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our neighbors refused to visit my wife because she taught "niggers" They would say "It is perfectly proper for them to learn to read and write the language of their country," yet they would practically discountenance the teacher.

Matters might have assumed a different character had not I when questioned by the voters, advised them to vote and adhere to the privilege, as an inheritance with their freedom and the safeguard to its perpetuity; when asked to do so after the school was closed, on several occasions, I explained fully and freely and truthfully their new position, as citizens, not slaves or serfs, but citizens entitled to all the rights claimed by any white person, equal before the laws of the country, whether for protection or punishment, this doctrine did not suit my neighbors and it seems to me never will be accepted and recognized practically by but very few if any of the whites in my extensive acquaintance;
Fully one half of the white population seems to subsist as waifs upon an uncertainty, viewing no reality now upon Earth but their never to be relinquished prejudices. 
They try to flatter themselves that the horrible war from which they have escaped with their lives is by them to be reflected upon as a disagreeable dream which dispels itself into harmlessness at day's return, thus they float, not live, and will continue to do through life.
The colored population have awakened to a new life and hopeful future which will be bright and prosperous if the usual privileges of freemen are allowed them. In my humble way I try to enforce ideas of thrift and independence by proclaiming it within the capacity of all to attain by industry, honesty, sobriety and frugality. My relations with patrons and pupils have generally been as harmonious as could be expected or desired; a few wished the house given up entirely to Religious services on Sundays, but I decided that for one or two years at least it should be used strictly for educational purposes provided any came who could not read & desired me to teach them, but after all within a reasonable distance became able to read the testament tolerably well, they might conduct their Religious services on Sundays.

We ought to have a school the whole of next year, but the patrons and students will not be able to pay more than one hundred dollars besides furnishing books, possibly less would be realized from them by the teachers. I am disposed to aid the school by my services, a colored man proposes to aid also, but he wishes me to insure his salary. I have not decided upon any plan of conduct for the ensuing year and will not until I ascertain from the Superintendent, how much if any aid we can expect from the Educational Bureau of the government, which I hope he will have the pleasure to give me his views about in as early reply to this note as practicable.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Svt.
J.N. Murdock