Tukey writes to say that he has recently taken up his post in Staunton, and will not be able to go the Mission House in Portsmouth. He remarks that at least four teachers will be needed in Staunton, and he gives the name of two he would recommend.

Tukey asks how to get in touch with W. H. Woodbury, and what travel arrangements exist for teachers.

How describes the school situation in his Sub-District, finding 366 black children under the age of 14 in Staunton, as well as adults who are also interested in receiving an education.

Tukey writes on behalf of two teachers, a Miss McLeane and a Mrs. Dunn, and pleads for the Bureau to not overlook the Shenandoah Valley where there has been no schooling at all (presumably for newly freed slaves).

How authorizes Tukey to use a room in the Court house in Staunton as a school.

Hunt informs Manly that the American Missionary Association will be sending the two teachers requested by Frederick Tukey to Staunton, via Richmond. He also alludes to difficulties the organization is facing, but does not elaborate.

Tukey lists the books and supplies he would like to have sent for the Freedmen's schools in Staunton.

How asks that the black community in Staunton be allowed to continue using a room in the Court House for their school. How cites the previous usage of the space, and declares that the School is a much more important enterprise "fraught with untold benefits to loyal freedmen."

Hunt introduces two teachers who are en route to take up posts in Staunton.

How writes to Brown before what appears to be his resignation from the Bureau. How proposes a reorganization of the Sixth District due to conflicts with General Terry, the Military Commissioner for the Valley. He suggests that two counties be placed under the jurisdiction of West Virginia, where much more progress has been made in terms of laws protecting the rights of free blacks, and further splitting the district into two parts, one of which would be commanded from Staunton. His letter constantly alludes to conflicts and misunderstandings between the Bureau and the Military Commissioners.

Cook inquires as to whether the black community in Staunton may expect assistance from the Bureau to build a school building. Cook writes that without help, the building will be poorly constructed and would be an "embarrassment" to the community.

Manly asks Cook for details about the state of schools in Staunton.

Brackett reports on the schools in his district, which encompasses the Shenandoah Valley. According to Brackett, Staunton has the most black students in the Valley, and Waynesboro still needs a place to hold classes.

Manly seeks clarification from the Staunton teachers about their attendance statistics for November 1866.

Piper clarifies an apparent mistake about the number of students at his school in Staunton. The name of the school is not given in the letter.

Brackett responds to the news that Frederick Tukey is resuming his post as Bureau Agent in Staunton, replacing George Cook. Brackett is opposed to the change in personnel, citing Cook's service to the schools and Tukey's questionable attitude towards them. The Bureau wrapper contains comment from Schofield stating that Brackett must make more specific accusations.

Manly forwards to Brackett General Brown's demand for more specific accusations against Frederick Tukey in Staunton, if any are to be made. Manly chastizes Brackett, calling him an outsider, and pointing out that the Bureau has been acquainted with the parties involved much longer than Brackett himself has.

Brackett reports on the schools in the Shenandoah Valley. He notes that evening school attendance in Staunton has dropped slightly.

Brackett reports on the schools in his district, including Staunton and the rest of the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley.

Brackett reports on the schools in the Shenandoah Valley, but does not mention those in Augusta County specifically.

Dunn contests her dismissal as teacher in Staunton and her transfer to North Carolina by N.C. Brackett, the Superintendent of Schools for the Shenandoah Valley. She claims that her dismissal is the direct result of evidence she gave in the case related to the conduct of Frederick Tukey (her brother-in-law) and George Cook, both Bureau Agents in Staunton. The students and parents of her school would later sign a petition for her reinstatement.

Peck, the Overseer of the Poor, submits a list of poor whites needing assistance, and makes a comment about the number of freedmen attending schools in Staunton.

Brackett reports that four schools are operating in Staunton under the auspices of the Bureau.

Manly asks for details about potential school room accommodations in Staunton. He also refers to the pending construction of a church in Staunton that the Bureau wishes to have space in for school use, if they are to provide funding. This question will later provoke conflict in the community.

McDonnell asks for a detailed report on all school buildings in Jackson's Division.

Brackett relates the progress being made to build a church that will also serve as a school for freedmen, stating that it will not be finished without help from the Bureau.

Keys communicates how much money they need from the Bureau in order to build a school.

Jackson describes the school buildings available throughout Augusta County, including those in the process of being built.

Brackett asks for financial help from the Bureau to open schools in several locations, including Waynesboro.

Brackett discusses the need for a school in Waynesboro, and encloses a letter from R. M. Manly.

McDonnell summarizes the spaces available for schools throughout the Ninth District, enclosing a more detailed report from Augusta County.

Jackson's letter answers several questions related to the proposed use of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton as a school building for free children. Jackson encourages the Bureau to contribute to the construction of the church so that it may be finished in time to use as a school.

Jackson forwards a request for financial assistance for teachers and to build a school house.

Walford responds to Jackson's request about providing books for schools in Augusta County, and he refers Jackson to their representative in the county, Cyrus Fry.

McDonnell authorizes Jackson to spend $150 to repair a schoolhouse in Waynesboro.

This lease outlines the terms whereby the Bureau in Staunton will lease a building for use as a school house from George Bickle.

Terry, in McDonnell's absence, asks Jackson to submit paperwork related to the renting of space for schoolrooms.

McDonnell authorizes Jackson to spend $300 on repairs for a school in Staunton, and explains to him how to process the payment vouchers.

Jackson writes to Brackett seeking reassurance that his society will help to support teachers in the Shenandoah Valley during the coming summer.

McDonnell instructs Jackson regarding the lease of a building for use as a school.

Jackson forwards criminal and school reports to McDonnell, referencing a case against a man named Hill that was settled unfavorably.

Whittesley forwards transportation orders for teachers throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

This letter to Harland concerns the construction of the church and school building in Waynesboro and how to fund its construction.

Jackson requests transportation home for the visiting teachers in Staunton. All live either in Maine or Vermont.

McDonnell informs Jackson about the termination of a lease for a school for whites in Staunton.

Mallery forwards transportation orders for Brackett and three teachers through Jackson in Staunton.

Jackson acknowledges the receipt of transportation orders for teachers in his Division, although the teachers are not named.

McDonnell sends Jackson's school report back to him a second time for correction, because Jackson once again failed to include data on the gender of those enrolled in schools.

Walford sends Jackson a bill for school books, explaining the Tract Society's policy about who should and should not have to pay for books.

Jackson tries to negotiate with the Methodist Episcopal Church regarding the use of their basement for a school.

McDonnell asks Jackson to forward any purchases made related to the school in Waynesboro for accounting in Richmond.

Manly asks Jackson about the situation regarding schools in Staunton for the coming year.

Shoveller, representing the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton, informs Jackson that they will not accept the Bureau's terms for using the church basement as a school.

Manly asks Jackson about school accommodations in Staunton, noting that if Jackson needs to, he can pay rent to churches to use their premises.

Lawson and the other Methodist Episcopal Church Trustees ask Brackett to use his influence to have John Scott reappointed as teacher.

Jackson informs Manly of the availability of a school room in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church and asks $100 for supplies. He also states the community's preference for a male teacher.

Manly, the Bureau's Superintendent of Education, informs Jackson of his options for acquiring a teacher in Staunton. He writes that the only option at the time appears to be to send a young woman to teach.

Manly tells Jackson that the only teacher he has available at the moment is a woman, and because the charitable societies have a shortage of teachers, it is unlikely that Jackson will find a male teacher for Staunton.

Jackson writes that, considering the desperate need for a school in Staunton, the community will gladly accept the female teacher N. C. Brackett has offered to send. Jackson requests a few days notice of her arrival so that he can find a place for her to board.

McDonnell announces that $100 has been authorized to purchase desks for a school in Staunton.

Manly informs Jackson that Mary Rowell is available to teach in Staunton. He writes about the limited resourses available for teacher support and that the local community will be expected to provide for her board.

Manly writes to Mary Rowell, informing her that she will be stationed as a teacher in Staunton, a place she will find to her liking.

Manly writes Kennedy that he has decided to send Mary Rowell to Staunton to serve as a teacher, since the teachers who were in Staunton the previous year have not returned. He also refers to Thomas Jackson as one of the Bureau's best agents.

Kennedy requests that Jackson assist one of their teachers in securing adequate housing and help her in the collection of funds.

Jackson writes to Manly about a conflict between the Bureau and its school with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton. Jackson alleges that Frederick Tukey, the Bureau's former agent in Staunton forged a letter and made unspecified claims about the current condition of schools there. Jackson refers to Tukey's tenure as the "old regime" and urges Manly not to appoint any teachers associated with Tukey, including his wife. The letter also discusses in some detail the conflict with the church about the allocation of space for a school room.

Kennedy writes that an "educated woman of color" has been appointed to teach in Staunton.

Jackson reports Miss Rowell's arrival as the new teacher, and immediately requests that she be sent a female companion, for Jackson fears the impropriety of her being unaccompanied, and has also struggled to find housing for her.

Jackson writes that they will be expecting an assistant teacher shortly, a black woman sent by the Freedman's Relief Association in New York.

Manly relays Thomas Jackson's request for an assistant teacher to Kennedy. The school in Staunton will have too many students for one teacher to handle.

Jackson asks for reimbursement for furniture purchased to supply the teachers' rooms. He was unable to find anyone willing to board them, so had to rent private rooms.

Jackson's letter to Manly states that John Scott will be coming to teach in Staunton, but that Miss Rowell refuses to serve as his assistant. Jackson asks Manly to provide new assignments for Miss Rowell and her assistant.

Crammond Kennedy informs R. M. Manly (the Superintendent of Education at the Bureau) when Staunton might expect the arrival of a school teacher. Kennedy also asks Manly to see that Thomas Jackson attends to matters relating to the present teacher in Staunton.

Manly informs Jackson that the Bureau will cover the balance of expenses for a school in Staunton above what he can obtain through tuition from the students and the Freedman's Union Commission in New York.

Jackson's letter alludes to a resolution in the matter between John Scott and Mary Rowell, and he references an "embarrassing" assumption about an engagement with Miss Rowell, but the meaning of the letter is unclear.

Brackett writes about the administration of a local school.

Brackett's letter refers to transportation orders to Staunton for three teachers, although they are not named in the letter.

McDonnell follows up on a lumber purchase intended for school desks in Staunton.

Brackett writes that he will be able to provide tuition and board for a girl named Martha Strange, at his school in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, apparently at the request of Thomas Jackson.

Kennedy writes to Jackson about the bill for certain supplies used by teachers supported by the Freedmans Union Commission. Kennedy notes their financial difficulties, and urges hard work and economy on the part of teachers.

Brackett asks for financial assistance from the Bureau.

Mary Rowell, the teacher in Staunton, informs Manly about a mistake in a book shipment, and asks that the correct books be sent to her as soon as possible.

Montgomery, the Justice of the Peace in Deerfield, writes on behalf of the local black school, which just opened. He writes that financial assistance is urgently necessary to keep the school open and to prevent the teacher from poverty, as the community is very poor and most students cannot afford the tuition.

Brackett asks if Jackson is interested in hiring a teacher in Waynesboro who is currently located at New Market.

Jackson asks for aid for a school in Deerfield, an isolated town in Augusta County.

Jackson asks for an appropriation from the District office to help complete a school house being built on land donated by a black man, John Reed, whose daughter is a teacher.

Brackett discusses a school tax law, although the specifics of his letter remain unclear.

In declining an offer of transfer to Southampton, Jackson launches into a personal political manifesto, expressing his views on the current political situation, the prospect of black suffrage, and the relations between whites and blacks. He writes, "I want the fullest equality for all men before the law but am opposed to attempting to mix oil and water, black and white in one homogenous social mass because it cannot be done." He also expresses his belief in the importance of widespread education for ensuring the stability of society.

Manly inquires if Jackson knows of a place where an elderly woman could start an independent freedmen's school with her own means.

Jackson asks for clarification from Manly's previous letter about the woman desiring to open a school in the area.

McDonnell announces that $40 has been authorized for the repair of a schoolhouse in Laurel Hill.

McDonnell communicates with Jordan regarding an appropriation request for the repair of a schoolhouse made while Jackson was agent.

Jordan asks the local teacher in Waynesboro to complete a report about schools for blacks in the area.

Jordan asks McDonnell for an appropriation of twenty dollars for the Waynesboro Freedmen's Schoolhouse, which McDonnell declines in the attached endorsement.

Responding to Jordan's request for a school report, Cithrow describes the situation in the area around Waynesboro. He writes that although he taught a Sabbath school for blacks, his resources were stretched too thin to keep it going. He also comments on the level of interest in setting up a proper school for blacks among the black and white communities in the area.

Manly asks Brackett about schools in the Shenandoah Valley in general, and his plans for the upcoming school year.

Manly recommends that Corliss (who is apparently interested in a teaching post) go to Staunton, which is currently without a teacher because the agency which supplied them last year is unable to do so again. Manly highly recommends Staunton as a pleasant place to live, and points to the relative prosperity of its African American community.

Corliss announces his intent to set off for Staunton, presumably to serve as a teacher. He asks Manly if he should expect opposition when he arrives.

Smith informs Manly that Corliss should not plan to teach at Staunton, as the post has already been filled by John Scott, a well-known former teacher there.

McDonnell expresses surprise that Waldo is requesting money for a school house in Waynesboro, because as McDonnell explains, $150 was already appropriated for that purpose while Jackson was the agent for Augusta County, and no more aid can be expended.

Miss E. James, a teacher in Harrisonburg, writes Waldo about her belongings, which had been shipped to the wrong place. She also writes that her school is doing well.

McDonnell asks Waldo to provide information about schools in Staunton for the coming winter, such as from where Waldo will hire teachers.

Waldo reports the condition of schools in Staunton and Waynesboro to McDonnell. In this report, he clarifies some of the conflicts over school room use in both towns. He finds it unfortunate that the community "would sooner prefer that their children should remain uneducated rather than 'defile' their church by its use for Educational purposes." Waldo also describes a sectarian conflict between the black Methodist and Baptist congregations in Waynesboro over the use of a building.

Waldo notifies a Miss E. James, a teacher in Harrisonburg, that he is sending her the articles she requested.

Waldo inquires as to whether the Methodist Church of Staunton has ever been used for school purposes.

Waldo requests that a teacher answer questions pertaining to a school for freedmen.

Waldo asks for information about the Methodist Church and its use as a school.

R. M. Manly asks Waldo to notify a Methodist congregation that while they can use their building for religious worship, the school that also uses the building must remain non-denominational.

Manly asks Waldo to inform the Methodist Church in Waynesboro that they promised to use their church as a school house for all children, regardless of religious denomination, and Bureau funding was given to them on that condition. Manly writes that the Bureau expects them to uphold their promise and keep the school open for all.

Waldo writes regarding the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the conflict between the Methodist and Baptist congregations in Waynesboro over the church's use as a non-denominational school.

Waldo wants to know if Martha Hanger is available and willing to teach at a new freedmen's school in Mt. Solon.

McDonnell discusses the terms by which a teacher will be hired in Waynesboro.

Waldo asks for a teacher to be sent to Laurel Hill, a community east of Staunton. He specifically asks for a black teacher, so that he or she will be able to board with a black family, citing white opposition to black schools.

Waldo informs Mr. Keys that teachers will be available for a newly proposed school. Keys has a choice of which teacher to accept.

Waldo wishes to know a few details about an upcoming school report.

McDonnell's letter to Waldo attempts to clarify an aspect of the reporting procedure for schools in Waldo's division.

Brackett inquires about the school for Freedmen in Waynesboro.

Scott asks how he may receive boxes of books from New York by government post now that the Bureau office in Staunton has closed down.

Scott, the local educational agent in Staunton after the closing of the Bureau, reports briefly on a few schools. He also notes that black leadership of their own schools is not in their own interests.

Smith refers to the unused transportation voucher of a Staunton teacher, a Miss Davison.

Scott alludes to the ongoing problems in Staunton with finding space for school rooms, noting that he and his school were "driven out" of the church they were using by the minister himself. Scott asks about the Peabody Fund and if they would be able to get money to build a school house on land already owned by the black community.

Manly asks for relief to help pay the rent on a school room in Staunton.

Manly authorizes a rent payment for a school building in Staunton.

Scott reports on the end of the school year in Staunton, and writes about the unlikely prospects that the black community will be able to afford to construct a school house due to lack of funds. Scott inquires about the prospect of receiving government assistance.

Manly write Scott about rent vouchers, and about raising money to build a house for two teachers in Staunton.

Mead, a teacher in Staunton, asks Manly for advice on where they should request funds to build an additional room on their school building, and to equip it with supplies. Mead reports an ever-growing number of students.

Manly authorizes the purchase of desks for Mead's school room and advises her on where to acquire other supplies.

Manly informs Mead how she will be reimbursed for rent and other school expenses.

Manly sends the payment vouchers for repairs to the school house in Staunton.

Manly writes that he needs more details about a prospective teacher in New Hope, in Augusta County, before he can pay her.

Manly reports that due to a shortage of funds, he will be able to provide limited to support to Boulding's school in Mt. Solon.

Manly writes that he cannot help Boulding.