12

having each person who sent children to school, to pay a certain
amount each month, and it seems to work well. Of course there

are some who cannot pay, but all who can, seem to take pride

in doing so. The persons belonging to the Sunday School have

subscribed for 45 copies of ‘The Freedman,’ and these, with the

papers you send, keep us well supplied with reading; besides,
we frequently have books and papers sent to us by persons who

are interested in the school.’’
12th mo. 24th, 1867.

At Christmas time, the teachers were enabled to contribute
to the happiness and encouragement of their pupils, by distri-
buting among them gifts, furnished by children in the North
for that purpose. The following extracts will show the effects
produced among that gladdened community :—

From Cornelia Hancock—

‘Although we were disappointed in not receiving the barrel in
time for Christmas, yet they came in time for us to play Christ-
mas the day we re-opened the school; and as the children do
not know dates or care about them, I think Christmas went off as
well to them as if it had been celebrated punctually. All the
things were in good order. The room we were able to decorate
very prettily with the mottoes. The tree was filled with the toys
and candy, and the other presents were spread upon the three
tables, one for each school. The children assembled and sung
some pieces, and then commenced the distributions. I allowed
them to make a choice as they ranked in the class. The stereo-
scope I considered a very valuable present for the school, as it
will continue to delight after Christmas is over. Our schools

are large and flourishing. We have been successful in collect-

ing about fourteen dollars this month, which is encouraging in
such a poverty-stricken community. I enjoy the newspapers I
receive. Our colored teacher does well.

‘“¢ Mt. Pleasant, S. C., First mo. 9th, 1868.”

‘* Dear Lriend,—I believe I have not written to thee since I re-
ceived the barrel which came safely to hand a few days before
_ Christmas. My little folks were delighted with their books, toys,

candy, etc., and I believe I enjoyed distributing, as much as they
receiving, thus realizing the truth of the blessing being greater
to the giver than to the receiver. I took the toys, ete., to school
Christmas eve, and spread them all out, to let the. children have

a good look at them ; then let each one, beginning with the small- _

est, take his and her choice. It was quite amusing to watch their
countenances, while they gravely deliberated which to appropri-