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New's Ferry Va  December 1st 1869.

Mr. R. M. Manley  Dear Sir, I have interrogated of B. W. Gillis, Editor of the "State Journal", upon the subject of a "Free School": and he refered me to you. Dear Sir, I have been teaching school at Brooklyn Va the following terms: viz 1867 three months 1868 four months, and in 1869 six months. The last term of this school expired the 28th of October 1869. This is said to be the best neighborhood for a school between Danville (of which it is 18 miles) and the Court House (of which it is 20 miles.) An old man taught with me in 1867 & 1869, also. his name is Ralph Edmunds. In 1869 our school varied from 37 to 45 scholars. Our school adjourned sine die because the people were unable to pay the tuition pay for their books. If we were teaching a free school we could get more than the amount of a hundred scholars in the circle of one league. I have canvassed the said neighborhood through. Many families consists of from 6 to 7 children and their parents are unable to send one to school. Those who sent their children to school this year a good many of them says they will not be able to send next year. I now ask to send me word what you will pay us for teaching. If you will please accept our humble petition please let us know at an early day. I wants to hear from you very soon as I may be making preparation for a good school house. If you will accept this humble petition of our neighbors, please send me word what you will pay as this vicinity needs a school very much. I now close hoping to hear from you at an early day.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient servants
Benjamin J. Medley and Ralph Edmunds } Colored Preceptors P.s. Please answer this for mail saturday, as the mail