| Roll Number | 9 |
|---|---|
| Date | 16 Feb 1870 |
| State | Maryland |
| County | Somerset |
| City/Town/Neighborhood | Dame's Qr. |
| Other Locations Mentioned | – |
| Authors | Isaiah W. Somers |
| Position | Teacher |
| Recipient | Mr. Jno Kimball |
| Other Names Mentioned | – |
| Message Abstract | States that he opened school on 4th inst. and has but six pupils; that only few of the people manifest any interest in the school, and that he is unwilling to remain, but would like to be sent to another place |
| Message Body | Dear Sir; There is not sufficient interest taken in the school by the people of Color to make it interesting I came here on the 4th instant have been here two weeks & have but six regular pupils, there are some of the folks are willing to do all in their power to encourage education whilst some others complain of not being able to warm the house, and pay the board, I have had to sit in the house with cold feet several days, the house is not fit to teach school in it being neither plastered nor ceiled and the place is a low flat marshy island, I have been teaching school for five months without pay and consequently am without money or good clothes, and I am not willing to teach school after this month unless better arrangements are made I have had the rheumatism ever since I have been here on account of getting my feet wet the day I came here, I had to walk from Princess Ann a distance of 15 miles often through water over shoe tops I have been teaching in Freedmens schools since the 17th of Sept 1868 and have never been paid for one half of the time my health is broken and I believe I shall have to stop teaching [[end page]] [[start page]] school for the present, if the folks took more interest in the school I could afford to labor under disadvantages, but under existing circumstances, I cannot feel free to do so, I never complain without occasion, but if a people every time you ask them to do their duty complain of inability to perform it when it is the reverse, viz. an unwillingness to do it is very discouraging under the existing circumstances I am not willing to stay here the mail runs to or from here only once a week hoping dear Sir you may answer this immediately I am with much respect |
| Pages | 1331 |
| Transcribers Notes | – |
If you are citing this record, please use the following format:
[Author (if known)], Freedmen's Bureau Correspondence on Schools, 1869-1870, 1870, Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.
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