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were only receiving a mere pitance in the rural districts. these 2 mos (20$) contribution were solicited in good faith & in complyance with contract. nor was it designed to procure money unlawfully or irregularly – I think by reference to books of your predecessor you will see for the 2 mos. named no money was paid to Pattensburg & by addressing M.R. Lloyd Pittsylvania C.H. you will learn that it was a bona fide contract – and that the children were instructed 8 mo. i.e. the 1st June, proximo – satisfactorily to District Suptn. As it was not mercenary motives, that prompted me to seek to elevate the colored people, yet in all candidates it is but just that I should receive the 20$ – however, if it cannot be paid, rest assured no one can stand the loss better than I, though poor, I would not have one cent from the Bureau or any other Assn that is not justly due me. I sincerely hope you may find it convenient to aid the people, the next session, the association, under which I operated pay but little, and the Freed people are very poor. Yet they manifest a willingness to aid, and unless the aid of the Bureau is given, it is doubtful if a school can be maintained, and 80 or 100 children deprived of the benefits of school, at the earnest solicitation of the people (F) I assenting to teach July & Augst it being very cool and pleasant here in the mountains, being idle, I labored up to this time with a school of 45 none over the age of 13, with success 
Soliciting all the aid in your power to elevate the downtrodden
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
R.S. Burton