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By comparing this with the corresponding months of 1867 it will be seen that a much larger number of children are now attending schools than were in 1867. The decrease in December from the preceeding month is only apparent, not real - caused by reports not having been received for December from many of the schools.

We have reason to believe the educational cause now is in a better condition than ever before. Buildings of a commodius and durable character have been secured at most of the important parts in the state. Small buildings, but of a size suited to the wants of the communities have been provided in others, though many yet remains to be supplied.

Six months ago, or even three there were numerous places in the State where schools for colored children could not be sustained. Houses were burned, teachers persecuted, and where actual violence was not resorted to, respectable places for teachers to board could not be procured. The evidences of a change for the better are manifest and constantly increasing. Applications are being made daily for assistance in erecting school houses and I feel satisfied with very few exceptions schools can now be safely established in any part of the State. Some difficulty will still exist in certain localities, in procuring suitable places for teachers to board but even this it is believed will soon disappear. As an evidence of this improved feeling it is reported to us that in one county ten tracts of land containing from one and a half to two acres each have been donated on which to erect school houses, and the writer assures us that twenty other tracts in his county will be freely given for the same purpose. With the view of securing the labor of the adults the planters are preparing to assist in establishing schools for the children. This feeling is very general over the state in the country, but in towns where labor is in excess of the demand the same results will not follow, there they must look to other means to secure schools.

The whole amount paid for schools since October 1st 1865, including rent, repairs and construction of school houses, salaries of teacher, Salary of Superintendent of Schools, Transportation of Teachers, School books, and transportation of same have been $113452.61.

The following Tables No. 1 and 2 show the amounts of transportation issued, and clothing distributed respectively, during the Quarter ending December 31st 1868.

Table 1
[[3 columned table]]
| To whom issued | By whose order | No of Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Destitutes | Commissioner | 4025 |
| 26 Destitutes | Asst Comm Ala | 6000 |
| 12 Officers & Employees | Commissioner | 12000 |
| 4 Officers & Employees | Asst Commr | 2000 |
[[/3 columned table]]

Table No. 2
Clothing
[[4 columned table]]
| Great Coats | Uniform Coats | Brogans Prs | Osnaburgs Yds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 765 | 520 | 192 | 350 |
[[/4 columned table]]

Owing to the failure on the part of one of our officers to furnish a proper report, I am unable at this time to make a full report of the Quarter Masters and Commissary Departments.

From September 30th 1868 to January 1st 1869 thirty three claims for County back pay &c were forwarded through this Office. The whole number since October 1st 1865 as shown by our books, is eight hundred and ninety four. It is supposed that in some cases Agents and Sub Asst Commissioners forwarded direct to Headquarters without passing through our office, so that the above is not the full number forwarded through the agency of the Bureau from this State.

The orders issued from this office show that Maj B.W. Norris Add'l Paymaster was assigned as Disbursing Officer for Alabama August 4th 1865, but no records of his were delivered to me by my predecessor, nor have I been able to find any in this office. What moneys were received or payments made by Maj Norris, if any, I am unable to show. None such were included in the annual report terminating September 30th 1866.

Such has been our history, and now our work is nearly done. That much good has been accomplished no honest or sane man can deny. That many both

Transcription Notes:
3-8-2021: One last change made. See second page and first paragraph under the 2nd table. Original transcriber indicated "Master" and I think it is plural "Masters" Otherwise the rest is correct