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From Philena Heald.—Our school numbers seventy-two pupils, chiefly
adults, and many walk a mile, after toiling hard all day, to attend school
in the evening. Never have I seen more persevering industry and steady
determination ; and surely, if their intellects are not equal to those of
their pale brothers and sisters, (as some would have us believe,) what
they lack in brilliancy would be more than made up in earnestness, con-
tinuity, close attention, untiring labor, and a deep and burning desire to
obtain knowledge. They are sensitive, ambitious, and keenly alive to
rebuke or censure. The field of labor is truly one of great interest—one
that unfolds new phases of character each day, and presents fresh in-
centives to action. Their implicit confidence in those who try to help
them, and the ever-present thought of their long, weary bondage,
attended with every indignity that humanity can suffer or mind conceive,
quickly awakens an affection for them, and an intense abiding hope that
we may be enabled to aid them in some small measure, at least. We are
glad that you are satisfied with our endeavors, for we constantly feel how
broad is the field and how powerless we are to do the work that needs to
be done. May it be ours ever to do the duty nearest to us with cheer-
ful, earnest hearts; for, if the soul is in the action, it must accomplish
some good. The garden seeds were thankfully received, and were a
blessing to the people. We are most grateful for the response to our call
to aid the old and infirm, and, on their behalf, we thank you. The people
become alarmed instantly, if there is the slightest allusion made to our
returning North. They say, “Oh, dont talk about it.” One said, ““ We

hopes dat neber happen while we lib.”—S¢. Helena Island, Third
Month 22, 1866.

From Sarah M. Ely.—We have a few children, and I can see how
very much easier it is for them to learn, and how with them one could
soon write home of tasks mastered ; but our work is with the older ones,
and I tell you truly, I am more content to work on with them by slow
steps, seeing their earnest desire, their close attention, patience and
hope, than to have wonderful accounts to send home. Several persons
whose eyes are dim with age, come regularly. One, in particular, is of
interest to me. She is always attentive; glance at her when you will, her
lips are moving. She spells every word she hears spelt in her own class
or in the other, and counts each figure. She did not know a letter when
she began; now spells quite well, out of book, in four letters. Her eyes
are so old and dim, I scarce hope of her ever reading much; but she
may in time. All improve and try to do their best, are keen to hear,
and strive to learn, do not give any trouble to speak of, in regard to
order.—St. Helena Island, Fourth Month, 1st, 1866.

From Philena Heald.—In our scholars there still exists a deep desire
to learn, an unabated interest in all that pertains to the acquisition of
knowledge, and we are gratified to discover, day by day, some advance-
ment. It is sufficient inducement for us to double our diligence, and to