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66

Richmond Va Aug 3rd 1866

Mr H A Sike
46 Barsley So New York 

Dear Sir:

A communication dated the 5th last and signed by Mr E C Estes came into my hands a few days since, asking information in regard to the school system of Va, and requesting the replies to be sent to yourself - Not being "to the manor born" I cannot give so complete information as some others might; nevertheless I have consulted Judge Fitzhugh and the statutes, and can answer your questions with substantial correctness.

"1. Sources of support of the Common schools before the late war"?
Ans. State aid was furnished from the "Literary Fund". This is a fund accruing from "escheats, forfeitures or fines (except Militia fines), property derelict and having no owner, the capitation tax" and From the income of this fund $80.000 per ann. was divided  among all the counties in proportion to their free white population.

2."To what classes were the advantages offered."? 
Ans To the poor. Certain county school officers determined who the poor were. Others than the poor might attend school and pay tuition.