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0363

for by all classes, Still the want is unsupplied, and so little interest is manifested upon this subject by the great masses of the Southern people that I am convinced we must look for a long time to come to northern benevolence in the work of educating the freedmen.
It is to be deplored that while many are both industrious and saving many are improvident of their time and earnings. spending for intoxicating drink what aught to be expended for the education and support of their families
As an examply, Mr Foster, the colored teacher at this place has not been able, up to this time, to collect enough money to pay his board, although his school is sufficiently large to afford him ample compensation. The parents earn money, and spent it at the groggeries, paying their teacher in promises. The influence of their pastor is I regret to know, upon the side of these evil practices, Time, knowledge and a pure christianity can alone remedy them and other evils.
Vey Respectfully Your Obt Servt. Ira Ayres ASAComr.