15

From one of our old Teachers, Caroline Thomas, Lincoln, Loudon
Co., Va., 12th month 8th, 1868.

*‘ Tt seems so natural and withal so pleasant to address thee,
bringing fresh to my mind the old days in Leesburg. I some-
times feel that I am not as happy now as in times past, notwith-
standing the pleasant society which I am permitted to enjoy in
this place; and a more congenial home among strangers one
does not often meet with; for the lady who is my hostess is an
ex school marm—one who taught the school which I am now —
teaching, and one who is alive, heart and soul, in the cause of
Right and Justice. Her husband, Bernard T. Janney, has
rented Spring Dale, and is teaching a school for white children.
Thus far all is pleasant ; but it is the size of my school I protest
against. I have but sixteen pupils at present, but they all tell
me I shall have a house full-after Christmas, most of them men.
Here the children have to walk so far; from 2 to 2} and 38
miles, and the roads are very bad during the winter, and always
after a rain or snow. I have not the same opportunity of visit- -
ing the colored people in their homes, as that I had in Leesburg,
the same difficulties attending—the bad roads. All that I have
met with are so kind and seem very glad to know I am going to
teach them this winter. They had the school-house nicely
decorated with evergreens for my reception, and it looked real
bright and cheerful when I arrived there. On my way down, in
passing through Leesburg, I saw several of my old scholars, my
_ ‘little Sicily among the rest. They had learned in some way
that I was coming, and they came tothe depot to meet me; I can-
not tell thee how glad I was to see them. 1 also met Capt. Smith
there, who informed me that he had been staying some time in
the place, superintending the building of the school-house, and
that he thought it would be completed in about two weeks. The
Captain has left the Bureau service, and was at that time about
closing up his business for a final departure.

Since that time I have had not one word from Leesburg, and
fear now, that Captain has left, that all effort will cease in this
matter for the present. Icannot give up this Leesburg; my
heart still yearns for my little flock, left without an earthly
shepherd. I had a letter from our dear friend, Sarah Steer, a
few days ago; she writes very encouragingly. I have not had
the pleasure of seeing her since I returned, but am looking for-
ward with hope; her school now numbers 28 pupils. Sarah
mentioned having just heard from thee, and that the accustomed
box would soon be along, to make the hearts of the little ones
glad. My heart feels lighter since I heard of it, for right well
do I understand what a source of heart warm it is to the teacher