Letters/Correspondence

Major William Mercer submits a report that lists employees who have left the school (Nikefer Shoushick, spelled here Nekifer Shouchuk, and Ed. A. Lau) and those who have changed positions (C. M. Stauffer). The report includes position title, salary, date of departure, and reason for departure. Shouchuk and Lau's resignation letters are attached…

W. A. Mercer forwards H. Gardner's application for a 14-day leave of absence. Gardner works as an instructor in carpentry. 

These materials include correspondence and a report regarding construction, buildings, and grounds at the Carlisle Indian School, performed in 1905 by John Charles. Medical Supervisor Dr. Joseph A. Murphy requested the report in 1908, and returned it to the Bureau office in 1909.

Johnson Bradley submits his resignation as a fireman at the Carlisle Indian School. William A. Mercer forwards the resignation and requests authority to temporarily employ a replacement.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs of the death of Florence M. Carter. Mercer outlines his plan to temporary employ a teacher to fill her position.

William A. Mercer forwards a letter from Carlisle School physician F. Shoemaker requesting authority to erect two pavilions for the treatment of consumptive patients. Mercer also attaches an estimate of supplies and their costs.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs that with the illness of George L. Gottwerth a temporary fireman has been employed.

Mollie V. Gaither requests a meeting with Francis E. Leupp to discuss returning to the Western United States.

William A. Mercer recommends the promotion of Emma H. Foster to fill the teacher vacancy caused by the death of Florence M. Carter. In addition, Mercer states that Frank B. Green has agreed to take a temporary position at $50 a month.

William A. Mercer reports the death of Lucy Spalding of tuberculosis to the Office of Indian Affairs.

W. A. Mercer forwards George L. Gottwerth's request for a 12-day leave of absence due to sickness. Gottwerth works as a fireman. 

William A. Mercer requests the Office of Indian Affairs help in locating C. T. Stranahan and Voorhees if they remain in the Indian Service.

Captain William A. Mercer acknowledges receipt of a circular from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs mandating that "authorized Indian Irregular Employees" must be paid at the end of each week.

Mercer argues that this new rule should not apply to Carlisle because students are only hired as irregular employees during vacation months, and…

E. A. Hitchcock, Secretary of the Interior, replies to an inquiry regarding the use of the appropriation for an addition to the hospital at the Carlisle Indian School. Hitchcock states that the appropriation can be used to construct a new hospital building.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs of the death of Ellen Macy (here Ellen Macey) of tuberculosis.

William A. Mercer requests from the Office of Indian Affairs information on the Lewis and Clark Exposition after receiving a letter from Chemawa Indian School Superintendent Edwin L. Chalcraft. Mercer notes that the school has had a small exhibit on its school work and industrial departments and have been waiting on instructions on where to…

William A. Mercer requests authority to have a local engineer create topographical maps of the school grounds to correct errors including the locations of the main pipe line and the school cemetery. In addition, Mercer notes that the school drawing teacher is making floor plans and elevations of all of the school buildings.

William A. Mercer responds to an Office of Indian Affairs regarding the permanent appointment of Florence N. Head as an assistant matron at the Carlisle Indian School. Mercer states that Head has been transferred to the seamstress department and recommends her transfer to another school.

William A. Mercer requests an increase in the salary of Margaret O. Eckert as an Assistant Matron.

Major William Mercer submits a report that lists new employee (George Brown Jr.). The report includes position titles and salary. Attached is Mercer's recommendation appointment letter for Brown as an assistant cook. 

Superintendent William A. Mercer submits an Estimate of Supplies for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1905 amounting to $350.72 and requests to purchase those items in the open market. The form includes the items being requested, the quantity, the estimated cost, and how the item will be used at the school.

Estimate of funds for the fourth quarter of 1905 amounting to $21,048.30 for support of the school, $13,450.00 of which is for regular employee pay.

W. A. Mercer forwards nurse M. S. Barr's application for a 30-day leave of absence on account of the illness of her sister. 

William A. Mercer responds to Education Circular #119 dated April 7, 1905 asking for data to distribute funds for the transportation of students. Mercer states that as the transportation costs for Carlisle are paid from the appropriation that he believes the circular is not intended to apply to the Carlisle Indian School.

Fred J. Erfert of the Missoula, Montana Chamber of Commerce requests a copy of the Office of Indian Affairs reply to their inquiry regarding the removal of the Carlisle Indian School to the Western United States.