Viewing page 6 of 32

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

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

he will give a portion of his time to the improvement of other schools scattered throughout the city.

In Selma, I spent several days [[strikethrough]] and [[/strikethrough]] that I might find out the actual condition of affairs and awaken if possible among the colored people, a greater interest in the work of educating their children. I here met Mr Seers who is teaching a school of some seventy pupils. His rates of tuition are extremely high, three dollars per month for all under fifteen years of age, and four dollars for all over that age. It is evident that but few parents are able to pay this price for the education of their children. Many children are kept out of school on account of their poverty. This course, pursued by Mr Seers has depressed and tended to discourage the poor colored people, [[strikethrough]] He has also by occupying [[/strikethrough]] and also is a monopoly of this field of labor. I [[strikethrough]] felt [[/strikethrough]] could see but one course to pursue either to get him to consent to lower his tuition and increase the number of his pupils, or open a [[strikethrough]] free [[/strikethrough]] school [[strikethrough]] for all [[/strikethrough]] that none need be excluded on account of poverty. There is great need of more teacher in this city and I have requested to female teacher now at Aberdeen, who were ordered by the North Western Assoc'n to report to me to come to Selma.

I most earnestly hope that the large frame building immediately in the rear of Freedman hospital [[strikethrough]] now [[/strikethrough]] be kept for school purposes. This building was erected by the Confederate govt and would make a very convenient & commodious school room.