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FREEDMEN'S RECORD.
VOL. I.
BOSTON, DECEMBER, 1865.
No. 12.
"THE FREEDMEN'S RECORD" is published monthly, and is the organ of the NEW-ENGLAND FREEDMEN'S AID SOCIETY.All communications for or relating to the "RECORD" should be addressed to R. R. NEWELL, 8, Studio Building, Boston; and must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer.
Terms per annum, $1. 00 in advance; single copies, 10 cents.
OUR "RECORD. "
OUR present issue closes the first year of the life of our little monthly, — and it is fitting that we should review the period, and see whether we have advanced on our way. It has answered its purpose of a constant link between the Society and its branches, giving to them the information which we have gathered from teachers and superintendents at work among the freedmen, and such thoughts on the general subject as would stimulate the community to continued and increased exertion on their behalf. We have the gratifying assurance that our Record has done its work in thus diffusing knowledge and interest throughout the community. At the beginning of the year, we had twenty-two Branch Societies. We have now over seventy, and they are rapidly increasing. We have secured the services of Mr. J. H. Chapin, — under whose energetic management we trust the whole benevolent activity of the State will soon be organized into efficient co-operation with us.
Since we commenced our career, what changes have taken place in the aspect of the whole country! The rebellion which then flared in the face of day, now only growls and mutters in obscure corners; but in its fall it dragged down to his martyr-grave, the tried and faithful leader, to whom we trusted to restore Israel. So, in the midst of our triumph, our work is still beset with difficulties. It needs all the firmness, all the energy, of the North, to secure justice to the freedman, and the fulfilment of our solemn pledges. The work which was important a year ago is imperative now, since the most vital questions concerning the welfare of our beloved country hang upon the relation of the negro to the Government and the Northern people.
Our paper has been cordially welcomed, and our subscription is as large as we dared to hope; but we would gladly extend it, and we ask all of those who believe that we are doing good service to the freedmen's cause, to exert themselves to secure additions to our list for our first issue of the New Year. We will furnish any of them with specimen numbers for distribution to aid this object.
Grateful for all the blessings which have crowned our labors for the past year, — we look forward confidently to the future. Another year will have a story to tell as fraught with meaning as that which is closing. Let us do our part, that it shall tell of more faithful service, and greater good accomplished. *
CIRCULAR.
THE New-England Freedmen's Aid Society-has the pleasure of announcing to its friends, that it has become an integral part of the American Freedmen's Aid Commission, a national organization consolidated of all the Freedmen's Aid Societies in the United States.
This union, it is hoped, will simplify, amplify, and energize the great work of elevating the Freedman; harmonize the action of all the instrumentalities employed for that end; purify each and all from even the suspicion of sectarianism or partisanship; appeal more strongly to the respect and support of benevolent people both at home and abroad; command greater influence with the Government, and meet with less opposition at the South, than any one of the Societies composing it.
Only so much of our independence as was necessary for these ends is surrendered to the
National Commission; all our present officers, rules methods of work, plans of organization, and relations to Branch Societies, remaining as before the change.The new Commission, like the Sanitary, has an Eastern and a Western Department the former of which is organized under the auspices of the late American Freedmen's Aid Union, of all the Societies east, and the latter by the "Western and North-western Commissions of all west, of the Alleghanies. This Society, until others are formed in New England tributary to the Commission, will therefore constitute the NEW-ENGLAND SECTION, EASTERN DEPARTMENT, AMERICAN FBEEDMEN'S AID COMMISSION.
As a part of a National Society doing a great national work, it now urgently commends itself to the liberal support of the patriotic, loyal, and Christian people of New England, pledging its whole power and influence, in the future as in the past, to those kinds of beneficence upon which, as purely catholic and humane, all good men agree.
To make our plans for the winter upon a scale at all commensurate with the vast importance and extent of the work, we ought to be assured of a revenue from New England, this year, of at least a million and a half dollars. That part of the country which has suffered least and gained most by the war can surely afford this sum to ensure and perpetuate the triumph of those principles of Justice and Liberty in defence of which the war was waged.
"We call upon the auxiliary branches of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions not to cease their noble work before the end is come. The battle for a perfect Union and impartial Freedom was not finished by the surrender of the Rebel armies, but only assumed a new phase. To battle the cunning and neutralize the hatred of defeated parricides, we must raise up at the South a class of citizens who will cleave to the Union as their fortress of safety, and love the Northern people with intelligent and ceaseless gratitude.
We must utterly cast out the devil Slavery which has rent us, and erect barriers against its return, not only in the laws, but in the hearts of the people; and we must heal the wounds it has made, not only in Society, but also in its wretched victims.
This is, therefore, your work as well as ours. We entreat you not to neglect it. Organize and re-organize, — collect, contribute, work, as God shall give you strength and opportunity, and his blessing will crown your labors.
JOHN A. ANDREW,
President of the Society.
OUR friends in Maryland are urging forward their work bravely, but they have a battle to fight, which requires all their energy, firmness, and courage. The old enemy dies hard, and is determined, like the magnanimous Captain Waddell, to do all the mischief he can, after he knows well enough he is beaten. After trying the wiles of the law in vain, he has returned to his more accustomed weapons of insult and violence. No teacher of negroes is safe from the former, and already three school-houses have been burned by mobs, and the teachers driven away.
But the negroes and their teachers are not left without protectors. Judge Bond appealed at once to Governor Bradford for protection. He has offered a reward for the discovery of the guilty parties, and we trust they will speedily be brought to justice.
ADDRESS OF THE AMERICAN FREEDMEN'S AID COMMISSION.
THIS organization has been called into existence by an obvious necessity. Its primary purpose is to simplify and give national unity to the operations comprehensively known as the Freedmen's Aid Movement.
Co-extensive with the country, it includes in its composition all the State Freedmen's Associations already established, and their auxiliaries, with provision for the addition of such others as may hereafter be formed.
Its ultimate object is indicated by its name, — "Freedmen's Aid Commission. "It is to aid the newly-liberated blacks to overcome the difficulties of their new position; to assist them in the trials of their transition state; to help (in co-operation with the Government's Bureau) to place them in a condition in which further help shall not be needed.
The measures on which it depends for the accomplishment of its object are, chiefly, the pro-vision of material supplies for the relief of extreme physical want, and the maintenance in service of competent teachers to give instruction in rudimentary learning.
For the purpose of procuring these supplies, and supporting these teachers; of purchasing the books, slates, stationery, and other accompaniments needed in the work of instruction, —the Commission relies upon the liberality and patriotism of the American people.
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The adequacy of the measures described, to the end proposed has been abundantly proven. The elevating effect of the freedmen's school, wherever established, has been immediate and palpable. Its indirect influence upon the people around has been quite as striking as its direct action upon its immediate pupils. The lessors of the school are repeated in the cabin; the effect upon the cabin re-acts upon the school; and thus the two, by their mutual action and re-action, improve and elevate each Other, —to the benefit of all concerned.In proof of this, and illustration as well, we refer to the history and results of every freedmen's establishment in the Southern States.
In South Carolina, where the work was first begun, and where its subjects were among the least promising, the results have been such as to convince the most sceptical. Herds of human chattels, impelled by force, have been converted into communities of human beings, regulated by law. Ten thousand ignorant blacks, degraded to the lowest point within the power of slavery, have been lifted up to a condition of comparative intelligence. These now constitute a self-supporting, law-abiding, wealth-producing community; and one more orderly, or better behaved, may not easily be found. While the able-bodied among them have helped to fight our battles in the field, others, not fit for military duty, have raised food and forage for the army; the children, meanwhile, being in the schools, fitting themselves for the graver responsibilities yet in reserve for them.
Receiving wages for their labor, many of these people have acquired property, and some of them comparative wealth. A few have become planters on their own account A Freedmen's Bank has been established in Beaufort, in which, on the 1st of July, six months after it was started, upwards of $160, 000 were placed on deposit by men who, but a little while ago, were plantation slaves. It is noticeable, — as was to be expected, — that, in proportion as these freedmen rise in the scale of civilization, they acquire its wants. As slaves, their needs were comprised in a few rude articles absolutely necessary to maintain existence. Now they are indefinitely extended by the opportunities and desires which are furnished and stimulated by freedom.
Stores have been established among them by Northern capital, at which goods are sold, amounting, in the course of the year, to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A single one of these stores, established by a gentleman of Boston for the benefit of a single neighborhood, sold goods in the last year amounting to $90,000.
What has been said of the freedmen's enterprise in South Carolina may be asserted, with equal truth, of every other similar undertaking in the Southern States. In a late authenticated report from the Freedmen's Bureau, it is stated that, "in Mississippi nearly ten thousand acres of land are being worked exclusively by freedmen, on their own account At David's Bend, the families are organized into a laboring community, with an allotted portion of land for each. They have established courts for themselves, choosing the officers at large; and the decisions of the judge have been carried into effect by the superintendent of the colony. The plan has worked well, and the people take great interest in their elections. They choose their best men; and they have recently elected a school board to serve six months. Their industry has been stimulated by their own ambition, without the control of white men, or threat of punishment. Physicians who practise among them receive their pay as among whites. The shopkeepers are colored. The Government rations are being repaid by crops. "
It is not claimed that all the improvement noticeable in the condition of Southern blacks is due to the Freedmen's Aid Associations. The necessities, the opportunities, the sufferings even, incidental to the condition of freedom, have been sure allies in the work of education.
Nor would we derogate from the credit due to the Freedmen's Bureau for much of the progress that has lately been made in this good work. On the contrary, we join heartily in the testimony generally borne to the usefulness of this department of the Government, and are ready to do what we can to strengthen the hands of the gentleman who is at its head. But that we do not over-estimate the efficacy of our own instrumentalities, we have that distinguished gentleman's emphatic testimony. In a recent published letter, addressed to this Commission, he says: "Education underlies every hope of success for the freedmen. Every thing depends on the youth and the children being thoroughly instructed in every industrial pursuit. Through education, embracing moral and religious training, the tearful prejudice and hostility against the blacks can be overcome. They themselves will be able to demand and receive both privileges and rights that we now have difficulty to guarantee. Therefore I earnestly entreat benevolent associations to leave no stone unturned to give them the opportunities for gaining knowledge. "
In dwelling at such length upon the importance of education, we would not be understood as depreciating the necessity of physical relief. Such relief, for a little while at least, is imperatively called for. The period of transition from slavery to freedom, is, under any circumstances, embarrassed with difficulties; but when it occurs amid the desolation of war, and with a people despised and hated, the difficulties must, of necessity, be greatly aggravated.
The coming winter threatens to bring upon the freedmen extreme suffering. Added to the many other causes of this is the restoration to their for-
mer owners of abandoned lands and confiscated estates This will deprive thousands of confiding, loyal people, of homes, and of the fruits of their industry, on which they were depending for support. A condition of things such as this makes appeals to the humanity and sense of justice of the people which cannot be allowed to go unheeded. These people must be helped in this, their trying hour. Much of this help must come from the North. It is the work left to us from the war. It is necessary, in order to restore to the blacks and whites, and to the whole country, the full blessings of emancipation. It is a sure step in the way of reconstruction. It is essential to the proper re-organization — civil, social, and individual—of Southern society, and to the interests and honor of the nation.
All classes of people are interested in the success of this work, and we invoke the aid of all. We call upon the ministers of religion to present its claims to the people, and upon the churches to contribute liberally to its support. We call upon the editors of newspapers — religious or secular, literary or political — to give us the benefit of their assistance. As conservators of the public weal, this matter concerns them intimately. We call upon merchants and manufacturers, upon artisans and capitalists, for their hearty co-operation; for this is a work which has its well-defined commercial aspects, not less than its philanthropic attractions. We call upon all classes of people; invoking them, by their gratitude for services rendered, and their shame for wrongs inflicted, to aid in this great work of humanity and justice. Let it be remembered that these people — slaves by our concurrence—came forward in the nation's trial-hour, and, by their bravery, helped to turn the tide of battle in our favor. Shall we repay such generosity with neglect and indifference ? The thought of such baseness is not for a moment to be endured! What has already been done in this behalf forbids any such apprehension.
During the past year, one thousand teachers have been maintained among the freedmen, giving instruction to one hundred thousand pupils. Sunday (schools, evening schools, and industrial schools, have been established in addition, while not less than twenty asylums have been maintained for the benefit of colored orphans.
These are encouraging facts, but they are but the beginning of what needs to be done. The number of teachers and schools should be multiplied sevenfold, and the other instrumentalities in proportion-and that without delay. For the means of doing this, we look to the people. No further argument need to be added. The case once fairly understood, and fully appreciated, the desired results will be sure to follow. We cannot suppose that such an opportunity for the advantageous investment of large sums of money will escape the attention of the many good men of ample means and generous purposes who constantly illustrate the annals of philanthropy with wise and noble benefactions. Probably in no other direction can the benevolent now look with just expectations of so prompt and gratifying returns for means invested. The eager zeal with which these rapidly rising millions seize upon every aid to betterment, their unprecedented and almost incredible desire to be taught all useful learning, indicate a soil ready for good seed, as soil is rarely ready, and from which no wise husbandman can well refrain his open hand.
Contributions may be addressed to GEORGE C. WARD, Treasurer, 56 Wall street, New York. Correspondence may be addressed to the Secretary, at the General Office, in Washington.
MATTHEW SIMPSON, President.
WM. L. GARRISON, First Vice-President.
CHAS. G. HAMMOND, Second Vice-President.
JACOB R. SHIPHERD, Secretary.
GEORGE C. WARD, Treasurer.
HUGH L. BOND, Pres. Eastern Dep't.
J. MILLER MCKIM, Sec'y Eastern Depp.
CHAS. P. MCILVAINE, Pres. Western Depp.
JOHN M. WALDEN, Sec'y Western Depp. General Office, 444 Fourteenth Street, Washington, D. C.
REV. MR. FISKE, recently chaplain in the United-States service, and superintendent of freedmen in Tennessee, sends us the following. The letter comes from one who has rendered most valuable services to the Government and to the freedmen, and breathes, it seems to us, the true spirit: —
... Last spring, when the Bureau was fairly afoot, and the war evidently closing, it seemed to me that the negro was in open seas with fair sailing ahead; and so, contrary to the urgency of many, I left the field, thinking I had seen the rough work through. The weather seems now changed to very foul. The Bureau officers, barely shielded by the reputation of their chief, are getting to be called " nigger" officers, and the teachers "nigger" folks, again, after the old sort. Troops are being withdrawn from the "reconstructed" States, all the machinery of civil life put again into the hands of " reconstructed' rebels; but all that you know. I do not know what is to come of it; but this I do know, that at the Hands of these rebels, as bitter to-day as ever, there is no chance for justice to the black man, —not the shadow. But the particular thing I wanted to say is this, that I am distressed to see in the prints, that, in some parts, the Aid Societies are withdrawing their laborers from points where troops are not to be retained, and are hesitating about sending out more, and that the laborers a
themselves consenting to be withdrawn. Energy, determination, self-sacrifice, seem again to be necessary. Push in teachers everywhere, brave, true men and women, who fear nothing and trust God. Withdraw nobody but the white-livered. Let them wait to be driven out, if out they must come, — absolutely driven. That may very likely be. Let them dare even to give life itself if need be. A single life of a devoted humble Christian teacher of blacks in Mississippi, given to the rage of these reconstructed sovereigns, might turn the whole tide of maudlin sentiment for good fellowship with red-handed traitors, and save black and white a world of suffering and shame. If these teachers desert their posts just now, what shall we have in evidence of Atrocities which will multiply? what avenue to the public ear will be open for the wrongs of the deceived find deserted black? Unutterable cruelty will be practised, in the midst of an unbroken silence and secrecy, as before. I urge it as of first importance, that you leave no point till driven from it; that you keep and send such as have bone and muscle for real sacrifice, to their posts. Let them stay to suffer and to record the horrors which I am sure will follow the withdrawal of troops, and the committal of the affairs of the blacks to the tender mercies of their former owners. I think it a shame to our philanthropy to shake so quickly. Suffer a little. Run risks even with life. It is worth while. There is need of courage now on all hands, if we would save the worth of our four years' sacrifices.
I bid you God speed in your great work, which is yet, as I hoped it would not at this stage be, a great fight; and beg you to fight it bravely, and give no inch of territory, till you can show all comers that you were driven from it by physical force, and so can appeal to public opinion, with that proof of the folly of over-sentimental faith in the moral virtues of treason and traitors.
You will pardon my writing warmly. I write in a hurry, and in the midst of the cares of a thousand preparations.
Yours, very sincerely,
ASA S. FISKE.
NEGRO CAPACITY.
REV. MR. BRIGGS, superintendent of colored schools in North Carolina, in a recent report testifies on this point thus: —
I am free to say that my entrance upon this work, was with no very exalted, certainly no very extravagant, views of the negro race, their capacity for improvement, or ability to take care of themselves. But a residence among them of more than a year, with every facility for studying and rightly estimating their character, has inspired me with unbounded hope.
Nothing has surprised me more than their aptness to learn. I have supposed when a race has been deteriorating for ages, ages must be required for their elevation. Hence, I expected to find the children generally incapacitated for improvement; that It would be a very tedious and unsatisfactory work to establish and maintain a system of education among them. But after careful observation, under the most favorable circumstances for collating and weighing facts, I fully concur in the opinion of our best teachers, deliberately expressed, that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of the past, colored children even now, with equal facilities, will learn as fast as the average of white children in our Northern district schools. Of course there are stupid and unpromising ones, as there are in all schools; but on the whole there is fair capacity, and a very general and ardent desire to improve.In this report I must not omit notice of the advanced school, which was established March 9, 1865. We have no better illustration of the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties. Miss Helen M. Ireson, a teacher of rare qualifications, and more than professional enthusiasm in this work, took charge of it; and, under her skilful management, our anticipations were fully realized. Sixty of the most promising pupils were selected from the various schools, to determine by fair experiment, what the negro mind may do under favorable circumstances. Not only visitors, but the teacher, expressed great surprise at the rapid improvement of the pupils. Particularly in arithmetic, where we supposed they would be greatly at fault, the teacher declares, that in all her experience she has never taught a class which in so short a time made such proficiency, or grasped so thoroughly the principles of the science. This seems to indicate that the negro mind will not be deficient in the higher and more abstruse studies.
... In summing up the results of two years' labor in the department, and extending the view throughout the South, the work in its far reach, appears vast, and the good beyond computation. By these pioneer labors the little leaven has been introduced, which shall leaven the whole lump. This flashing light for the first time into thousands of benighted minds, — we shall hear from it in the distant future. The colored people seem to understand, as by intuition, that knowledge is power; that mental improvement is synonymous with their elevation. Therefore they are so eager to learn. I venture the assertion, that nowhere in all the North is there such a general desire to learn as among these dark-browed children of the South, —nowhere such ready sacrifices for this end. The children will part with their pennies sooner than for candy, and men will come short of food and clothing, for the sake of learning to read. It seems to be a prime article of their creed, that
mental culture will bring to them a recognition of their just rights.
EXTRACTS FROM TEACHERS' LETTERS.
SANDY SPRING, Montgomery County, Md., Oct. 27, 1865.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, I left Baltimore for Sandy Spring, a Quaker settlement about thirty miles from Baltimore, and eighteen from Washington. Several private schools had been attempted, at different times, previously; but had not been of long continuance, excepting one which had continued about a year, taught by a colored woman of very good education; and her scholars had got quite well started in the rudiments.
On Monday, the 16th, I commenced with six of her scholars, — Tuesday twelve, — Wednesday eight, — next day we increased to twenty-one, and have never had less; but have increased slowly, till we now have thirty-three in one day-school, from the ages of eight to twenty-two. All of them are quite prompt in their attendance, — seldom late (which is much better than in the Baltimore schools). They are very respectful and obedient, and show much interest in their lessons, and do what I require, very cheerfully. One poor unfortunate boy of about fifteen comes more than a mile on two crutches; and when 1 asked him if he didn't get tired, he said he did not. His little stock of book-knowledge was confined to the A B C's; but, within the few days he has come, he has learned to read and spell several words, and even sentences, and he is very nappy. I am amply paid for all I do for him, by his gratified look when he succeeds in conquering any difficulty. The night school was not opened till Monday of this week, as their protracted meetings were still held in the church where the school is kept. It is a rough place, and not very comfortable; but they are building. a new church, and are going to repair thin. Still they are not a " fast" people. So we have only to labor and wait. The first night we had forty scholars, most of them men and women, — a few boys; one man of fifty-three, who reads quite well, yet he says he " would be willing to give one hundred dollars if he could learn to read and write well. " One boy, who said his lesson very well, I asked if he had much time to study: he said, " No, Miss, I'm ' hired out. ' " Said I, " When did you get it? " He replied, " While the white folks was eatin' dinner. " It is really quite encouraging to see them grow more and more interested each night. I am very much pleased with both my day and evening schools. Quite a number have been slaves, but are well and comfortably clothed. The Quakers ail are friends, and co-operate in the work; but there are those not far off who have stopped the schools more than once. They will hardly attempt it now I think.
Most of the scholars are "hired out, " and the greater part come a mile or more, and, as a general thing, are in their seats promptly at the hour, especially at half-past eight in the morning....
JANE E. CLARK.
CHURCH CREEK, Dorchester County, Md., Oct. 18, 1865.
... Last week there was considerable agitation here about my work, and a meeting was held in which it was decided that I should leave the town. A committee of five was appointed to wait upon me, and a letter written to inform me of the good feeling of the people of Church Creek in regard to me.
The committee thus far have failed to do their duty, and I very much fear that I shall not have an opportunity of seeing what " Southern chivalry " is.
Excuse me if I haven't much respect for this peculiar characteristic of Southern rebels.
I cannot refrain from comparing 1860 with 1865: then one Southern boy could whip five Yankee men; now five Southern men, if they dared, would visit one Yankee girl to force her to leave a legal pursuit. " How are the mighty fallen! "
Notwithstanding the decision of the meeting of last Thursday night, I expect to spend the winter at Church Creek.
My school now numbers thirty-one. My work in the schoolroom is very light. I hardly realize that I have any governing to do. My pupils seem eager to learn, and I have some large boys who are the soul of gallantry.
I enjoy my school, and such of society as is open to me. On the whole, I look forward to a pleasant winter. I have no fears of the rebels here, though they give me most unmistakable evidences that I am not wanted. One lady said if she were in my place, she would leave any way, for not more than one person in ten wanted me here. I thought, " I have not come to please the people, and I shall not leave to please them. "Very truly yours,
M. S. OSBORNE.
NEW BERNE, N. C., NOV. 12, 1865.
Four weeks have passed since Mrs. H. and myself opened school in St. Andrew's Chapel with only seven pupils. Now we have over two hundred every day, and the number is increasing. The lack of schoolrooms in the city is very much felt. Last year there were five schools here. Now most of the rooms are refused, because the various clubs that own them do not see fit to allow them to be used. Ours, and one other, are
the only free colored schools taught in the city; consequently we have pupils from every part of the city, and even from places three miles away.
In they come, men, women, and children, and occasionally babies. There are adults right from "Dixie, " as the people say, who cannot read a word, and little black girls who can hardly see over the pew tops, who read "right smart. " The colors are about as various as the attainments. The greater part are mulattoes; but they vary from the pure African to the person disdainfully styled, " dat yer yarler boy. " Some of the children are very pretty. We were not long in discovering that the "schoolmarm " has been abroad in New Berne. Many read fluently, and above a hundred read and spell.
Seven waiters from one of the hotels march in every morning to recite, and stay until the ready watch indicates that they can stay no longer.
The past two weeks we have had a good as ant, and shall soon need others, unless other schools are opened.
We have several soldiers, one of whom lost an arm before Richmond. Another one, a Maryland boy, handsome, dignified, and earnest, it id always be a pleasure to teach. Saturday he had considerable spare time, so he came on Monday with seven well-prepared geography lessons for me to hear. His old master tried hard to prevent him from gaining any book-knowledge, but Albert was too quick for him. The master guessed what the chattel had been doing, and said, "I don't can how much you read if you don't learn to write. " Albert says he will show his old master what he can do if he ever sees him. A certain shopkeeper told me the other day, how the blacks frequently read his shop signs as they pass. Such a thing was never known before the war. He says the negroes are going right ahead of the whites.
The other day we allowed them to sing one of their old songs, — " Come Along Moses. " Every one of them was full of enthusiasm, as if he knew that their " Moses " had come, and led them out of the house of bondage.
In general appearance our school does not compare with Northern schools, of course. Habit makes them talk aloud; lack of elbow-room makes them impatient at times. Still the wonder is that they do so well under the circumstances.
A week ago a man came to me to open on evening-school, and I was led to do as he desired, his eloquence. He wouldn't listen to my objections.
I cannot hope to give you a just idea of the men who attend our evening-school. They earnest, hard-working loyalists. It is affecting to notice their loyalty. Such earnest endeavors as they put forth must show wonderful results. They want to know about arithmetic and writing, and ask us about business matters. They are determined to succeed. Aunt Temperance, a woman over fifty, puts on her spectacles and reads her
primer with great zeal. One of the members of our evening-school was telling us the other night how the man who came twenty miles to stop a person from teaching " darkies, " has, since the war, taken up the same branch of business, by which to gain a livelihood!Our labor is wearying, and we are often tired, governing two hundred people. Yet we are not ready to be called to what some might consider a " higher sphere of action. "
With all the weariness, and amid all the din and tumult, we recognize this as a glorions labor; and if we who are in the midst of the dust of toil can say this, who, viewing the work from afar off, shall pronounce it useless?
I came down here determined to see and judge for myself; and I find that I am more than willing to work for negroes.
The good work pays, or else no charity in the world pays. Respectfully yours,
OLIVER HOWARD.
New Berne, N. C, November, 1865.I have been teaching in the Wilde School, with Mr. Howard, during the past month. The school is very large, consisting of over a hundred scholars who have been to school heretofore, and a hundred who are studying the primer, —thirty of these not knowing their letters. There are many young women who are going to school for the first time, and we wish to spend more time with them, than with the little ones who are reading in the primer, and who wilt continue to have school advantages. I think the younger ones learn to read more readily than these young.
We cannot say that our school is well organized yet, for large numbers are coming in, almost daily, which serve to keep it in an unsettled condition. We are desired to retain all that come in, until other school-buildings can be procured for the accommodation of a part of them.
The scholars are very comfortably clothed, with but few exceptions. One or two little girls only have applied for clothing. We have sold very many books, and the greater part of the purchasers pay quite promptly for them.
Wednesday afternoons we devote to sewing and knitting, for the benefit of the female portion of the school, and to reading and declamation for the boys. Singing from all gives quite a zest to the work. I saw the need of a better knowledge of needlework, and have devoted two afternoons to giving them instruction in the same, having the approval of Mr. Pond. They bring their own work, which presents a great variety. A dress
waist to be fitted, a skirt to bo plaited, an apron to be cut, pieces of old calico to be hemmed for handkerchiefs, an old dress-skirt torn in two for aprons for two little sisters, who hem them very industriously, new calico for a sun-bonnet to be cut, patchwork, and a variety of knitting. Some little girls brought yarn and needles of straw which they used to learn on. The needles were but four or five inches long, and bore the test better than was expected.
Aunt Caroline brought her basket of patchwork; and while I sat by her she told me how she had been at work the past summer to accumulate, sufficient money, that she might afford to come to the free school when it opened. She has made and sold two quilts, taken in washing and ironing. and carefully laid by the money for use during the long winter, in which she hopes to accumulate something more lasting. She told me that she was able to read from the Bible last Sunday, for the first time in her life. By spelling each word, she was able to read, " Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. " Tears filled her eyes as she told me what a great blessing it was to her to be able to read the Bible alone.
Some one asked her, derisively, if she went to school, and she said, "Yes, I wouldn't lose my education for five hundred dollars. " She walks long distance to school, and knits on her way. Her son, fifteen years of age, comes to school reads in the "Second, " while she reads in the "First" Reader.
We find many cases of such untiring perseverance, and it gives us much pleasure to be able to help them.
Yours respectfully, '
MRS. C. G. HOWARD
New Berne, Oct. 16, 1865.
We were not able to commence our schools to-dav, owing to the difficulty in procuring buildings for teachers' homes and schoolhouses. I have been assigned to a school been assigned to a school near Fort Totten, formerly kept by Miss Condon. The school is kept in a meeting-house, built by the negroes themselves. It is made of staves split out by hand, and is about as large as a moderate-size not as large as your office in Boston. There are four small windows, with shutters made of boxes which had contained hospital stores, with the directions still on them.There are rude pine benches for seats, for the pulpit, I have not attempted a description. There is no chimney, but a stove-pipe through the roof. There are rosettes of white ribbon and black crape placed at regular distances about on the walls, which I believe were put there when "Massa Linkum" died. I found the door unlocked, and the superintendent in possession of the premises, when I arrived. About a dozen children had assembled, and the number had doubled before noon. This superintendent was a very intelligent colored man, who was fully conscious of the dignity and responsibility of his position. He told me he wanted to do what he could for his race. Some of the mothers of the children came with them, and stood smiling and courtesying to me at the door, but would not accept my invitation to come in. As but few of the children could read, I repeated a few Bible verses myself, and let them repent after me. We then repeated the Lord's Prayer together. I was much pleased to see how reverent their manner was. Mr. Fletcher, the superintendent, then favored us with some remarks. "Now, chil'en, " laid, "ef ye don't min' de teacher, an' 1 hear of it, I'll correc' ye, jes 's I allers does, shore. An' we shall have lots of gemmen in here from Massachusetts ter see yer, and Massachusetts has done' a great deal for yer, and all on us. " He also warned them not to rub snuff and chew tobacco in the schoolhouse, which, of course, was a revelation to me. During the course of his remarks, the mothers at the door would shake their heads at their children, and raise their fingers, as much to say, "Thou art the man." One of them spoke up, and said, "D'ye hear dat, Job?"
I am much pleased with my school and scholars, though, of course, there are many bad habits to be corrected, which I have already discovered. I am going to have the grown people come in the afternoon for the last hour or two of the session, and dismiss the youngest ones when them come.
We teachers at the home take turn, a week at a time, housekeeping. This is my week, and I find it housekeeping under difficulties. Our stove will not b persuaded into baking well, our cook needs constant supervision, dishes are very scarce, and milk not to be had. We are liable to have strangers come here at any time, and they must also be provided for. Our closets are overrun with mice, though there is a very hungry cat on the premises. Fortunately, I am a pretty good cook, and know how to contrive. You would laugh to see how our food is stowed away. Old bottles are great treasures. Our butter firkin is an old pitcher. We have an immense black bottle for a vinegar cruet and a little individual salt-cellar. Our salt-spoon is wooden, and the bowl of it is nearly as large as the salt-cellar. The cellar was frequently lost behind the vinegar bottle and other large dishes, till we had the spoon; but we know where it is by that now. Before we had the spoon, we though of setting it on the vinegar cruet to keep it in sight. We have a piece of a sheet marked "Sanitary Commission," for a table-cloth. We have it washed and ironed between meals.
E. F. STEARNS
RICHMOND, Nov. 9, 1865.
Your "wisest and best" are entirely well. Don't be concerned about them. They have eaten out one caterer, and worked another almost sick. When their rooms don't suit them, they make them over. Carpentry and cabinet-work are among the fine arts they practise for recreation. By night and by day, they are diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, —what more can you ask?
C. THURSTON CHASE.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA., Nov. 3, 1865.
I am now comfortably ensconced in my new home, and when I get about my work think I shall be very happy. The clouds, which have been so densely gathering, and darkening down the horizon of my inner world, are fast breaking away, though one dark sheet still overspreads the outer sky, — preventing me from enjoying the scenery, which I know must be so charming.
The colored people have been exceedingly kind and attentive to me; ready to do anything for me that is in their power. They were very shy at first, but as soon as convinced that I was really a friend to them, and had come to help them, they flocked from every quarter to render assistance in furnishing my room, bringing chairs, tables, curtain, &c, making their interests one with mine immediately. One mulatto woman said, " I wanted to come to you at once, but did not dare, we have been so afraid of white people. " It is evident they felt their way very cautiously before giving me their confidence.
ANNA GARDNER.
PORTSMOUTH, Va., Oct. 31, 1865.
DEAR MR. LOGAN, — Perhaps a few lines from me may not be uninteresting to you, especially when they describe the character and condition of our people down here. I have been down here some time; which time has been most profitably spent in advancing the cause of our freed brethren. Those who work in the navy-yard at $1. 50 per day, having for many years been paying white men to have their wages raised, who failed in doing so, requested me to take the matter in hand, and see what I could do with it. I did so; and having written to "Washington, showing how these people had been cheated and robbed previous to and since the rebellion, and how exceedingly mean the Government itself had acted toward them, by refusing to give them such pay as white men get, orders came down at once from the Secretary of Navy to allow these freedmen (laborers) $2. 00 per day, which they are now getting.
Again, the colored caulkers —twenty in number—had all been discharged from the same yard, and the white caulkers kept. On my complaint at Washington, the colored workmen were taken back, where they are now employed at $3. 50 per day. All this could not be accomplished without much time and labor being spent, and I feel happy in announcing to you and others the results of my visit down here. I regret to say that our colored preachers, who belong North, do not know bow to handle society down here; they will not preach against the high-handed persecutions going on to stop our progress; they will say nothing that will make the former slaveholder think any the less of them. What we want here is a Garrison or a Demond; and we shall have to make them here. But let mo say that Rev. Mr. Hanson, who is stationed in Norfolk, has done ranch good, and is still doing more. He is not afraid to speak to our times. He is an exception.
Pardoned rebels are driving our people out of their homes, and committing all manner of depredations against us; nor can we get a word from the pulpit, except it is a "sermon" that no one among the freed can understand, and then a call for money, which these clergymen know is given very freely.
There seem to be no colored teachers down here, more than those who belong in the place, if I may except Mr. J. Wesley Cromwell, who is a. private-school teacher from Philadelphia, who was born here. He is a young man, very smart, and the only " live" one in the place. He will soon leave, as the Free Schools will take his pupils.
Our people are doing very well in a business point of view, as they have their little shops going, together with some large groceries, &c. &c. On many plantations hereabouts, slavery is all that it was ten years ago. The lash is going from morning till night.
Emigrants from all parts of the world are fast filling the rural districts here. I have searched until I have found one daughter, —one of three children (two girls and boy), who were sold from me, with their mother, sixteen years ago. She is very sick under the doctor's hands.
My dear friend, Mr. Logan, if I rejoice in the providence of God over one thing more than any other, it is that I have lit God's candle down here in Egypt, and, after stumbling about amidst the smoky ruins of slavery, I have succeeded at last in hunting up one of my long-lost children, and, although bruised by slavery, it seems to repay me for a life of toil; let us thank God for his goodness, and take courage.
How we should pity and work and pray for the many thousands whose children and parents are seeking each other with sorrowful hearts! I want the world to know that a colored Methodist minister stationed here, from New York has spoken stationed here, from New York, has spoken against the continuance of the schools for freed children, simply because there are some few whom
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he wishes to benefit by a paid school. It is shameful.His name is T. R. V. Thomas of the A. M. E. connection.
Yours truly,
GEORGE.
" Can we look for clothing to the Clothing Committee of the New-England Freedmen's Aid Society, or are we restricted only to the sub-societies by which we are adopted? We have had things come only in driblets, and it would be such a comfort to have a good, wholesome donation, so that when we ought to give a blanket or a shirt or a dress, we shall not be obliged to give a handkerchief, an apron, or a neck-tic, as hitherto. Do not think I am ungrateful for what we have received. But if we have a barrel-full now, and a box-full in six months, and from nine to twelve hundred applications, you can imagine our state of mind. Of course, all that apply are not needy; generally one-third can do very well without help. We try always to ascertain first if the applicant is really needy."
"We had little Ben —a boy of five years—with us all summer, and we petted him much, for he was a very bright child. He asked me, one day, if we were keeping all our kisses for the little white boys at home, and was perfectly happy when we kissed him. He said that perhaps, when he got to heaven, he should be white as we were. He went home, and returned after his father died, and I asked him if he had enough to eat. He hung his head, and said, in a modest way, " Ma does not have much."
We feel that we have not been idle, for we have administered to the wants of the people in many ways. The mortality upon the Island has been fearful, the prevailing fever attacking all the unacclimated; and we did not dare trust ourselves upon it after sunset. On the Bay, the air is perfectly healthy, and we felt no fear. It is considered unsafe to leave there before the first frost appears. We had a little stock of simple medicines, which we brought for our own use; but one after another would come to beg them, and we could not refuse. Happily we did not need them for ourselves. At times, we found it very difficult to get any thing to eat, living upon hominy, with neither butter, sugar, nor even molasses, and drinking tea without milk. Sometimes we could get chickens, but so poor that they consisted mostly of small bones. I have been so hungry, that I have eaten hard, dry biscuits with worms in them, and relished them too.
We teach in a building formerly used as a billiard-room, and average, in daily attendance, more than one hundred scholars. We have Primers and First Readers, sent us by Mr. Everett, and which he received from the Society. About half the scholars are in the alphabet, and the others are in Primers and Readers. They vary in size and age, from five years to a grown man with a wooden leg. We teach a little geography and arithmetic, orally. Our school hours are from nine to one, and. they sing at the opening and closing. The children are very dirty and ragged, and we have nothing to make them in a better condition. Our friends at home sent us some clothing, and we have disposed of all of it to the needy people who begged for it. We have always some dependents living upon us. Last week, a boy was sick in a room adjoining the kitchen, whom we fed until he died. And now we have an old man who has rheumatism in his feet, and is perfectly helpless. We supply him with fuel, clothing, and food. He has a very good appetite. Since we have been on this Island, we have had no less than six people living upon us, besides our servants, and they lived upon us, as a matter of course. It is very difficult to purchase provisions here, as the few stores are poorly stocked, and the blacks are themselves destitute. We depend, almost entirely, upon sending to our own. homes for what we need. There will be much suffering among the people this winter. Government stopped their rations early in September, when they were obliged to commence living upon their crops, which will soon be exhausted, as many came here too late to plant large ones. Near the Bay, they are self-supporting; but all about us, and on the upper part of the Island, they will suffer much. New ones are constantly arriving, who are destitute of every thing, having made contracts with the former land-owners on the "main" for the summer, and are now turned off, without any thing, and the contracts broken by the whites. The people are all much troubled with the fear of the return of their former masters, and Gen. Howard's visit has left them very sad. Fifteen thousand acres had been issued to them, in parcels of forty acres each, when the order was given to stop the allotment; and we all feel that the Government has broken faith with them. They make no reproaches upon it, but express themselves as " so torn in mind," and " so distressful," and say that they cannot trust the men who have treated them so cruelly as their old masters have. Many spent the night after Gen. Howard's visit here, in going from one plantation to another, holding meetings, and bewailing their fate. We attended the meeting in the church, and it made our hearts ache to see the mournful expression upon the faces of all. It is a grievous disappointment to them, and they say they would rather own a small piece of land, and work it for themselves, than serve for large wages under such hard task-masters as they used to have. Two of the former land-owners here accompanied Gen. Howard; and one of them—Mr. Whaley—addressed the people, and evinced much emotion. But we heard, afterwards, that he had been most cruel to them, — shooting them down on their refusing to follow him, when lie was forced to
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leave. He also burned his finest house here, rather than have it fall into the hands of the Yankees. One old man,—his former slave,— whom we know very well, refused to speak to him, and said to us "I talk no word with him." He was a spirited and rebellious slave, and has often given us accounts of his battles and punishments because he " would not take lick." They all express a determination never to make any contracts with, or work for, their former owners, and are so jealous of their interests, that, if a white man appears here, they guard him with their guns until they are sure he is a Yankee, and not in the interest of the " rebels." Some men came here, the other day, to trade goods for cotton; and, as all are obliged to report to the superintendent, they came up here for the purpose; but the blacks would not allow them to set foot upon the piazza until he appeared. Even then, they made such demonstrations, that the men went away without transacting any business with them. One man among them was a Charleston man,—which excited their anger. Mr. Tollis, superintendent of Wadmelow Island, just opposite Edisto, arrived here after nightfall, one day last week; and, until they were satisfied of his identity, they would not allow him to pass. He was followed by several, who inquired if he was a " United-States man."
TO BRANCH SOCIETIES.
THIS is the month of holidays, when every little heart beats light with the hope of the joys which Christmas and New Year will bring. To the slave, Christmas brought a brief interval of amusement, followed by the sad partings of New Year's, when the new contracts for hiring out were made. We hope you will make it again a time of glad remembrance to the children. Last year some of the teachers received Christmas-boxes, and lighted Christmas-trees for their pupils, which gave a great amount of pleasure. Every such influence helps to bind the bonds of fellowship, and to elevate and civilize the negro.
In West Roxbury, the Society sent to each of the public schools, asking the children to contribute toys, books, pictures, and clothing to send to the freedmen. One little Irish boy, very poor himself, came to a friend who had helped him in his poverty, asking for a few "little pictures, that he might have something to send to the freedmen; and placed them in his teacher's hand, with a look of proud satisfaction, to be added to the box. Will not that boy have a kindlier feeling to the negro all his life for that act of boyish generosity ?
WE have received a very handsome pamphlet from Miss Anna C. Lowell, containing the beautiful report of the Lincoln Freedmen's Aid Society of Robbery This active and generous auxiliary has done a large work during the year. Their treasurer's account shows that they have received $2,261.05 during the year, and have disbursed for —
Teacher' salaries . . . Working materials and shoes . . . Hospital at Hilton Head . . . Freedmen of Washington . . .
_________They are now supporting five teachers in the field, beside sending supplies very freely. We commend this report for the grace and beauty of its style, as well as for the admirable work which it records.
WE have also received the excellent report of the "Freedmen's Relief Society" of Worcester. Their treasurer states that they have expended, during the year, $3,333.86. Most of this has been spent for clothing distributed to the freedmen at various points. $496.55 have been paid to teachers, and a few small sums to other persons engaged in the work. We trust they will have as good a record to show for the coming year.
A MILESTONE OF PROGRESS.
WE have before referred to Mrs. Harriet Jacobs, whose autobiography is well known under the title of " Linda." For the last three years she has been working among the freedmen of Alexandria, having established a school there whose teachers have been supplied by this society. The people at Alexandria are now so far advanced towards education and self-support, that she feels justified in leaving them, that she may carry the blessings of her influence to those more in need. She has lately paid a visit to her early home in Edenton, N. C., where her years of slavery were passed. All was changed; only a few old people remembered " the chile who had been gone so long." But she looked up to her old prison-house, and thanked God for the deliverance vouchsafed her that she might lead her people, and felt that she would willingly bear seven years more of such misery, for such recompense. The son of her old master came to see her. He has lost all his property, and professes to
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have been all through the war a good Union man, and a great friend of the negro. He asks the influence of his former slave to procure him an office under the Freedmen's Bureau. We have seen a set of German pictures, called "The World Turned Upside Down. " We think this incident would add another scene to the series.
THE indefatigable and generous friend of the negro, Mrs. L. M. CHILD, has a work now in press devoted to the especial benefit of the freedmen. It is most appropriately dedicated to the noble hero of the steamboat "Planter, " Captain Robert Small. In a preface " To the Freedmen, " she says: "I have prepared this book expressly for you, with the hope that those of you who can read, will read it aloud to others, and that all of you will derive fresh strength and courage from this true record of what colored men have accomplished under great disadvantages. " Mrs. Child wishes to distribute the book to the freedmen at cost; and the profits from the sale at the North will be at once devoted to extending it still more among them.
It will be a very attractive book to others besides freedmen, and would make a most welcome Christmas gift to friends of the negro at the North. Many of the articles are written by Mrs. Child herself, but we have also admirable selections from other sources. The names of Lydia H. Signore, William Lloyd Garrison, Frances E. W. Harper, Harriet Jacobs, John G. Whittier, H. B. Stowe, and Charlotte L. Forten, among the list of authors, add their charm to the book.
We shall do our utmost to aid Mrs. Child in her excellent plan of circulating her own inspiring words among the freedmen.
CHRISTMAS POEM.
OUR friend, Mrs. Pillsbury, has kindly sent . us a copy of a poem addressed to Bessie Lehmann, the Secretary of the "Little Society. " Our friends may remember that last year Bessie preferred a fair for the freedmen to a Christmas-tree for herself. The pecuniary result was sufficient to support Mrs. Pillsbury's assistant, Miss Cooley, for a year. Mrs. Pillsbury has commemorated this event in a poem, which we regret to say is altogether too long for our pages. We extract the closing lines, supposed to be spoken by the holy Christ-child when present at the fair.
"Like music from celestial spheres -
Borne on enchanted air, Fell round her these strange precious words,
To mortal ears so rare. 'I am a-hungered and athirst.
On Carolina sands; You bring me bread and water cool,
With gentle childish hands ! Just free from chains and prison-house,
My vestments bear their stain; Thy falling tears will wash them white
With Pity's holy rain. I am a stranger, — wandering,
Despised, and unlearned; You build a house to take me in,
My feet are thither turned. For inasmuch as unto them
My outcast people free, You do these true and loving deeds,
You do them unto me. ' "
WE copy with pleasure, from Miss Lowell's report, this testimony to the value of the " Record: "
" The ' Freedmen's Record, ' published by the New-England Freedmen's Aid Society, and which has circulated amongst us, though not so widely as it should, has done much good in enlightening the public mind, with regard to the great work which is going on for the benefit of the freedmen, and the need of increased zeal in its behalf. It would be very desirable that the number of subscribers to the ' Freedmen's Record' should be increased. Nothing promotes the life and active efficiency of the branch societies so much as to keep themselves informed of, and interested in, the plans and success of the parent society; to feel themselves a part of that, —living members of one body.
AMERICAN FREEDMEN'S AID COMMISSION.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Nov. 16, 1866. CIRCULAR NO. 3.
THE attention of teachers and field agents of the Commission, and of other friends of the freed people to whom this circular may come, is called to the following memorandum:
Louis Waddy's wife, Hannah, who formerly belonged to Charles W. Gresham, living at the Glebe, near Carter's creek, Lancaster county, Virginia, quite near the mouth of the Rappahannock River.
Any person who can give any information in regard to the above-mentioned woman to her husband, Louis Waddy, care of Mr. George S. Whitney, Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York, will confer a very great favor. "
JACOB R. SHIPHERD, Sec'y.
LIST OF BRANCH SOCIETIES.
| Town. |
President. |
Secretary. |
||
| Boston (THE LITTLE SOCIETY) | ... | ... | Bessie Lehmann | |
| " (YOUNG LADIES) | ... | Miss Annette Rogers | ... | Miss Lillian Clarke |
| " (ARLINGTON-ST. CHURCH) | ... | Mrs. Henry Grew | ... | Mrs. E. W. Forbush |
| " (MAYHEW SOCIETY) | ... | Mrs. Charles G. Loring | ... | Miss Horatio Ware |
| " (INDIANA-STREET SOCIETY) | ... | John H. Stephenson | ... | Miss Tolman |
| " (OLD SOUTH CHURCH) | ... | Mrs.Blagden | ... | Miss Abby Walley |
| " (THEODORE-PARKER F.A.S.) | ... |
Mrs. Sarah B. Otis | ... |
Miss Sarah O. Babcock |
| "(DR. NEHEMIAH ADAMS'S) | ... | Mrs. Arthur Wilkinson |
... | Miss Gray. |
| " EAST | ... | Edward F. Porter | ... | E.M. McPherson |
| " SOUTH | ... | Rev. Frederic Hinckley | ... | Capt. H. W. Wilson |
| BEVERLY | ... | Mrs. Charlotte Eastman | ... | Miss Eliza B. Choate |
| BILLERICA | ... | Dr. Frank Bundy | ... | Miss Anne R. Faulkner |
| BRATTLEBORO', VT | ... | ... | Miss Anna S. Higginson | |
| WEST BROOKFIELD | ... | William B. Stone | ... | |
| BROOKLINE | ... | Edward S. Philbrick | ... | Miss Ellen M. Wellman |
| BARNSTABLE | ... | Mrs. Ladd | ... | |
| CAMBRIDGE | ... | Miss Maria Bowen | ... | Miss Sarah Ropes |
| EAST CAMBRIDGE | ... | Anson Hooker | ... | |
| CAMBRIDGEPORT | ... | J.M.S. Williams | ... | J. N. Barbour |
| CHELSEA | ... | Mrs. James. W. Yerrington | ... | Mrs. J. O. Hollis |
| CHICOPEE | ... | Mrs. John Wells | ... | Miss Sarah Stackpole |
| CLARKSON | ... | ... | H. G. Frothingham | |
| CONCORD | ... | Hon. George M. Brooks | ... | John Brown |
| DANVERS | ... | Augustus Mudge | ... | John S. Laroyd |
| S. DANVERS | ... | Mrs. D. C. Perkins | ... | Mrs. H. F. Osborne |
| DORCHESTER (BARNARD F. AID SOCIETY) | ... | Daniel Denny | ... | Mrs. William Pope |
| DORCHESTER & MILTON LOWER MILLS | ... | Henry L. Pierce | ... | Mrs. J.Y. Pettee |
| FRAMINGHAM | ... | ... | Mrs. C. Upham. | |
| FRAMINGHAM LADIES' SOCIETY | ... | Mrs. Sarah W. Boutelle | ... | Mrs. S. A. Norcross |
| FLORENCE | ... | S.L. Hill | ... | Geo. T. Cutter |
| FITCHBURG | ... | J.M. Steele | ... | E. Foster Bailey |
| FITCHBURG LADIES' SOCIETY | ... | Mrs. Sarah W. Boutelle | ... | Mrs. S. A. Norcross. |
| GLOUCESTER | ... | Miss H. E. Davidson, M.D. | ... | W.C. High |
| GRAFTON | ... | S.J. Axtel | ... | Mrs. M. H. Jewett |
| GROTON | ... | Col. Daniel Needham | ... | |
| HAVERHILL | ... | Mrs. W. H. Hewes | ... | Mrs. A. W. Avery |
| HARTFORD | ... | Prof. C. E. Stowe | ... | Mrs. L. B. Lincoln |
| HINGHAM | ... | Rev. Joshua Young | ... | M. B. Day |
| HOLLIS, N.H. | ... | Mrs. T. G. Worcester | ... | Jerome Wilmarth |
| HOPEDAL | ... | E. D. Draper | ... | Frederick Frothingham |
| JOHN-WOOLMAN SOCIETY | ... | ... | Rev. A. J. Church | |
| LAWRENCE | ... | Rev. George Packard, D.D. | ... | Rev. A. J. Church |
| LEOMINSTER | ... | Samuel H. Virgin | ... | John B. Greene |
| LEICESTER | ... | Samuel May, jun. | ... | A. H. Cooledge |
| LOVEJOY SOCIETY | ... | ... | Frederick Frothingham | |
| LUNENBURG | ... | W. A. Mandell | ... | N. F. Cunningham |
| MALDEN | ... | J. W. F. Barnes | ... | Rev. Mr. Reed |
| MATTAPAN | ... | Mrs. George Hollingsworth | ... | Miss C. E. Cook |
| MILFORD, N.H. | ... | David Heald | ... | Miss E. A. Livermore |
| MONTPELIER, VT | ... | ... | Mrs. A. R. Reed | |
| NEWTON LOWER FALLS | ... | ... | Mary A. Murdock | |
| WEST NEWTON | ... | Mrs. J. A. Newell | ... | Mrs. Edward Hinckley |
| NEW BEDFORD | ... | Mrs. Loum Snow | ... | Mrs. John Hastings |
| NORTHAMPTON | ... | James C. Ward | ... | Miss Mary A. Cochran |
| NORTON | ... | Mrs. E. B. Wheaton | ... | Miss M. E. Peabody |
| PLYMOUTH | ... | Rev. Edward H. Hall | ... | Miss Mary E. Kendall |
| PLYMOUTH, N. H. | ... | ... | Miss Mary E. M. McQuesten | |
| PORTLAND | ... | W. W. Thomas | ... | M. A. Blanchard |
| PORTSMOUTH | ... | Mrs. A. W. Haven | ... | Miss Isabella Morgan. |
| ROXBURY | ... | Mrs. L. C. Bowles | ... | Miss Anna C. Lowell |
| W. ROXBURY | ... | Mrs. Charles W. Dabney | ... | Miss Emily Greene |
| RUMNEY, N.H. | ... | Miss Kate Merrill | ... | Mrs. A. M. Ruggles |
| SALEM | ... | Prof. Alpheus Crosby | ... | Thomas H. Johnson |
| SOMERVILLE | ... | Cutler Downer | ... | F. H. Raymond |
| SOUTHAMPTON | ... | N. B. Fellows | ... | Edson Hannum |
| SPRINGFIELD | ... | Mrs. E. Farrar | ... | Mrs. E. B. Hooker |
| TAUNTON | ... | Mrs. E. H. Reed | ... | Mrs. Robert Carver |
| WALLTHAM | ... | James C. Parsons | ... | |
| WESTORO' | ... | T. A. Smith | ... | H. L. Peters |
| WINCHENDON | ... | Mrs. Oliver Adams | ... | Mrs. C. P. Fairbanks |
| WOBURN | ... | Miss A. G. Carter | ... | Mrs. S. R. Pippy. |
Branch Societies are requested to send notice of any error in the above list, and of all changes that may take place by new elections or otherwise.
LIST OF TEACHERS NOW IN SERVICE.
Name of Teacher |
Station. |
Home. |
Adopted by. |
|||
| Joseph W. Browne | ... | Baltimore | ... | Springfield | ... | |
| Helen A. Learned | ... | " | ... | Watertown | ... | Watertown |
| Henry T. Hartwell | ... | " | ... | South Walpole | ... | |
| August I. Moulton | ... | " |
... | Groton | ... | |
| Mrs. Aug. I. Moulton | ... | " | ... | " | ... | |
| Rebecca Primus | ... | " | ... | Hartford | ... | |
| Mary E. Perry | ... | Cambridge | ... | Boston | ... | |
| Henry L. Reed | ... | " |
... | North Easton | .... | |
| Julia A. Smith | ... | Fountain | ... | Charleston | ... | Charleston |
| Charles Virgil Smith | ... | Annapolis | ... | Boston | ... | |
| Thomas E. Younger | ... | Chestertown | ... | Boston | ... | Roxbury |
| Harrison T. Fletcher | ... | Cumberland | ... | Harvard | ... | Groton |
| Mary S. Osborne | ... | Church Creek | ... | Scituate | ... | Beverly |
| Jane E. Clarke | ... | Sandy Spring | ... | Boston | ... | Misses Newman |
| David E. Whitton | ... | ... | ... | Wolfboro' | ... | |
| Stillman A. Tucker | ... | ... | ... | Milton | ... | |
VIRGINIA. |
||||||
| Sarah Clark | ... | Norfolk | ... | Dorchester | ... | Barnard F.A.S. Dorchester |
| Harriet R. Smith | ... | " | ... | Brooklyn | ... | |
| Mary C. Axtell | ... | " |
... | Grafton | ... | Grafton |
| Mrs. Smith | ... | " | ... | Brooklyn | ... | Worcester |
| Franes E. Ellis | ... | " | ... | Boston | ... | Dr. Nehemiah Adams's Society |
| Bessie L. Canedy | ... | Richmond | ... | Fall River | ... | Sodiers' Memorial Society. |
| Angelina Ball | ... | " | ... | Concord | ... | Haverhill |
| Elizabeth R. Ball | ... | " | ... | " | ... | Billerica |
| Sarah E. Foster | ... | " | ... | Somerville | ... | Somerville |
| Peter H. Woolfolk | ... | " | ... | Richmond, VA. | ... | Arlington-street Church |
| Martha H. Chace | ... | " | ... | Providence | ... | Plymouth |
| Mary E. Clark | ... | " | ... | Parma, N.Y. | ... | Roxbury |
| Andrew Washburn | ... | " | ... | Watertown | ... | |
| H. T. Aborn | ... | Alexandria | ... | Boston | ... | |
| S. Virginia Lawton | ... | " | ... | Cambridge | ... | Barmard F.A.S., Dorchester. |
| E. Mariana Lawton | ... | " | ... | " | ... | Leicester. |
| Edwin P. Frost | ... | Gordonsville | ... | N. Charlestown, N.H. | ||
| Mrs. C. W. Frost | ... | " | ... | " | ||
| Mrs. N. Wardner | ... | " | ... | Ohio | ... | |
| Anna Gardner | ... | Charlottesville | ... | Nantucket | ... | Hingham |
| R.A. Musgrove | ... | " | ... | Charlottesville | ... | |
| Sarah G. Brown | ... | Townfield | ... | Barre | ... | Mattapan |
| Maria R. Mann | ... | Harper's Ferry | ... | Concord | ... | |
| George Powell | ... | Louisa Court | ... | Louisa Court-house | ||
| NORTH CAROLINA. |
||||||
| Oliver Howard | .... | Newbern | ... | South Easton | .... | |
| Climena Howard | .... | " | ... | " | ... | |
| Caroline F. Thompson | .... | " | ... | Southboro | ... | Roxbury |
| Ellen F. Stearns | .... | " | ... | Bedford | ... | Fitchburg |
| Anne P. Merriam | ... | " | ... | Worcester | ... | Brookline |
| Harrison Leland | ... | Raleigh | ... | Neponset | ... | Springfield |
| Eunice B. Leland | ... | " | ... | " | ... | Framingham |
| Francelia Smith | ... | " | ... | Sturbridge, Mass | ... | Brattleboro' |
| S. Frances Hancock | ... | " | ... | Foxboro' |
... | Woburn |
| Anna F. Clarke | ... | " | ... | Winchendon | ... | Winchendon |
| Ella Bates | ... | " |
... | Scituate | ... | Dorchester and Milton L. Mills. |
| Lydia B. Chace | ... | " | ... | Providence | ... | |
| Mary R. Kimball | ... | Roanoke Island | ... | Salem | ... | Salem |
| Mary Horton | ... | " | ... | " | ... | " |
| Caroline E. Croome | ... | Clumford Creek | ... | West Newton | ... | |
| Samuel P. Fowler | ... | Lomstpm | ... | Danvers | ... | Danvers |
| Mary A. Hosley | ... | " | ... | Chesterfield, N.H. | ... | |
| Harriet F. Stone | ... | " |
... | Milford | ... | Milford |
| Sarah E. Keyes | ... | " | ... | Westford | ... | Westford |
As will be seen in another column, our Association has appointed Mr. J. H. Chapin to be its Corresponding Secretary and General Agent. He has labored very successfully as an organizer of the Sanitary movement, in California, and we look forward to a large increase, under his auspices, of the efficiency of our Society.
We print below an extract from a lately published report of the American; Missionary Association, showing the alarming destitution, now almost universal, among the Freedmen: —
The restoration of abandoned and confiscated lands is fast rendering houseless and homeless and helpless thousands of these families. In one district in Virginia, the present superintendent says that probably fifteen thousand of these people will be turned away from their homes, and left with no means of support. On one plantation or farm called Acretown, because each family, had one acre assigned it, were three hundred families, many of them wives and children or widows and orphans of colored soldiers. This farm is ordered to be cleared.
In another district of Virginia, it is estimated, by those best qualified to know, that not less than twenty thousand persons will be thus made homeless; and the superintendent of schools in that State, under the Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau, says, that in Eastern Virginia, at a low estimate, the number who are thus being ejected from the farms, which are being repossessed by late rebel owners, cannot be less than seventy thousand, and that the great majority of them will be left not only utterly homeless, but without any possible means of support, just at the beginning of winter. Disease and death have already commenced their work, and we dare not trust ourselves to state the number of those who, it is estimated, must perish before the opening of the spring, unless the kindness of government or an abounding charity bring swift relief.
REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO TEACHERS.
1. All applications must be made in person at this Office, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
2 Transportation is furnished from Boston to the place of employment.
3. The salary of female Teachers is, usually, for the first year $20 per month, besides shelter and ration; of male Teachers $30 per month, besides shelter and ration.
4. Salary begins on leaving New York.
5. One month's salary in advance, if desired.
6. The Teacher will draw salary from the Treasurer of the Society.
NEW-ENGLAND FREEDMEN'S AID SOCIETY,
8, Studio Building.
Organized in Boston, Feb. 7, 1862.
OFFICERS.
President, His Excellency JOHN A. ANDREW
Vice-Presidents.
| REV. JACOB. M. MANNING. | REV. R.C. WATERSTON. |
| REV. EDWARD E. HALE. | EDWARD ATKINSON |
| REV. J.F. CLARKE, D.D. | DR. LE BARON RUSSELL |
| HON. JACOB SLEEPER | WM. LLOYD GARRISON. |
| DR. ROBERT W. HOOPER | REV. H. M. DEXTER. |
| PROF. WILLIAM B. ROGERS | REV. E.S. GANNETT, D.D. |
| REV. WM. HAGUE, D.D. | HON. THOMAS RUSSELL. |
| REV. A. L. STONE, D.D. | EDWARD S. PHILBRICK. |
| EDWARD L. PIERCE. | REV. GEO. H. HEPWORTH. |
Treasurer.
WILLIAM ENDICOTT, Jun., No. 33 Summer Street.
Recording Secretary.
JAMES B.THAYER, No. 4 Court Street.
Corresponding Secretary and General Agent.
J . H. CHAPIN, 8 Studio Building.
Committee on Teachers |
|
| REV. JOHN PARKMAN . . . | 8 Park Squrae. |
| LORING LOTHROP . . . | 43 Pinckney Street. |
| MISS H.E. STEVENSON . . . | 8 Studio Building, Sec'y. |
| MRS. EDNAH D. CHENEY. . . | Jamaica Plain |
| REV. W. HAGUE, D.D. . . . | Somerville. |
| MRS. J.A. LANE . . . | 623 Tremont Street. |
| REV. W. HAGUE, D.D. . . . | 42 Charles Street. |
| MISS M. J. ELLIS . . . | Roxbury. |
Committee on Clothing and Supplies. |
|
| J.A. LANE . . . . | No. 43 Franklin Street. |
| MRS. SAMUEL CABOT . . . | No. 11 Park Square. |
| MRS. WILLIAM B. ROGERS . . . | No. 1 Temple Place. |
| GEO. ATKINSON , , , | 60 State Street. |
| MRS. A.L. MERRILL . . . | 154 Newton Street. |
| FRED. W.G. MAY . . . | 2 Broad Street. |
| L. P. ROWLAND, JR., . . . | 5 Tremont Temple. |
Committee on Correspondence. |
|
| DR. H. I. BOWDITCH . . . | No. 113 Boylston Street. |
| FRANCIS J. CHILD . . . | Cambridge. |
| DR. SAMUEL CABOT . . . | No. 11 Park Square. |
| CHARLES A. CUMMINGS | 9 Studio Building. |
Committee on Finance. |
|
| MARTIN BRIMMER . . . | No. 48 Beacon Street. |
| MRS. GEORGE R. RUSSELL . . | No. 1 Louisburg Square. |
| CHARLES R. CODMAN . . . | No. 7 Park Square. |
| E.W. KINSLEY . . . | 37 Franklin Street. |
| CADWALLADER CURRY . . . | No. 55 Milk Street. |
| EDWARD CUNNINGHAM . . . | Milton |
Executive Committee |
|
| REV. JOHN PARKMAN . . . | 8 Park Square. |
| PROF. F.J. CHILD | Cambridge. |
| WILLIAM ENDICOTT, JUN. . . . | No. 33 Summer Street. |
| EDWARD W. HOOPER . . . | Brookline. |
| EDNAH D. CHENEY . . . | 8 Studio Building. |