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be willing to undertake the task.  Besides, it requires a degree of forbearance, of kindness & firmness, and a steadiness which could not ordinarily be exercised, especially by the young men who, if they were induced to undertake it at all, would be more apt to do so solely on account of the remuneration to be realized, & wholly regardless of the grave responsibility committed to their charges.  Under such circumstances, of course the parties most concerned would, [[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]] where their truest interests were at stake, be the least capable of judging whether they were dealt fairly with or not, and this would perhaps be the greatest evil of all.
I have also discovered one colored man, named "Barney Richards", able to read & write - after a fashion - who had authority from Lt. Warden, my predecessor, to open a school, but has not yet succeeding in doing so.  This man was recommended by Mr. John. J. Hales; for of such he would seem to be in favor. The said Hale has, to my knowledge; at least one Colored Child bound to him, by the terms of whose indenture he is required to teach him to read and write, & instruct him in Arithmetic as far as the rule of three.  He no doubt thinks that by sending him to school to the Freedman last named - if he ever sends him at all, anywhere he will be fulfilling all his engagements, & doing his full duty towards him. 
As with my last Monthly Report, for obvious reasons, I have to request that the subject matter of this communication may not be made public.
I have the honor to be, Captain, Very Resptfly
Your Obt Servt
W. F. De Knight
1st Lt. V.R.C. & Asst. Supt.
B.R.F.&A.L.