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and undertake the details of constructing school-houses, and other matters that must precede the establishment of an efficient system of colored schools.

This subject of what the Bureau would do for the schools was also touched upon. Mr. Norton stated that in conversation with yourself, you had spoken of a considerable sum of money which it was proposed to expend by the Bureau for the schools in Mobile.

We seemed to think that the best method of disbursing any such funds that might exist, would be found in some plan of cooperation between the Board and the Bureau.

In reply to these gentlemen, I told them that I could do nothing more than communicate to you the gist of this conversation.  I assured them that the idea of bringing the colored schools under the operations of the School Board impressed me most favorably; but that I was not in any way clothed with authority to express your sentiments, or to make any promises or suggestions as to what the Bureau would do in the way of furnishing money or otherwise.  I also promised to write to you immediately.

My own impression about this matter is that it is the most important advance in favor of the colored race that has been made since my connection with their office.  There seems to be no reasonable doubt that this offer is made in all sincerity