Freedmen's Bureau Records: William W. Montgomery to
Thomas P. Jackson, January 3, 1868
Summary:
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.
Captain Jackson
January 3rd 1868
Deerfield
Sir
The colored school that I have been talking to you about at Deerfield, commenced
last week, with 25 scholars, and their number would be greater, had they any
thing to pay with, or had they a hope that through your efficiency, funds would
be raised for their help, the school commenced on their [added: own] responsibility (hoping for aid) I can't think that
one half of those that are now scholars could pay now, any part of their
tuition. Mr Willgar as the teacher in charge of the school, charges $125 cents per month for a scholar he boarding himself, which
I think very reasonable for these times. Willgar is an Englishman by birth, he is a man of good education, reads well, writes
an excellent hand, strictly reliable, a member of a Christian Church, and I
would say he is the man as he has the confidence of the colored people of this
neighborhood. He is a poor man, makes his living be days work. I fear unless you
procure some funds, or assist, he will be the [unclear: loser], which
will be hard on his family, but I hope for better things, I understood you to
say that Wm H Willgar should come well recommended, and that you would like for
me to sign it in my official character, that I will do if you desire it at any
time, if you will send me a farm, or if you wish it, you can get the many
respectable men in this neighborhood to [unclear: sign] it
[page 2]
I
superintended a sabbath school last summer and they numbered 66 old and young,
all anxious to learn to read, I suppose the school
will be resumed next summer, I do hope that you will be prompt in attending to
this matter, so we may know what to depend on. They are poor and in want of help
and through me they ask you for help.
please let me hear from you soon
yours respectfully
Wm W Montgomery
