File:Walter C. Battice to Alice Mary Longfellow, 11 January 1887 (f2973976-8938-41de-81f3-49a15914df79).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1007.001/002.003-001#016

[printed letterhead: Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute.]
Hampton, Va., January 11, 1887
Miss Alice Longfellow,
Dear friend,
Again I have the pleasure of writing to you and as it has been some time since I wrote to you I shall consequently have a great deal to write about.
After writing to you last term I kept on with my Middler studies, also continued my work as Janitor in the Wigwam Cottage; but before the close of the school, I had the grand opportunity given me in attending various Educational Meetings among our northern friends, telling them of the condition of my race; and my occupation before coming to school and they all thought there was a great contrast.
It was after seeing so many strangers who were taken interest in my people that a new determination was aroused within me to gain more knowledge of the white man’s teachings; so I might go and impart [p. 2] with hundred of Indian youths who are awaiting for some that they are sure has an interest in them and their welfare.
Having been absent from school during the later part of last term I failed to pass in some the examinations for the Senior Class; but by hard and difficult studying a month after close of school I was successful and was promoted into the Senior Class.
Last May several of us Indian students undertook to start a little paper, which we called “Talks and Thoughts” and by the aid of the school in taken fifty copies we were successful in our attempt. I was appointed as one of the editors, and I am glad the fact that our paper is yet alive.
About the middle of Augest [sic] I started for my native country and arrived there the 23rd of Augest [sic]. It was a long and hot journey, so I was glad my travelling had ended for the preasent [sic].
Before reaching Sac and Fox Agency, [p.3] I had sixty miles of stage transportation over many a beautiful rolling hills; down and up many rocky hills, and as we rode in silence over some of these hills the distant landscape was most charming, dotted here and there with groves of darkgreen leaved oak trees, at the sources of some scattering streams.
Thoughts came over me as we rode in silence towards the setting sun. I thought of the grand opportunities laid open to my my [sic] race in making themselves a selfsurporting [sic] and independent people; and they not grasp these them; but how are they to be made to realize these facts? Thats an easy question; and it requires much work and that is to educate some of the members of the various tribes of the west as you have done, Educating them not only books, but above all the love of God, our only Redeemer.
I am glad to mention the fact that Thomas Wildcat is and has been [p. 4] doing grand work for his people, and had when I was home our one hundred Indian youths in his school, thus far your work for the Indians has not been in vain.
The Indians were very glad to see me back again. I held many conversations with them in regard to sending their children to schools, and was much surprised to see so many who were in favor of sending their children. They asked me if I had come home to stay. I told them I did not; and they were glad I had not given up for the seeking of more knowledge, and their advice to me was come back east and learn all I could and then come back to be one of their helpers in sustaining their rights; so its my purpose after finishing my course here: to go some place and take up the study of law. For I [p. 5] think a good Christian lawyer can do a great deal for his people.
During my stay at home this summer I was Post Master for one month and the remainder of my time there I camped out, made hay, and occationally [sic] went on trips of my old occupation; such as, a cowboys life, and hunting; but I was not successful as a hunter, for I went three days and killed nothing.
On my return to Hampton I brought four Pawnee boys, among them was a boy named Julius Caesar, so we have a name among us of one the greatest conqueriors. [sic
I arrived here at Hampton on the morning of the 25th of October, with a greater desire for more knowledge of the true in helping to bring my people into accustoms of civiliza-[p. 6] tion, and Christianity; and by the help of God and friends, I'll do my best, I came back with the intention of staying four more years; and as I have mentioned once before I am in the Senior Class and hope to be ready for the studying of law by next fall.
My work this term is in the Technical Shop., I think every young person should have some knowledge of the structure of buildings, then he can teach his people the art of building a house, as well as the training of the mind.
My lessons this year, I find more difficult than last.
In conclution [sic] I thank you very much for the aid you have given me, indeed which I shall always bear in mind, I also thank you for the Christmas present.
Yours most respectfully,
Walter Battice.
[p. 7] Dear Miss Longfellow, -
It is with no ordinary degree of pleasure what I endorse Walter Battice's letter. He is indeed a very promising young man. He is a fair scholar, and an earnest worker among the Indians here, which promises well for him after he leaves us.
Thanking you for your continued interest in him and his people, I am
Very sincerely,
M. J. Sherman

• Keywords: long archives; document; alice m. longfellow papers (long 16173); hampton institute; organizations; education; correspondence; Manuscripts (1007.001); (LONG-Subcollection); Correspondence (1007.001/002); (LONG-SeriesName); Scholarship Student Correspondence (1007.001/002.003); (LONG-SubseriesName); Letters to Alice Longfellow (1007.001/002.003-001); (LONG-FileUnitName)