Viewing page 48 of 268

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

from reporting their wrongs by threats of murder. They have been most cruelly treated and are now afraid to venture out after dark, and in many places afraid to venture out at any time alone. Their fears are well grounded as they have been caught alone and severely whipped by unknown persons. Their houses have also been fired into at night by unknown persons. Threats have been made to drive me from the country.  The presence of troops is all that has prevented it. On account of bad treatment received last year a large number of freed people have left this section of the state. I have succeeded in calming those that remain and am in great expectations of their doing well this year. I have made several efforts to procure a schoolhouse without the least success as there are no vacant buildings to be had. A perfect passion to learn to read has seized these people. They borrow all the old newspapers and books available for that purpose. If a schoolhouse could be erected here t'would be a great blessing and hailed with much joy by old and young. A large number are desirous of moving to some county where schools are convenient. I have however prevailed upon them to remain promising. I would do all in my power towards establishing a school. The cost of building one