White River Agency, Colorado
July 16, 1879
Sir: In regard to purchasing the grist mill of Todd and Co., Saint Louis, I find it hardly practicable to do business with them.
First, they insist that the man performing the skilled labor, for which you have appropriated $400, must have $3 a day from the time he starts, his ticket purchased at Saint Louis, and his board paid while at work, and his return ticket bought, and all this.
Second, Messrs. Todd says that, as they have had “some experience in settling for Indian agencies, we would require you to appoint some agent here, with the money in hand, to receive the goods, and pay upon shipment of the same.”
Now, it seems to me that to receipt and pay for goods in this way will scarcely be allowed by you, and as to advancing passage-money for wages to somebody, and becoming liable for an indefinite amount of money for wages and expenses, is considerably out of the way of common business prudence.
I would therefore suggest that your agent purchase a mill in Chicago, a place where, in my experience, one is more likely to be satisfied than Saint Louis.
As I am going out to get the hogs you have authorized me to buy, in about a week, I think I can get a millwright at Greeley or Denver, and within the amount limitee; also, I could go to Chicago and get the mill itself, and thus forward the business rapidly.
Please send an answer to this by telegraph to Rawlins, and it will reach me about time it arrives at that place.
Respectfully.
N.C. MEEKER
Indian Agent
HON. E.A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington D.C.
