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much away from Florence. Looked up to by the colored people, as an adviser & leader in political matters & yet afraid of being led by such matters from what he regards as of prime importance the thorough & rapid advancement of his scholars. Some of our leading men feel much as I do about him. Of course then I am anxious that he should be made the most of in the neighborhood of Florence, i.e. if we can go in at all. Our school there has averaged us about $125. to $150. a month - (I cant tell exactly without investigation) - At last report he had about 200 pupils & two assistants - He thinks there is no reason, if he has only the help & the means, why he should not have 300 or 350 next winter - He wishes to take down if practicable another thoroughly qualified colored teacher & he thinks he can find such an one, capable of doing for the girls & young women what he hopes he is doing for the young men. Even if we can go in I think we can hardly expect to keep up what we have been doing, certainly not do any more & my object in writing thus freely to you is to see what you can do. My idea is that first, Florence should be well cared for - every pupil gathered in there that can. Some will come in 

[[left margin]] I go on the idea that very little has been done by the Bureau or any one else for Freedmen's schools in that part of Alabama, also that you like to co-operate with those who are honestly trying to do what they can for the good of these poor people. [[/left margin]]