In 1878 the Blands took up permanent residence in Washington DC with the intent to devote their lives to politics and literature.

During this time period the Blands met and befriended Colonel Alfred B. Meacham who was recovering from being nearly fatally shot by Modoc Indians in California a few years earlier.

Through this association the Blands got interested in the Indian cause, dedicating the rest of their lives to combat and to rectify injustice done to America's indigenous people.

The Blands, together with Colonel Meacham embarked on a lecture tour lasting several years speaking at hundreds of venues throughout the northeastern United States.

Together with Meacham they published in 1878 "The Council Fire and Arbitrator", a monthly dedicated to the Indian Rights cause until it folded in 1889.