Viewing page 4 of 32

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[stamp]] The National Archives of the United States [[/stamp]]

anxious to have their children in school, and were only hindered from doing so by the want of a suitable building for school purposes.

I called upon the [[strikethrough]]Intendent of[[/strikethrough]] the Town Judge Porter, who personally favors the education of colored children. Yet he was of the opinion that, at present, there would be strong opposition to our work from the citizens of the place. I see now way in which our work can be enlarged this year 

Capt Steinberg had just entered in this year, upon his duties as Asst Supt. of Freedmen for the District of Greenville. I was pleased with his careful and prudent management of affairs.

At Mobile I found Mr Branch much discouraged [[strikethrough]] in his work, [[/strikethrough]] and on the point of giving up the work of teaching. After earnest entreaty however he consented to continue till the close of the school year, in July. His continue in the field thereafter will depend upon the opportunity for successful operation in the work  I found his school in a flourishing condition and can say he has done a great work for the colored people of the city. The commission of Chicago are anxious to retain their hold upon this field.

There are in Mobile several colored schools taught mostly by colored teachers. Some of these teachers are not competent for the position they fill. They need suggestions from experienced teachers and the schools need grading, and thus bring those of the same degree of advancement into the same school. In this way the same number of teachers can do much more good.

With a view of improving these schools I requested Mr Branch to act a Supt of Schools for the City of Mobile. He has accept the appointment and reported accordingly. In addition to the duties of his own school he will also give a portion of his 

Transcription Notes:
e