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Lexington Jany 6 1868

Mr. Mahoney

Dear Sir,
In accord with my promise made to you on Saturday I write to say that I have seen Judge Dunfree and find that he is about to pull down & remove his house & therefore cannot rent it - As I told you I was fearful we could not procure a house here for a freedman's school — nor a foot of land to build one upon — Truly this community are Rebels yet & requires the strong arm of power to make them know their position.

Many efforts have been made by the leading colored men here to buy or lease land upon which to build them a school house which could also be used for church purposes — and they have invariably been rebuffed. This may be Christianity - but it is such Christianity as I cannot endorse or sanction! I have been since emancipation the friend of the poor, helpless ignorant colored people & I shall so continue to be to the end of the chapter. God placed me on Earth not as a cumberer of the ground — not as a Lord over his heritage — but as a component part in his great plan of mutual dependence of all of his Creation and towards another, I feel the responsibility — and where my efforts in this behalf are required — there I hope to be found always. For the pursuit, however, and with disappointment of my hopes & desires & those of our colored friends in this Community, I cannot see but that the hope of a Freedman's School here is futile & would advise no further on your part to establish one. A better day I hope to God is coming. Let us bide our time.
Respects to Maj Knox!
  
Yours respectfully
F J Robinson

Transcription Notes:
Very eloquent! Proofread 7-26-20