File:Walter C. Battice to Alice Mary Longfellow, 6 December 1889 (052c4b18-fa8c-49d7-8ce4-3393f4cd9c97).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1007.001/002.003-001#015

Sac & Fox Ag’cy. I.T.
Dec. 6 1889
My Dear Miss Longfellow,
Yours was most welcomely received and gave me more courage and earnestness.
School teaching is now easier than at first and furthermore I have become to like the work and of course this would make things come more easier.
There are three objects that I keep in mind while trying to advance these children and [p. 2] when that is accomplished to a great degree I consider good work has been done. These are the objects. cleanliness, promptness, and English, the later involves writing reading and arithmetic. These are of course simple studies and yet when these are rightly taught other good things are sure to come.
There are now fifty-nine in my school and that number of little Indians keeps one person on the go if anything is to be accomplished. Children are all excited about Xmas Day already and [p. 3] anticipating a general good time. We old folks are now making preparations for a Xmas tree and we hope to have things pleasant for them.
Would you like some of these little Indian girls and boys to write you some letters that you may judge for yourself the learning they have.
I am well excepting occasionally troubles with a headache.
Wishing you good success and health.
Your boy.
Walter.

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