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War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Washington, September 1st 1869.

Dear Sir
The Commissioner instructs me to say- That you must confine your expenditures for schools, including rentals, repairs and constructions from this date to the first of July next within the sum of Twenty Five ($25000.00) thousand - - dollars. 

Remember that this amount is a nucleus around which you must cluster all that the Associations, Churches, and Benevolent Societies can be induced to do and all that  State and local authorities, and the freedmen individually or in associate capacities may be prevailed on to do for the schools.
By the continued exercise of that energy and interest you have shown heretofore in the important work entrusted to you, you may be able to build rapidly on this good foundation - but be very careful not to enlarge your frame work beyond your power to support it.
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant
Henry M Whittlesey
Actg Asst Adjt General

R.M. Manly
Supt of Education, Va.