4

Most of the teachers have continued their First-day Schools,
which have been large and of deep interest; they, as well as other
schools in the neighborhood, are greatly indebted to Friends’
Tract and Bible Distributing Association for valuable contribu-
tions of Books, Papers, etc.

It will be seen by our Treasurer’s Report, that the subscrip-
tions have been less than usual; some of the schools having
been closed earlier than usual, and the aid afforded by the
Freedmen’s Bureau, in the rental of school houses, is the cause
of the balance in the treasury. :

We are also in receipt of numerous letters from the various
Schools, urging us to continue them until the State authorities
shall be in a condition to take care of. them.

Having sent our teachers forth with full faith that our
Father’s blessing attends a righteous work, we have been
enabled to continue our labors, believing that the concern for
this long oppressed people is still alive with many.

The following extracts from letters from our teachers show
the zeal and cheerfulness with which they resumed their labors
in the Autumn, after their vacation, and the continued interest
which those, for whom they have labored so faithfully, manifest
in acquiring an education.

JENNIE SPEER writes from Manassas :—

“T know that there will be more than thirty scholars, and that a
school averaging over thirty can be maintained during five months at
least. I am very happy at the prospect of getting back to them, feel-
ing that I can go to work under less difficulties than last year. I
have plenty of books now, and the school-room is finished, and the
children are all anxious that the school should begin soon. I am
happy to hear from them, that they have kept up their Sabbath
School with sixty on the roll, and all get their lessons and take much
interest in the school.”

In a letter written in the First month, she says:—

“T canassure you your letters are always encouraging to me: to know
and feel that your sympathies are with us, that your interest is unabated,
is indeed a source of pleasure. But of this I never had a doubt,—
actions speak more forcibly than words. I am very glad that I can
report a full school; there are fifty-five on the roll, and I think the