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Bureau R. F. and A. L
Office of Superintendent Ed; Va.
Richmond Va. June 30th 1869

Bvt. Maj. Genl. O.O. Howard
Commissioner

General.
I have the honor to submit the following Report of the educational operations of the Bureau in Virginia for the six months ending June 30th 1869.
On account of the diminished resources of the charitable associations, aiding in the support of schools, it was feared that many would have to be abandoned, and that fewer children would be brought under instruction than in former years.  But I am able to announce the gratifying and unexpected fact, that the aggregate number of schools of teachers and of pupils and the average daily attendance have never before been so large as during the six months covered by this report.  This result is due to two causes viz; - the increased assistance given by the Bureau, and the growing earnestness and spirit of self help among the freedmen.  They have been
over