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Boston School
17th and I Streets
July 10., 1866.

Genl. Howard.

Dear Sir:
After the rains of last night I find that the roof of this building leaks in nine different places - 4 near south west corner - 4 on west side near the center, and one place near south west corner-

The tar is constantly dropping from the roof. In a short time much of it will fall from the roof. If some means were used to keep the tar on the roof, then the roof would last much longer, and it would be much more tolerable in the 2nd story during more hot weather.

A common practice is to put gravel on the roof. I am told that it is cheaper than to put on so much tar. It would seem to be more protection from fire. A spark on so much tar would destroy the building I should fear.

The black tar surface absorbs the sun's hot rays so much that the heat under the roof in a hot day is hardly tolerable.