Viewing page 169 of 321

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

145
7 [[?]]

May 3d  9
Mrs. Anna M. Deering

Dear Madam
Miss Harris has shown me your letter to her regarding her return here another year. I think you for the words "We do not like to give up our organization yet" and for the purpose entertained, of returning Miss H. another year. In the first place her school is most admirably taught, and thoroughly disciplined. For sterling integrity and devotion to her work we have no teachers more valuable than she. In the 2d place, it will be at best two years (under the most favorable supposition of an early and Republican reconstruction) before the state or city will be able, unaided, to carry on these schools. For the north to abandon the work now, would seem to the freed people like a cruel desertion of them, but their natural allies, in the hour of their extremity. It would have the children, who are becoming fine scholars, and who in two or three years will become competent teachers to go back to ignorance and vice.

In regard to the future expense of sending out teachers: It is too soon to know with certainty what may be relied on from various sources, but