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322 The National Freedman

VIRGINIA

Abstract of Reports of Colored Schools
District No.1 Norfolk, VA., October 1865.
Whole number of pupils, 363; average attendance, 216; number in Alphabet, 102; number in Primer, 75; number in First Reader, 91; number in Second Reader, 65; number in Third Reader, 30; number in writing slates, 186; number in arithmetic, 40; number in geography, 26.

School No.1, District No.1-MISS HOYT,
MRS. CORWIN, AND MRS. FISHER.
At African M.E. Church. Pupils on register, 95; average attendance, 60. Males, 44; females, 51. School much improved in discipline.
Our school is being held in the body of the church; have had none but the barest conveniences to assist us, not even a blackboard; with no desks, and dependent entirely upon the slate for writing lessons.  The chirography of the school would be considered something to boast of in most Northern schools.  Indeed we never saw effort or progress equaled anywhere, and we are all teachers of some experience.  We do not find that need of incentives to learning so usual in Northern schools; a lesson is learned for its own sake. Of course we expect that from the adults whom we hear in the evening, but it is also and especially true of the children in the day schools; at the same time they are keenly susceptible of emulative influences, and surprisingly amiable under defeat.  We find the parents of our pupils comfortable, where there is a possibility of work and remuneration. The most destitute and suffering cases spurn indignantly the idea so often advanced by their enemies, that they are worse off now than they were as slaves. They can not be. If, as the slaves of wealthy masters, they were grudged the crust, what would become of them in the present destitute condition of their former owners, now impoverished to the verge of suffering themselves.  Our evening school for adults are largely attended, and are among the most pleasing of our labors; the eagerness to learn, the watchful anxiety evinced lest, in the crowded state of the schools, some may miss their chance of attention, is positively pitiful; in some cases they beg to be taught extra, and offer to pay if we will take especial pains with individual cases.
H.C.F

School No 3., District No. 1. - L.A. Hall.
At African M.E. Church, Buta Street. Pupils on register, 46; average attendance, 21. Males, 22; females, 24.
Remarks. - Pupils that have been regular in attendance, have generally made satisfactory progress. Considerable hindrance has arisen from the almost daily additions of new scholars. One or two cases of slight insubordination have occurred, which have been easily and quietly subdued.
I have made eighteen visits during the month. While some have comfortable homes, others we found in wretched habitations, filthy, dark and damp. Many are sick. One family of six persons were crowded into a small, dark room. A child was sick; and the mother, with an infant of six months on her lap, was trying to sew. With all these disadvantages, she expressed a desire for the night school to begin, that she might learn to read. One pleasant feature of my school is the great improvement in neatness and order.
I have an evening class of twenty-three scholars, mostly adults; men who are learning to read and spell. Some have made surprising progress during the few evenings since the schools have been opened.

Schools Taught by C.F. Mecorney.
Pupils on register, 37; average attendance, 30. Males, 20; females, 17.

Infant School No. 6. - S.L. Curtis.
Pupils on register, 65; average attendance, 39. Males, 35; females, 30. I find them quick to learn, not only their letters, but anything else I try to teach them. Also has a class in the night school of twenty-four young men, all learning to read in the Pictorial Primer. They are all hard students, and make rapid progress.
S.L. Curtis.

School No. 4. - Miss Mary E. Fales.
Pupils on register, 75; average attendance, 29. Males, 38; females, 37. The families visited, are suffering from chills and fevers; this accounts for many absences. The parents are very earnest for the improvement of their children, etc.

Richmond, VA., October 31, 1865.
Rev. W.G. Hawkins.
Dear Sir: -I have the honor to report for the month of October, ending as above.

The National Freedman. 323
Report.
This has been a month of great activity. There has been much accomplished. On Monday, the 2nd inst., I organized a school in the old Baptist church at Petersburg, Va. On the next day I had present seventy-five scholars. Had I remained, I could have had 200 pupils in a short time. But as you know, I was called upon to go to City Point, on the 4th inst. (Wednesday.)
City Point. I found this place a desert as regards social enjoyment. The aspect of things was forbidding. But soon there was a happy change. I fixed up a long stockade building with seats, stoves, tables, broom, and blackboard; procured a bell; fixed it on the roof; rang it, and men, women, and children came to school. But before this I had visited every house in camp. In the mean time, I fixed up another stockade, which is the teachers' home. This I filled with chairs, tables and useful things.
At the time I went to City Point it was very sickly indeed. The freedmen were being swept off by fever and ague at the rate of seventy-five per week. The poor creatures were destitute of clothing, and of the common necessaries of life. The clothing you have since sent there will barely supply them. They are generally too poor to pay for anything. I have wept as I have passed from bed to bed, to see father and mother, and all the family sick. One man told me he had just buried his wife and four children. Poor man He was left with a bright girl of eight years. 
I was soon joined by Mr. E.D. Smith, of whom I have spoken in previous letters. While I remained we had three sessions daily. The scholars improved day by day; this encouraged us; we averaged daily sixty-five or seventy, and at night about forty-five. Many of our pupils were over sixty years of age. I was down there on Saturday last. The people were glad to see me. I spoke to them at night in the school-house, and again on Sunday A.M. in Sunday school. All is well there.
On the 17th inst. I left City Point for Richmond, via Petersburg. The next day I was at my post early, and organized a school in the 2d Baptist Church, in which I found Mrs. Jennings and daughter. There was present there eighty-four scholars. To-day there are 250, with two additional teachers, Miss Scott and Miss Eccles, and a night school of 200 men and women. I shall teach them to support themselves. Last night we collected $5.50 for lamps and oil; such is the demand for books and slates, that I have been compelled to purchase these necessaries, and sell them at cost; would you believe it, I received to-night, for articles as above, $19.50. My heart is in the work. We are moving the people upward. The four lady teachers stood by me nobly, among all these men and women. I give a short lecture each night; we need books, books, books, for the day school.
On the 23rd inst. I organized a night school at the Chimborazo camp, and taught there four nights. There are about 200 pupils there under the care of six or seven lady teachers. Chaplain Manly is usually present, and takes an active part. Yours respectfully,
Edward Barker.

District of Columbia.

Schools in Washington and Vicinity.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
J.H. Zelie, Principal.
Washington, D.C. -Corner 14th and M Streets - Senior Department, Teacher, Miss Julia A. Lord - Month of October, 1865. Pupils on register, 33; average attendance, 25. Males, 19; females 14.
Junior Department. - District Columbia Grammar School, cor. 14th and M Streets. -Savira Wright.-Month of October, 1865. Pupils on register, 41; average attendance, 32. Males, 25; females,16.
Primary Department. - Mrs. M.C. Hart, Kate G. Crane, and D. Lena Carber. Cor. 14th and M Streets. - Pupils on register, 149; average attendance, 107. Males, 77; females, 72.
Infant School. -Connected with the Grammar School, taught by Mrs. Priscilla Stewart and Miss Agnes Hill. -Pupils on register, 121; average attendance, 100. Males, 59; females, 62.
Alexandria, Va. -M.F. Sluby. -Second National Freedman's. Month of October, 1865. Wolf Street, near Royal. - Pupils on register, 112; average attendance, 95. Males, 70; females, 42. This school is doing finely, and Mr. Sluby's exertions are worthy of all praise.
The school under the care of Mr. Fish is also doing well.