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[[preprinted]] 522 [[/preprinted]] "In conclusion I have but one suggestion to make in regard to the work of the future, and that I make with great hesitation and distrust, lest it may seem too radical and impracticable. It has reference to the removal of the two grand obstacles, to much future progress in this work. The obstacles referred to, are the pressing need of proper school buildings, and a sufficient supply of well qualified teachers, supported without expense to the freedmen. With the necessary buildings and teachers, it were comparitively easy, fully to supply the great mass of the freedmen throughout the State, with schools in a single year, but without largely increased facilities for securing these two indispensable means of success, little further progress can be made, and the masses of the people must remain reached. The freedmen have not the ability to provide them, and will not have them for at least two or three years, and then but partially. The Benevolent Societies are compelled, for want of sufficient funds to [[underlined]] curtail [[/underlined]] their operations, at a time when the cause demands large expansion. In view therefore of the discrepancy between the inadequate and declining resources of these Societies, (on whom we have thus far depended) and the growing demands of this work, the only adequate source of help I can see, is the National Government, and my suggestion is, that application be made to Congress, to provide at the expense of the Government, a sufficient number of buildings and teachers, to establish at once a full suply of schools to meet the educational wants of the ignorant and needy freedmen. As time advances, the latter will require in larger numbers, either school houses or jails, and the more of the former provided for them, with good schools, the less of the latter, and the Government can infinately better afford to educate the race, than to support the vices and crimes that must grow from their ignorance." Every effort has been made to break up the colony of freedmen on Roanoke Island, but there are still seventeen hundred colored people remaining there, living upon land seized by the Government, and divided into one acres lots. The place is barren, and there is every appearance of great destitution during the coming winter. To remedy this, the Supt. of the Eastern District, and the Asst. Supt. on the Island, recommend that the land be restored to the original owners, so as to compel the freedmen [[end page]] [[start page]] [[preprinted]] 522 [[/preprinted]] to remove to other points, where they can procure employment. I have made arrangements for the transportation of these people from the Island, and have reason to believe that great numbers of them, will be induced to leave during this month. I have no suggestions to make contemplating any changes in the operations of the Bureau. More has already been accomplished under the present system, than could reasonably have been expected, and our efforts to improve the condition of the freedmen have been crowned with success. In consequence of delay in receive the returns of Superintendents of Districts, this report has been hastily prepared, and as I am obliged to leave here this evening to take command of the Department of the South, have not time to revise it. I have the honor to remain Very Respectfully Your Obdt Servant Jno. C. Robinson Bvt. Maj. Gen. U.S.A. Asst. Commissioner [[line across page]] Bureau Refugees Freedmen &c Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner Raleigh N.C. Nov 19th 1866 Howard Maj Genl O.O. Commissioner Washington D.C. General I have the honor to forward the following Statement of Public Funds pertaining to the Bureau R.F. & A.L. remain in the hands of the Chief Disbursing Officer of this State for the week ending November 17th 1866 Where Deposited | Amount | Funds Raleigh Nat Bank | 1853.00 | Refugees & Freedmen do do do | 8111.19 | Appropriation Total | $9,964.19 | --- I have the honor to remain Very respectfully Your Obdt Servant J.V. Bomford Col 8th US Infty Acting Asst Comr
