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Holly Grove Plantation Ark
Near Memphis Tenn August 10"/67
General,
I am desirous of organizing upon my plantation a night school for Freedmen. The school house to be two each night or three as the teacher may decide upon. As it is for the benefit mainly of laboring men it must of necessity be limited to the shortest possible time so as not to interfere with their regular rest and unfit them for daily work. I propose to build a house and will contribute toward the support of the school as far as I am able. I want to make the school as cheap as possible for the laborer and will board the teacher in my house without charge.
I write you in the hope that, through you, I may be able to obtain a teacher (male) and to know if your Bureau will contribute any part of his salary. I am a Southern man, and was an officer in the Confederate Army. You can readily imagine that I am not a Radical. As I give to my employees the utmost freedom in their selection of their political associations and do not interfere with them in any way. I should of course not tolerate a political school teacher. Trusting that you will appreciate my frankness and answer my letter. I am General
Very Respy Yr Obt Svt
Jno S Strong

Maj Genl OO Howard
Supt Bureau RF & AL
Washington DC