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72 Aug. 15 '66 Miss H. E. Stevenson Soc. Fre Com Friend: I have this morning from Genl Brown (from his retreat at New Preston Ct.) your note to him accompanying a letter to P.H. Woolfolk. The Genl makes this endorsement on your note: "Referred with enclosure, to Chap. R M Manly, Sup of Schools, who will please communicate on this subject with Miss Stevenson, and inform her that he does so by my request." In speaking my own mind on the subject of your letter to Mr Woolfolk, I believe I speak Genl. B's also. I have strongly favored the idea of calling on the the colored people to organize and become practically and primarily concerned in the maintenance of their schools. The way in which – in some places – societies and individuals have struggled for the privilege of taking them up and carrying them, bodily, upon their shoulders has worked immense harm. I have already commenced, in one form, the work you suggest. Have held meetings, addressed the people and taken subscriptions of labor, for the preparation of schoolrooms. The labor, however is more readily subscribed than rendered. I predict that nothing will be done except by the active and continuous exertions of some white man, who will bring them together without regard to church lines, and give symmetry and efficiency to the movement. Besides, there is very little money in the community. All classes here are hard pressed for money for current uses. Still something can be done, and that something ought to be done, even if it costs 50 per cent of the seats to do it. I will deliver Mr Woolfocks letter today if practicable. Very Respy R. M. Manly Sup Schools Va
Transcription Notes:
Hannah E Stevenson was Secretary of the New England Freedman's Union Commission