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#59   Little Rock, Ark.,
May 24, 1869
Miller Hon. H.A., Supt. 9th Dist.,
Camden, Ark. 
Sir:-
  Failing to see you as you passed through this city I take the liberty to address you concerning the freedmen's schools at Camden and Washington, and  to learn if possible why those schools alone of all the colored schools in the state showed still be conducted at the expense of the freedmen and by the aid of northern charity. From my standpoint it would seem the fault of the trustees, if such offices exist, but I lack information on this point. 
I beg to say what it was understood last autumn between the American Missionary Association, the State Board of Education and myself, that freedmen schools formed in successful operation in Gov't buildings were to be reorganized at once as public schools. The understanding has been earned our at all points except those named above. It was only upon conditions of receiving State patronage that the A.M.A. was indeed to lend teachers to Ark.
 May I not hope that these teachers wise receive certificates, and their schools receive state patronage for at least six months of the current school year? 
  I am very respectfully, 
   Your obedient servant, 
    Wm. M. Colby
     Supt. Education


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#60   Little Rock, Ark., 
May 24, 1869
Fulton Levi T Esq.,
Lyman, Pope co. Ark. 
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 16th April is before me.
  If the colored people of your district do not choose to accept aid from the Government in the manner indicated they must be the sufferers, as no other terms can be made. I know of no law whereby freedman as such can be taxed to build school houses, though the entire body of the people of the district at the school meeting can and ought to tax themselves for that object. One freedman in this country is building a school house on his own responsibility which are will pay him rent for when the school is stated. 
Respectfully,
Wm M. Colby,
Supt of Education


#61   Little Rock, Ark. 
May 25, 1869
Balloch Gen. Geo. W.
Chief Dist. Officer,
Washington D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith vouchers for pay of myself, Clerk, and for