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When I took charge of the Freedmens affairs in this District Jany 24th 1865, there were but two (2) schools in operation numbering 227 pupils. the average daily attendance being 168. The superintendent of schools left. Helena about that time and placed Mr S. Johnson in charge of that Department. Mr Johnson was sent here by the North Western Freedmen's Aid Commission Chicago Ills. On my recommendation Col Eaton appointed him Supt of Schools for this District at a salary of $75.00 pr month to be paid out of the Freedmen's funds coming into my hands. Since January last the schools have steadily increased the statistics showing at the end of June the total number enrolled 520 in five schools The teachers in these schools are deserving of all praise and the progress made by the scholars surprising. it is extraordinary to see with what avidity the little ones pursue knowledge, and how rapidly they learn. The Education of these Children is decidedly of the first importance to the Government and the Country. and through education we have the only sum means of raising these people about being a burthen [[burden]] on the Government. The mass of the colored people look with suspicion on every one who can read and write and fully appreciate their own ignorance in that respect this alone gives rise to a very great distrust as they know and think that in all written documents