REPORT.

 

In preparing the Fourth Annual Report of the proceedings of
‘‘ Friends’ Association for the Aid and Elevation of the Freed-
men,” we find that, although our interest in the cause of the
Freedmen continues unabated, the incidents worthy of note have
greatly lessened within the past year, owing to our having been
compelled, by the condition of our funds, simply and carefully
to perform the work before us upon the old ground, without as-
suming new labor in fresh fields. .

In the 9th month, at the close of the summer vacation of the
schools under our care, the Education Committee reported, that
‘they deemed it advisable to discontinue the two at St. Helena,
S. C:” that “they had agreed to continue the three at Mt.
Pleasant—teachers for two of which had been selected; and that —
partial arrangements had been made for the Virginia schools ;’’
all of which was approved by the Association. And as these
schools when opened could not be sustained during the winter
term without more pecuniary aid, a committee was, at that time,
appointed, to devise some means by which Friends generally
might become more interested in their prosperity. This commit-
tee prepared an appeal, which was subsequently sent to each of
the Monthly and Preparative Meetings of our Yearly Meeting.
Through this medium we believed we might truthfully acknowl- .
edge—‘“ That our labors among the Freed people have heretofore
been greatly blessed, and that, although they have now arrived
at that condition in which they are able to provide for the most
pressing of their bodily wants, they yet need help in the educa-
tion of their children.’”*

Although the response to this appeal was tardy and faint, we
have been enabled cautiously to move forward, and have con-