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Whitlock, Halifax Co Va May 3rd 1870
Mr O.O. Howard, Comr "Bureau of Refugees Freedmen and abandoned Lands"; Dear Sir: I have been teaching schools for the Freedmen 3 years. I had as many as 45 scholars last year the highest number. I discontinued teaching the last of October 1869 on account of the colored people's inefficiency (for the want of money and agrestic supplies for themselves and teachers) to continue it any longer. I stated the above case to Mr. R. M. Manly, Sup't of Education Va and Burea of R. F. and A. L. and he promised to pay or aid me so much so (30 cts) thirty cents on each scholar. I commenced teaching again the 15th of March 1870, and the 15th of April I reported my school to him and he sent me the correct amount of money he agreed to send. I have now been teaching nearly two months. Mr. Manly in his last letter informed me that he could not aid me any longer. I began to teach for the small sum of (50) fifty cents per month which you know are not sufficient to sustain me and pay rents. I now write the letter to you to inform you of my condition and to ask you to aid me in instructing the "Colored Race" until July 1870. Please send me word how much you can aid me until the 1st of July '70. The reason I want you to succor me in educating the colored people until July, is because the Constitution of Virginia says the Township Officers elected the 4th Thursday of May shall enter upon the duties of their offices the 1st of July; and I suppose (or it is said) that the public Free [[strikethrough]] shol [[/strikethrough]] schools will commence in Halifax at that time. Please respond this letter immediately as I may know whether to continue teaching or not. Besides those attending I have the names (55) fifty five to come in soon. Please aid me in continuing this school until July 1870 so that the African descendants may receive as much instruction as they possibly can