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least, my principal object in writing to you at this time, is to inquire whether there is any chance of obtaining aid from the Bureau, toward the erection of a suitable house for a Normal School? How much aid would be required, of course I could not say now, but I wish to know if the Alabama Dept. of the Bureau could hold out to us, not only its friendship, for of that we are already assured, but the promise of substantial aid. The matter, I presume, would have to be laid before Major Genl. Swayne, but I thought it only proper to approach him through you as being the officer in charge of the educational interests of the Freedmen of this State.
I had thought to speak of the advantages which Florence offers for an [[strikethrough]] pla [[/strikethrough]] Institution of the kind mentioned, but I find that I have already exceeded my limits. Perhaps I shall do so hereafter.
It may, or may not, be proper for me to add that I am a colored man, was educated at