i 21

and the most uncomfortable that we had seen. The teacher and scholars
have suffered with the cold, owing to the open condition of the house ; yet
neither murmured ; they looked happy and much interested in their respec-
tive occupations. Heard all the classes, and were well satisfied with their
progress. —

Seventh-day, visited some of the people in their homes at Woodlawn.
The next morning returned to spend half an hour in D. K. Smith’s First-
day school. From there to Woodlawn meeting, and spent the afternoon
with the colored people gathered in Sarah Lloyd’s school-house, which is a
comfortable building, about a mile from her boarding place. Heard the
recitations of several classes in reading, spelling and arithmetic; but the
afternoon was chiefly devoted to Scriptural reading and religious instruc-
tion, given by several volunteer assistants. Addresses were delivered from
strangers present, and cordial expressions of gratitude from the colored
people for the advantages they were experiencing through our Association.
We felt it to be an exceedingly interesting and impressive occasion, and
a fitting close to our mission,

We may, perhaps, be allowed to add that we were much gratified with
the marked improvement in the condition of the Freed people in Wash-
ington, attributable not only to the efficiency of the Bureau, but also to
the judgment and energy of benevolent associations and individuals.
Among the most important and effective aids in producing this encourag-
ing change was acknowledged to be the labors of Eliza Heacock, in her
departments of industrial and domestic instruction.

We saw about fifty children employed in plaiting straw braid, which is
made at the same place into hats,

The beneficial effects of the mission established by New England Friends
have radiated to all surrounding localities. They have classified depart-
ments for education in one building, and a store in another, where goods of
every description are sold at cost price.

In reviewing the condition of our schools, and their influence upon the
neighborhoods where they are located, we feel justified in urging the Asso-
ciation to continue its support, not only by establishing schools, but by
furnishing each teacher with a good supply of clothing, in order that the
aged and sick may be cared for, and no child prevented from attending
school on account of not having comfortable garments. Everywhere we
saw evidences of the liberality of our friends, in the clothing worn by the
people. We wondered what they would have done without it.

We look upon those under our care as children just beginning to walk,
who need aid until they shall learn to step unassisted, and then the exter-
nal means of support should be judiciously removed. And while we offer
this view we hope also that the Association will be furnished with pecu-
aiary ability to extend its field of labor.

Before closing this report we desire to state that we were greatly aided

Q*