Viewing page 224 of 271

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Commr. - it has been positively declined. In finem the spirit in which the State laws are administered is adverse and  depressing to the colored race in all instances which have been called to the attention of this office. 
The Freedmens Schools in this District are confined to this city and vicinity, and to Hollywood in Baldwin County. They are in charge of capable and efficient teachers and are doing all they can in the great work of educating the Freedmen, There are not schools enough to satisfy the demand and while this office has been anxious to cooperate in every way possible to extend and increase the usefulness of the schools, it has been found impossible to accomplish all that could be wished from the fact that, for much of the time the schools have had no superintendent or head, and without such head, and without the active work of those specially charged with school matters, all effort on the part of this office seemed to be paralyzed and fruitless. It is believed that there is no field more promising for Schools that this District, and the present system or arrangement does not nearly provide for those who are anxious for the benefits of Education. It is to be hoped that during the vacation which shortly ensues, some provision may be made by which a different arrangement may be made by which a different arrangement may be provided for the schools in the future. 
The moral condition of the Freedmen is, I believe, improving. It is fortunate that many of the worthiest men and best intellects among the Colored race reside here, and the