Viewing page 59 of 69

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

108

For this school and take it entirely off the hands of the Bureau. The school has been in operations for six months- efforts has been made to enlist the colored people in its support. An assistant teacher was furnished as soon as numbers required it necessary seats and desk provided, and I trust by this time it is an institution of considerable vigor, and since the completion of the new house gives additional promise of growth and permanent usefullness.
In looking over the State, in view of the approaching fall's work it has occurred to me that your society would accept of our humble beginnings at Bluffton, supply a good corps of teachers and carry on the school until the new State provides the means of education of all the inhabitants thereof.
I am constrained to ask even more than this. The schools of Girard and Eufaula - towns below West Point on the same river are in a condition similar to the one in Bluffton. 
Will you not enlarge your work in Eastern Alabama, and Embrace these places?
I trust it is not asking more than our proportion of the Expenditures Your Association will make in the South.
I hope for an early and favorable reply.
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant

Supt. of Education


109

Head Quarters District of Alabama,
Office Superintendent of Education
Bureau R.F. and A.L.
Montgomery, Ala Aug 19/67

Whipple Elliot
La Fayette, Chambers Co. Ala
My dear Sir,
I am receipt of yours of 17" inst. requesting to be relieved from duty as you "have positively accepted an appointment as Principal of Academic Department of Wheaton College, Illinois." I report your departure, and the loss of your services to our cause in the State. But I am largely indebted to you for what you have already accomplished, and the rapid progress you have made towards the erection of a substantial school-house at La Fayette.
It is to be regretted that you cannot remain until its completion, there leaving it as a monument of your labors with us and a structure of permanent usefulness to the colored people of our State.  I am glad to know you have formed such as favorable opinion of Judge Harfer, and it is a matter of relief to know that one can be found at hand who can take your place though I do not expect it will be filled.
I send vouchers for your signature hoping they will reach you before you leave. I will write Judge Harper as to his appointment, not wishing him however to open the school till October 1".
I think I will go on work with the repairs under the direction of Mr. J Tupisly. 
In conclusion allow me to express the wish that your labors in your new field of labor may be crowned with the marked success which has attended you efforts here