the Society, I could have had some papers a little more explicit. But as those presented are sufficient to show the object & intentions of all concerned, I hope that you, appreciating the circumstances surrounding us, will give the whole matter the most favorable construction &, let us wind it up & have no further trouble about it.

Yours with great respect
Thos. Johnson Supt
S. M. L. School

Hon. W.P. Dole
Com. Ind. Affrs.

[Photostat copy in MSS. Department, K.S.H.S.]