Meeker

MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history, No. 70

White River Agency, Colorado.

August 11, 1879

Sir: You have allowed $400 for skilled labor of millwright; the grist-mill you buy yourself. Now, I find no man willing to come unless his wages are allowed from the day he starts; also his transportation and his board while here; and the wages is from $3.50 to $4 a day. A man whom I know is a first-class workman, for he has put up the best mill in Colorado, and his terms are expenses, board, and $3.50/day. I would like to have him, for I know he will do a good job. His name is Houghton. But, as there may be a difficulty in deciding upon a rate per day, I refer that matter for your decision.

Respectfully,

N. C. MEEKER

Indian Agent

HON. E.A. HAYT

Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington,