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Glennville, Barbour Co. Ala.
Beat No. 1. May 6/67
Genl. Swayne
The Freedmen in Beat No. 1 of this County are very solicitous in regard to the education of their children, & have applied to me to aid them in setting up schools.  
I see no way of getting up an organization, except through the Bureau. I therefore apply to you for assistance.    
I am a physician, I have a very extensive practice among the Freedmen in & around Glennville. consequently know their condition & their wants. They are working and doing well & are only restless upon the subject of education.
I am willing to take upon myself the trouble responsibility of employing competent teachers, organizing the schools & giving them a general supervision if the Bureau will authorize me to do so & furnish funds to pay the teachers.  
If you deem this application worthy of consideration, I will be pleased to hear from you.  
Very Respectfully, 
Thos: J. Benke