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a colored preacher; he has about forty scholars and the school, which is at Elam Church is supported by tuition fees paid by the children's parents.  This school is nearly central for the lower part of the county; in the upper part there are no schools whatever.  There are two points at which schools could be established — at Cottman's Store and Montpelier — at each of which between thirty and forty pupils for both day and night sessions can be congregated.

The freedpeople are beginning to realize the importance of education and will cheerfully do their utmost towards it.  They are not able to pay the salary of a teacher, but will board and lodge one and defray all other expenses if one is furnished them.  Nov. 29th /66.  I forwarded the proposal of Warren Cumber (col'd) to build and furnish a schoolhouse near Crump's Coop Roads and supply the teacher with board &c if one was furnished, but nothing has been heard from it yet, which has caused some dissatisfaction among them. 
If I can positively assure them that they will