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Marion Ala April the 15th 1867

C.W. Buckley Esqr

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

Dear Sir

Through the kindness of Dr.Mears I have been put in possession of some facts respecting the requirements necessary to the establishment of a free school and the remuneration offered-Viz- "For a good teacher, having an average daily attendance of 40 pupils the sum of $50 per month will be given"

With regard to the first requisition I refer you to Dr. Mears and also submit the enclosed papers -

As to the second requirement, I commenced the free school, on the 1st inst, with 35 pupils. The number has increased so that on friday last I had 56 which is the greatest number in attendance any one day. The weather during the past week has been so very inclement and the roads so very muddy that there has been fewer by far than there would have been under other circumstances. I have on my list 83 names. I have also a night school of 17 adults not included in the above exhibit. If I could manage so many I have no doubt the number would swell to 125 or 150 and might be increased to 200 and upwards. What shall I do? Shall I close the doors against further applicants?

Permit me to ask your attention to a suggestion which Dr.Mears informed me he made to you with regard to my 2 Daughters and if not inconsistent with your views and not incompatible with your official duties permit me to ask a favorable consideration of that matter. - Amid many discouragements and malicious persecutions and with great tribulations I have been trying with singleness of purpose since the 2nd week in Janr. last to do my duty. I have recd. all told