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but the practicability of establishing and sustaining schools for them is very doubtful on account of the sparseness of the population both white and colored.  Besides, their children are made to work by the day as soon as they are able, and the parents do not sufficiently appreciate the value of education to deprive themselves of this source of income for the sake of sending the children to school.

During November, December, January, February & March a school might be well attended, provided it costs them nothing.

Neither the whites nor freedpeople are able to contribute towards its support.

A teacher could not be obtained here; if one be sent from abroad he need apprehend no violence, but neither can he expect any social intercourse with the white "population."

Very Respectfully
Your Ob't. Serv't.
N.M. Brooks.
Capt. Asst. Supt.

Thro.
Gen. S.C. Armstrong
Supt. 5th Dist. of Va