Letters/Correspondence

William A. Mercer responds to an Office of Indian Affairs inquiry into his assistance in helping Maggie Mandrigan, a former student who had become pregnant, to travel to Oregon. 

William A. Mercer provides a report of employees whose probationary period has expired or will expire shortly to the Office of Indian Affairs. Mercer further indicates that Elizabeth Sloan should be relieved of her duties despite having gone beyond her probationary period.

William A. Mercer forwards the note of Dr. Richard Kingman that Elizabeth C. Sloan is under his care for treatment of malaria and a general run down condition.

Henry Vertreace declines his transfer to the Western Shoshone Agency and notes that unless other arrangements can be that he desires to serve out his probationary period at the Carlisle Indian School.

William A. Mercer corrects and returns information for the Route Book of the Office of Indian Affairs.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs that James Bresnahan has failed to report for his appointment as a tinner at the Carlisle Indian School. Mercer further states that if another nomination is made that his previous request for a man who is familiar with plumbing be followed.

Henry Vertreace submits his resignation as a blacksmith at the Carlisle Indian School. William A. Mercer forwards the resignation with the note that it should be accepted as tendered.

William A. Mercer responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding his recommendation for the lease of the Alexander Tract. Mercer details the funds available for the lease and other possible options to raise the funds including selling harness.

William A. Mercer forwards voucher and requests authority to pay for the funeral expenses associated with the death of Edward Tompkins in New Orleans, Louisiana.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs of the correct date for the end of the probationary period of Assistant Matron, Elizabeth C. Sloan

William A. Mercer requests approval of his dismissal of George Brown.

William A. Mercer requests authority to arrange for the return of Jesse Twigg to his home following his discharge from the State Reformatory in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

William A. Mercer responds to the complaint of the Superintendent of the Postal Telegraph-Cable Co. that the Carlisle Indian School favors the Western Union Telegraph Company in sending telegraphs.

Effie Moul follows up on her request for her transfer to a different role in the Indian School Service by requesting a promotion to teacher. William A. Mercer responds to the request of the Office of Indian Affairs for comment on the request.

William A. Mercer requests approval of his action in dismissing Margaret Bigwalker from the Carlisle Indian School.

Elizabeth C. Sloan submits her resignation as the assistant matron of the Carlisle Indian School. William A. Mercer forwards the resignation along with further comments on her aptitude for a different position in the Indian Service.

Mollie V. Gaither requests a superintendent position in the Indian School Service through William A. Mercer. Mercer further comments on Gaither's request.

William A. Mercer requests authority to employ a temporary instructor of bricklaying, plastering, and cement work. Mercer states that the position has been requested for the following fiscal year but that there is a large amount of work for the next couple of months which could be done by students rather than irregular employees.

J. R. Wise responds to inquiry of former student Philip Lazore (here Lazor) to have the money he left on deposit at the Carlisle Indian School upon leaving returned to him. Wise recommends that the request be denied due to the policy of runaway students forfeiting the right to their money upon desertion.

William A. Mercer requests the Office of Indian Affairs make corrections to the list of positions and salaries for the painter position.

J. R. Wise responds to request of James Maney to return to his home.

Adaline Kingsley requests William A. Mercer's assistance in obtaining the seamstress position at the Wittenberg School. Mercer forwards the letter to the Office of Indian Affairs along with his recommendation.

Robert Shaw Oliver, Acting Secretary of War, returns papers related to the Carlisle Indian School preparing students for the United States Cavalry. Included are William A. Mercer's original plan along with comments by the Office of Indian Affairs and a final ruling by the Acting Judge-Advocate General of the Army.

Also included is…

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the printing department at the Carlisle Indian School can have revised proofs ready shortly for the report of C. E. Kelsey on the California Indians. In addition, the department can complete and mail the report within three days.

Correspondence regarding William A. Mercer's proposed plan to have a Cavalry troop at the Carlisle Indian School as well as the proposed legislation in both the Indian Appropriation Bill and Army Bill.