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Respectfully returned to Bvt. Maj Genl Ord.
There are thirty two public schools in the Cherokee Nation. Thirty of these schools are attended by indian; and two by negro pupils. At the meeting of the Council in November next, the number will be increased as the school fund will be somewhat larger.
The teachers receive $400. each for 10 mos. tuition, divided into two sessions.
If possible, the negros should have two more schools in this nation, one to be located near this post & the other near the mouth of the Illinois river. About fifty scholars could be obtained here. At the other point, not quite so many. In the Creek Nation, the school funds are divided among the Missionaries, who educate all classes of pupils - paying teachers, purchasing books &c. The Cherokee Nation furnishes school books for their public schools.
If assistance could be rendered these freed people for two years, they could support their own schools after that.
I would therefore respectfully recommend, that two teachers be sent out here to teach the negro children. One to be located here & the other at the Creek Agency. Their compensation should be six hundred dollars each per annum & books should be sent with them, for sale or gratuitous distribution. The negroes could build the two school houses themselves & the teachers could get board and lodging at various places. At the end of two years, these teachers could be discharged, as public schools enough will be established by that time, to educate all classes and colors.

Pinkney Lugenbeel
Major 19 Inft.
Comd. Post
E 149-150.67.

[[stamp]]
B.R.F.& A.L. MO.ARK.IND.TERR LITTLE ROCK
APR 1 1867
[[/stamp]]