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please write him that other arrangements may be made in time. Mrs. Mary B. Stuart is assigned to Lewisville but inasmuch as She can not go there she might assist Mrs. C. if agreeable.
Very truly,
Wm. M. Colby
Supt Education.

Van Buren, Ark.
Sep. 25, 1868.
#143
Dickson Hon. D.
Mayor of Van Buren, Ark.
Sir:
I have been directed by Bt. Maj. Gen'l C. H. Smith Asst Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, commanding sub-district of Arkansas to inquire into the expediency of erecting a school house for colored children in your city at the expense of the government. I would therefore respectfully solicit an expression of opinion on the part of the municipal authorities of the place as to the desirableness of such an improvement and whether the school if established will be likely to receive the moral support of the citizens.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient Servant,
Wm. M. Colby
Supt of Education.

91

Little Rock Ark.
Sep. 29. 1868.-
#144
Shipherd Rev. J. R.
Chicago, Ill,

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 22 is this day received and as a result of a conference with Gen'l Smith upon School Matters generally I am authorized by him to say that your proposition, with conditions, to send fifteen teachers to Arkansas is accepted, and it is very desirable that they should come on as soon as possible. We expect to more than double our work the ensuing year.
At a recent meeting of the new State Board of Education held in this city (composed of the several "Circuit Superintendents" of the State) I suggested that with the consent of the parties interested all the aid Society Schools be made public schools, which would entitle them to their pro rata of the public fund. It is supposed there are nearly funds enough now in the treasury of the state subject to distribution to maintain all the schools that will be established, for a term of three months I see no other way but as above suggested to harmonize with the new order of things. They want school houses and teachers which we can furnish and we want pecuniary aid which they propose to grant for a term of three months. The schools would be under public supervision (nominally) and an additional report would be required of the teacher at the end of the term.
If this meets your approval and you are disposed to leave details to the State Supt. and myself please advise me At all events we want the fifteen teachers without delay. The Friend's teachers are already