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165

February 26
Bvt. Brig. Gen. O. Brown
A.A.A.G.

General.
In accordance with instructions I have the honor to report as follows in reference to the schools at Hampton

I. Attendance. The number of pupils reported is 400 less than for the corresponding month last year, and the number of teachers is 17 against 25 last year. A similar diminution of attendance exists at Yorktown and Norfolk, and in fact is general where schools have been longest in operation. While several minor causes might be mentioned, to account for this phenomenon, the principal one is a natural abatement of the somewhat romantic early enthusiasm on the subject of education. At first all sought the advantages of schools as a novelty and a long denied luxury. Now they are sought more by those who have an intelligent appreciation of their value. This number is comparatively limited.

II. The character of the Schools. From information in my possession I am sorry to be forced to believe