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sanguine character of Mr. Branch and his tendency to seize from his run hasty deductions as established facts. In conversations with General Swayne, also, at his last visit here, he suggested and I think very rightly, that the colored people should purchase the lots on which school-houses are to be erected. This is far preferable to leasing lots, as it will secure the school-houses for the purpose for which they are to be built. The colored people held a meeting on this subject last Tuesday. 26th ult., and have appointed a school committee to investigate and report on the matters of purchasing lots, so that some tangible commencement has now been made. I think I should advise the building of three or four neat and inexpensive school-houses in different quarters of the city; leaving the building of a central school-house designed for a school of high grade, as an object greatly desirable to be pushed forward by the colored people, as a proper object of aid from benevolent associations engaged in the work of schools and for such pecuniary assistance as the Bureau may be able to give when objects of more immediate necessity are in a fair way of accomplishment. I, however, merely throw out these suggestions, and for anything positive that I shall do, I shall expect and require the most specific and definite instructions. I believe it is indispensable that there should be some matured plan of action and proceeding in this matter to accomplish