NARA 1899.44836 and NARA 1899.45029, pp. 88-91

September 11, 1899 3 page handwritten letter from Mary McHenry Cox 1st Directress Lincoln Institution and Educational Home. In re punishment of boys at Educational Home TO Hon. Wm. A. Jones, Commissioner on Indian Affairs

Mr. Dickson who you sent to inspect the work of the “Lincoln Institution” and “The Educational Home” has been most conscientious and thorough in his examination of both schools. He tells me he has no fault to find with the girls department but speaks very highly of it, but he does not think we comply with our agreement with the government in regard to Industrial training in the boys school, as we have no workshop in the Building. In answer to this we would say that we have followed out the plan pursued with the white boys, and which was most successful, that is, placing them in positions outside of the Hom hoping they would retain their places until when discharged by the Government they would be earning enough money to support themselves, and remain East, instead of returning to their reservations where (except in few instances) they cannot find employment at trades of any kind. Four only of our boys have remained in this City. These are all married and making a good living. The others returned home principally at the request of their parents. By the enclosed statistics you will notice that 88 of our returned pupils are checking, logging, ranching (?), harness making, carpentering and others are farming , one a lawyer, two ministers or lay reader. We are informed by officials from various reservations that our graduates in almost every case are doing well and working satisfactorily. In teaching them industries in the manner we have done, we feel we have complied with our agreement with the government, and we have always had the sanction and approval of previous Commissioners. Most of our large boys have been discharged this year by reason of their term having expired, or they have been transferred to Carlisle. Several more are preparing to go home as their three years is up. The new boys received this term have not been examined as to their education and ability to be placed at work but we expect to find them situations as soon as we ascertain what they are fitted for. Mr. Dickson investigated the punishment inflicted on some of the boys by our officers. I can only say in regard to this, that it was done against the express orders of both the Managers and Councilors, and as soon as informed of it the assistant Superintendent was instantly discharged and the others several reproved, in such a manner that we do not think they will ever repeat it. The boys this past year have been difficult to manage as they were encouraged to disobedience by outside parties, but that was no reason for severe punishment, and we shall see that this shall not occur again. The present Superintendent and his former Assistant who we dismissed came to us with the highest recommendations from most responsible parties. Now in regard to the Industrial training, we arranged last spring with Dr. McAllister Prist (?) of Drexel Institute to have this Fall fitted up a work shop with benches tools etc. for the boys who were not outside working. To employ a competent person to teach them the use of tools etc. keeping them half a day at school and half a day working. We will carry this arrangement out as soon as hear from you whether you are going to put our appropriation in your bill. But if you decide it wisest not to insert it, we need not go to the expense of arranging a workshop for a few months only. I told Mr. Dickson we would make no attempt to get our appropriation this year unless you approved of it. We desire to make two suggestions 1st that “The Educational Home” receive only small boys and when they can speak our language, read write and cipher (?) have them transferred to Carlisle, Hampton or some other Indian school. The 2nd suggestion is to take no more boys but fill our quota of 200 with girls alone.

In conclusion I would like to say a word in regard to myself. I have always been so situated, having no family ties that I could devote myself to outside enterprises. I have always felt it a duty and a pleasure to help those less fortunate in worldly affairs than myself. I never had any taste for society and its amusement. While I never parade my religious views. I have a deep sense of my duty to God and my country. I have no ambition to pose as a Philanthropist, my desire has been and is to feel what I am of use to others and to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man.

/s/ Mary McHenry Cox

1st Directress of Lincoln Institution and the Educational Home

PS If convenient would you kindly send me an answer before the 1st Thursday in October as we have a meeting of our Board on that day.

Document History

• Transcribed by HS 2025-07-27