Freedmen's Bureau Records: Roswell Waldo to John A. McDonnell, November 20, 1868
Summary:
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.
Bureau R.F. and A.L.
4th Division 9th Sub Dist. Va
Capt. J. A. McDonnell
Sub Asst Comr
Nov. 20/68
Staunton
The colored people of Laurel Hill [added: Augusta Co.] are in need of a teacher for a school [added: which] they are ready to open. They have a comfortable log school house, for the Erection of which this Bureau appropriated $40.00. On account of the poverty of the colored people in that vicinity they could pay the board only of a teacher. On account of hostility of the white population toward colored schools, the people would prefer a colored teacher, as he or she could then board in a colored family.
Can the Bureau or Am. Missionary Association send a teacher to this school? There will be about 25 or 30 scholars.
Schools in other localities could be opened this winter if teachers of any sort could be procured & their wages paid from any other source than by the freedpeople.
Very Respectfully
Roswell Waldo A.S.A.C.
