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make appropriation for the erection of school buildings, there is a reason to expect a fine educational work in that Division.  It is desired to establish six schools there, by the coming fall. This can be done; it is for the Bureau to decide whether it shall be. 
    
Your attention is respectfully invited to the enclosed report of Mr. E. P. Williams, late Census Clerk to the office of Lieut. M. S. Reed, A.S.A. Com'r, in charge of Elizabeth City County. It is generally remarked, and beyond a doubt true, that the population of Hampton, Slabtown, and vicinity, has greatly diminished during the past year. There are, according to the Census, 5910 souls in the County of Elizabeth City: of these 1603 are reported as transiently employed, and 2782 as not employed. Making due allowance for large families and many infants, it is evident, that the population of the County needs to be greatly thinned out, before it shall be in a 

Transcription Notes:
Many soldiers referred to these communities with the generic name, "Slabtown," because of the appearance of their buildings. M.S. Reed was the Assistant Sub Assistant Commissioner, (per SI) so A.S.A. Com'r seems to make sense. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-10-06 16:29:31