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letter of 8" inst with care and much interest, and will answer in a kindred spirit of freedom and frankness. I fully endorse all you say if Mr Waring, From my official relation with him. I had formed opinions similar to your own respecting him, and hope the time is not far distant when our correspondence will ripen into personal acquaintance. He has taken a step in the right direction, and must be sustained. The idea of bringing intelligent [[strikethrough]] negroes [[/strikethrough]] colored teachers of experience, and pleasant, modest address, enthusiastic in Education, and devoted to the elevation of their race, here as laborers among freedmen, is a good one; and will be encouraged by the Assistant Commissioner and myself.
I am glad that Mr Waring is about to return to Florence. It is time that I have given but little personal attention to places in the Extreme Northern part of the State. My attention has naturally been directed to places not less important but nearer home.
Nothing will be more gratifying to me than to cooperate with you fully in your Enterprise in this State, and especially at Florence. But how much, exactly, the Bureau can do, if any thing, I am unable to say in the absence of General Swayne. Immediately upon his return I will lay before him the interests of Florence and the plans you propose. Rumor of important changes fill the air, likely to affect very materially our work, and it becomes me to be cautious in the promise of help, and keep inside of position instructions. I think it very probable however that considerable help can be obtained from the Bureau, provided no changes are made, and the colored people purchase a site 

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for a school house, and show a willingness to cooperate in the work. I will write as soon as I can do so definitely. I cannot close without inviting your attention to the vast importance of a vigorous prosecution of our work among the freedmen for the Ensuing year. Never before has our cause in Alabama attained to that position where we can back such large result in response to the benevolence of the North as now.
Give us all the aid in Your power for this good work
Thanking you for your uniform courtesy and lively sympathy.
I am,
Very Cordially
Superintendent of Education 
Montgomery Ala. 
Aug 21" 67

Chapin J. H.
General Secretary
8 Studio Building
Boston Mass.

My Dear Sir,
I am this day in receipt of your letter of July 8" and hasten to reply. I regret very much that you passed through Montgomery in my absence, and that I was denied the pleasure of meeting you and "talking over the Educational prospects in Alabama". Do not forget me when you pass this way again. You were informed correctly regarding the aid rendered by the Bureau in support of Schools. The Bureau has supported Entirely a large part of our schools, I

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