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224

May 25

Rev. J.W. Alvord
General Supt of Schools.

My Dear Sir:

I wish to call your attention to a great desideration in the prosecution of our educational work among the Freed people. It is a supply of elementary books for distribution beyond the sphere of the schools now in operation. Less than 20000 freedmen, of all ages, out of 500,000 in this state, will have been reached, during the current year, by any teacher or book. And yet the greater part of this neglected majority, if supplied with primers or spelling books, would find some person, either white or colored to give them a start in the knowledge of letters. Every fireside thus supplied would become a school, and thousands would be taught without expense. There is a universal impatience, in the rural districts, on account of being deprived for so long a time, of the advantages

[[left margin]] Dr. Barnes Sears
Genl Agt Peabody Fund Prof R.O. [[/left margin]]
   

Transcription Notes:
Dr. Barnes Sears was general agent of the Peabody educational fund. He was professor of chemistry in the university, and an influential factor in promoting the public school system of the State.