The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-04-27
schools In Amelia ana Powhatan.
AMELIA COUNTY, April Oath, 1871.

AmELlA CoUNTf, april Z4th, 1871.
To the Editor of tho State Journal:
A pleasant ride from Richmond with
varied scenery, composed of the woodlands
and wheat-felds in their nantes of green,
contrasted with the barren fields of sedge-
grass, gave US quick passage to Cbula de-
pot, distant three miles from this place.
over wretchedly constructed road. We
arrived at the Freedmens school, located
adjacent the farm Of Martin Prentiss, who
moved from New York to make perma-
nent home here. We found sixty-four
pupils in neatly constructed log house
under the instruction of Miss Marion w.
Mclaughlin, of Maine. This school
was opened in March, 1870, under col.
ored teacher, for five months, then
after two months vacation it was reopened
under the present excellent instructress,
having been supported by "The Friends
Freedmen Association of New York." with
what the freedmen paid for board of the
teacher, till February LIST, when it was
transferred to the partial support of the
Public Free School System" cooperating
with the association to make it emphati-
cally "free school," When the school
first opened there were but few pupils who
knew all of the alphabet. To show the
rapid improvement in learning, we fiud
before US to-day, seven pupils in the Ma
tional Fourth Reader, seventeen in Third
Reader, twenty in the Second aud a fine
class in the First Reader-the balance of
the school in7the Primer. These classes
read with ease and elegance truly COM
mendable; thirty-seven of these pupils
are studying arithmetic and geography.
We feel compelled to note this as an inn
provement in the right direction, to see
rays of light and knowledge glowing in
those minds where darkness has ever
gloomed.
While this work in our State is but in
its infancy, we must admit its necessity,
and that it is fraught with excellent re-
suits. The discipline and instruction of
this school are worthy of imitation. We
propose to discourse to the parents to.
night upon the necessity of "public free
school instruction" and their duties in con-
nection with it; and tomorrow pass on to
inspect the school at Powhatan courthouse
of which we will report.
PowHATAN G. H., April 25th.
With the motive-power of likely mule
attached to time-worn vehicle, we were
brought to this place. The cool morning
cir, with the merry songs of the birds,
and the vegetable kingdom around us
springing into life and beauty, all con-
spired to render our ride delightful. We
find before us fifty pupils, with Richard
Foster (colored) teacher This school was
opened last August, under the above
named association, and was supported by |
it till January lst, when it was made a
public free school. The scholars appeared |
much interested in their work, and gave
evidence of good advancement. Several
classes in geography and arithmetic had
made good progress.
When we consider that this is the first and
only school they have had, Except short
term soon after the evacuation Of doubtful
merritt we must award great praise to them
for their energy, zeal and sncc IS.
The fact is already established that it is
perfectly practicable and absolutely neces-
sary to educate the colored population of
our State and the South.
The farmers in this section are made
glad with the prospect of a fine crop of
fruit and wheat. They are very busy in
planting just now. PHILAM.