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in Marion, by a Northern Teacher. We are paying a very high rent for the building & double what it is worth. [[strikethrough]] & the [[/strikethrough]] They have never had a school there before & the bitterness of feeling runs high & it is doubtfull if I dont have difficulty in holding it at the price.
Maj Smith Rep. candidate for Congress of this Dist offered me day before yesterday to build a school house. 22 x 35. & 12 ft high in the clear, a nice well finished Frame building, worth doubly the one at Abington which cost $800. Although from his practical experience he can build it for less money if I would give him $150. He says Genl Brown promised him $ 200. towards a building some time ago. & he still hopes to get it. But thus he will build anyhow. I thought the chance too good to be lost & closed with him on the spot
If I don't succeed in getting enough out of my rent why I am out of pocket so much My idea was to [[strikethrough]] ex e [[/strikethrough]] whenever I could save $5 off a $15 rent which I can when a school house is fitted up sometimes so it be the May have it 
If I stay here in Va. until next July I shall get my money back without int. If not, no matter I simply wanted you to know exactly what I was about that you might order as you pleased. If you give me full sury I will agree however to accomplish a good deal on small capital
Very Respectfully H.G. Thomas R B Gen &c.