10

a real festival. We are going to have a Christmas tree, and
speaking, singing, &c., and I shall be happy enough in seeing
their enjoyment. Many of them only know of ‘Christmas
trees’ as some ‘fairie story,’ and are nearly wild with delight.
Several of the children have expressed a desire to contribute
something for the tree, and I told them they might. I am sure
I shall have a very merry and happy Christmas. Some of the
scholars would like to buy the books they use, ‘for their own.’
I told them I would ask you; there are none kept here in the
stores, and Washington seems ‘far away,’ as there are few
opportunities for sending there for them.

“LT receive the Standard and Friends’ Intelligencer now, and
the scholars are always glad to get them when I have read them,
also the Tribune and Press. We are having a library made for
our books, and our sabbath school is getting along nicely. God
bless you all for your kindness in sending us such nice books and

papers.”

From Harriet Jenkins, (Col’d.), Fall’s Church, Va., Dec. 80th,
1868.

“TI write a few lines about the school. You will see by the
report, as it is made out, that the school is enjoying a vacation,
which will last until the fourth of January. I could not induce
the scholars to be satisfied with any less number of holidays.
They seemed to be delighted at the sight of the Christmas tree,
made out of the nice things sent us by the Friends’ of your city.
I am truly thankful we have such friends in reach of us. My
school still increases in numbers, but the attendance is very
irregular ; those who have attended regularly are doing very
well in their studies. The new grammar class is delighted with
the study, and they get on very well. I thank the good people
of Philadelphia for the reading matter sent me every week. I
receive the Friends’ Intelligencer and have become strongly
attached to it, on account of the true Christian principle it sets
forth. I have other papers sent me, both political and religious.
I feel under many obligations for my Christmas present; more
so when I think of it coming from those I have never seen in
my life. Be assured I value it highly.”’

From Jennie Speer, Washington, D. C., Dec. 30th, 1868.

‘I do not know but I should have sent this Report before
this ; but I have not been very well, and have delayed longer -
than I was aware of. :

“* The festival at the school house was very interesting to me,
and all seemed to enjoy it very much. Some of the large boys
got a very pretty cedar tree, reaching to the ceiling, which was