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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Department of Public Instruction,
RALEIGH, June 1st, 1869.

DEAR SIR: - The undersigned, anxious to incite the public mind to a general effort on behalf of education, do hereby recommend that one or more Educational Meetings be held in each County, on the ensuing fourth day of July, and that the best speakers obtainable be invited to address said meetings.

We think that there is no way in which we can more advantageously or becomingly celebrate the anniversary of our National Independence. It certainly will be a pleasing departure from the monotony which has rendered many citizens indifferent as to the observance of the day; and surely is in accord with the progress of the age.

What will it avail that our martyred fathers shed their blood to purchase for us a country extending from sea to sea, and from Gulf to the Lakes, unless their posterity be armed with education, the only sure means of maintaining that inheritance?

We shall most effectually commemorate the noble deeds that established our National Independence, by taking such steps as will aid the children of the State to an education that will enable them to understand and appreciate the history of Revolutionary times.

On Independence Day, then, let the people assemble without regard to past social or political differences, and let us enjoy, throughout the State, a day of public instruction.

It is estimated that the capitation tax, if fully collected, will amount to three hundred and seventy thousand dollars. If the people are made to understand that three fourths of this, or two hundred and seventy-six thousand dollars, are for free school purposes, we conjecture that there will be no difficulty about its collection. If you favor the movement we hope you will use your best efforts to assemble the largest possible number of citizens, and to secure the services of good speakers for the occasion.

Respectfully,
S.S. ASHLEY,
Sup't. Public Instruction.
J.W. HOOD,
Ag't Board of Education.