The situation in the mission is such that Pierz has to take the side of the savages. Indeed, in the treaty of 1836 the government gave $300,000 for the payments of the debts. After all the debts were paid $72,000 was left over. But the merchants tried to get the remaining funds by getting the savages into more debts. Last fall the merchants petitioned the government at Washington to pay all their claims concerning the debts of the savages. These merchants paid several chiefs to put their names on the petition. They asked for more than $50,000, but Pierz says that he was told that all the debts put together amounted only to about $10,000. If the government agrees to satisfy the claims of the merchants with the aid of 3 Americans at Little Traverse the poor savages then will be cheated. Pierz asks Lefevere to give some attention to this particular situation. He asks Lefevere to be kind enough to translate into English a letter he has written to the President of the United States. Maybe Lefevere will also be interested in sending this declaration to the governor of Michigan at Detroit. Father Frederick Baraga wrote Pierz that he will be able to send a priest next spring. This priest is young and is learning the language of the savages at L'Anse. Concerning this new priest, Pierz spoke to the savages of Arbre Croche, and Grand Traverse. They promised Pierz to help as much as they can to support the priest who will take care of them. Fierz hopes that Lefevere will pay a visit to the savages. Lefevere is always welcome at Little Traverse. At the same time Pierz would like to talk with Lefevere concerning the missions and the schools. Pierz pays Margaret $12 a month. She teaches 3 afternoons a week and Pierz teaches catechism 2 a week. The savages, however compalin that the only thing they learn from Margaret is sawing. At Cheboygan, Pierz got a new teacher at $5 a month. Ant at Grand Traverse the school is florishing wonderfully. Pierz says that he pays the teacher according to the progress of the pupils. The conduct of the savages worries Pierz. They waited two months for their payment on the shore of the lake. One could hear the drunkards and he was told of great many cases of immorality. At the present time 3 merchants at Little Traverse and 4 at Grand Traverse try to corrupt the savages as much as they can. Consequently, it is very difficult to do much for the savages. It is necessary to have much patience and prudence. Pierz asks Lefevere to send him some money to pay the teachers and the debts of the missions. A.L.S. French 3pp. 8vo. He encloses the following.