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547 Chapter Eight The Aftermath Ranney speculates on the uncertain future. Bellevue, Council Bluffs, July 11th 18461 Rev. David Greene Sec. A.B.C.F.M. Boston. Dear Sir—Yours of 10 April was received at the Pawnee Mission. Mr. Dunbar wrote to you a few days since and probably gave an account of the circumstances in which we left the Pawnee country. As to ourselves it is now a serious question what course to pursue. I have in my family four Pawnee children some or all of which must be sent back to heathenism if the Pawnee mission is entirely broken up. One half-breed girl we wish to keep with us if we go to the states. Our situation here is unpleasant and what to do it is difficult to decide. Are the Pawnees to be given up? A great work of preparation has been done. The confidence of the Pawnees has been acquired. We have obtained some knowledge of thir language and have to some extent reduced it to writing. The gospel by Mark has been translated. A few Pawnee children have been taught in the elements of the christian religion. Shall all be given up? It is considered that at present it is not safe to reside near their village unless the U. S. Government have troops near for protection. There is no agent here for the Pawnees and we cannot learn that the government are disposed to do any thing to protect their own citizens or the Pawnees.2 When we first arrived here I went to the garrison situated on Table creek, some 40 miles below here. I found but few troops only enough to protect the public property. A lieutenant was in command who assured me that at present no troops could be stationed in the vicinity of the Pawnees. A fort will be built probably next year in accordance with a late law of congress at Grand Island in the River Platte. The point of that island nearest our station is reconed to be 40 miles and the island is said to be 50 miles long so Chapter Eight 548 that at the uper end it would be 90 from us. This fort is to be for the accomodation of people going to Oregon and it is not probable that men would be posted there who could come to our protection even if much nearer than 40 miles.3 It is thought by many who live here that an establishment might be kept up somewhere in this vicinity with as great a prospect of usefulness to the Pawnees as where we have been stationed. Our great hope any where must be with the rising generation and perhaps children might be obtained to stay with us in this vicinity to as great an extent as we might desire. I think it is the sentiment of all that a place might be selected near this that would be safe from any incursion of the Sioux. I am told that the Presbyterian Board of Miss. have selected a site near this for a missionary establishment for the Ottoes and Omahas.4 These nations are both at peace with the Pawnees and if they should go to war it is the general opinion that neither of these nations would molest Pawnees living with the whites at a missionary or trading station. A teacher employed by the government for the Pawnees has brought 20 Pawnee children to this place. He is hoping I am told to retain his place as teacher and reside in this vicinity whether he will or not depends on the new agent.5 The U. S. government have not yet fulfilled the stipulated treaty with the Pawnees in relation to schools and it would seem that it is under obligation to maintain a school for the Pawnees somewhere. Is the Board willing to give up what ground they have gained before knowing what government is going to do with their treaty stipulations? My personal feeling is that the Pawnees must not be given up even if much greater sacrifices are to be made than have already been made. I came with the intention of spending my life for their good and now I feel that my life would be but a small sacrifice if the nation could be brought to the knowledge of a crucified Savior. I do not wish to be imprudent or to expose myself unnecessarily to savage violence but if...

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