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not be burdened with the curses of the community and lose all of my time and have to pay out money for their books; and they promise to pay me something themselves, and I think they will. 
Many of them wish and expect me to furnish them with books and lights, and I have done so to some extent, but furnishing some seemed to them an obligation on my part to furnish all; Many are not able to buy their books ; and I have written to Rev Mr Gibson Petersburg asking him to see if there can be found among the schools there some 1st Readers and 2nd also; that have been lain aside and are not needed by those students; & if he can find any to send them to me for the use of my colored school here. 
I have had the luck to get some books from Whites, but, the demand is far beyond the supply, and I respectfully suggest that you make similar enquiries in Richmond; for we might thus get the benefit of what, otherwise would be useless. On Sunday I taught Seventy five and there were forty in school last night; while my wide taught a few in our house yesterday & does nearly every day, never refusing to do so if they apply; I think if you are disposed to aid us as you suggest by way of paying rent, that you can very properly do so, and I will lease you a room, although there is but one ground room to the house I live in. I am very poor, if I was not I would not apply to anyone for aid in this matter, as it is I only ask for our people the same consideration granted in like cases, and feel that as far as you can you will aid us. I am satisfied that the number who will receive education at this school this year will exceed two hundred, but many will not be able to attend much. The weather has been very cold, but the night school has averaged thirty five up to last night.