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accessibility, healthfulness, natural beauty, and all of the superior advantages, as that of the "Chesapeake". The buildings now upon the premises are of the best possible character for such an institution; having been built within the last seven years, for a first class seminary; they are very substantial and convenient, and perfectly adapted for educational purposes. 
A very rich tract of land of about forty acres is attached and belongs to the institution.
Under the recent act of congress continuing the Bureau there is an appropriation for school buildings. It seems to me that in no possible way can the cause of Education among the Freedmen be so permanently advanced, as by procuring with a part of this sum such an institution as the Chesapeake, to be owned by the Government, and placed at the disposal of a society for the purposes specified.
I am assured that the property can be obtained upon equitable terms. That the society named earnestly desire it, and I respectfully suggest that proper means to be taken to call the attention of the Assistant Commissioner is the subject at an early day.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Chas. A. Raymond
Chaplain U.S.A.
& Inspector Schools State of Va.