William J. Plumb was an Indian Agent that worked in Washington D.C. around the same time that Carlos Montezuma began to work on Reservations as a lead physician for the Indian people in Western Shoshone Agency. Plumb and Montezuma had several dialogues back and forth that ranged in high to low level of importance. The majority of the letters were simply Plumb sharing the questions, suggestions, or needs of Montezuma with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. For several of Montezuma’s letters addressed to Plumb, he would often add on at the end that Plumb should add in his own opinions and suggestions to the Commissioner regarding the letter that Montezuma had wrote. In these passages, Plumb was supportive of Montezuma and stressed his need to obtain certain materials or to get approvals immediately. He was almost always on the side of Montezuma and reinforced the statements made by Carlos in his letters. Having more of a minor role in the government, it would be effective to have more information regarding Plumb and his personal opinions regarding society. He was always respectful and lent a helping hand to Montezuma, but did he say one thing and do another? I believe exploring this question regarding Plumb would be beneficial.
