Transcribed from microfilm at the Thomas Balch Library

by Betty L. Morefield

(The punctuation and spelling are as they appeared in the original document.)

(Roll 14, Page 285)

Bureau of R. F. and A. Lands Office of Asst Superintendent
                                  Leesburg, Va March 26 1867

Capt. Garrick Malloy, A. A. A Genl
                                                   Richmond Va
Captain,
                 In compliance with “Circular No 5 War Department Bureau of R F and A L Washington Febr 20th 1867” I have the honor to report that I have visited the colored schools of this county, four (4) in number – and was much pleased to observe the improvement which most of the pupils have made since I last visited them.
                 Three of these schools are taught by ladies whose hearts, as well as heads, are engaged in the discharge of their dutie. As a general thing the schools are well attended. I do not think myself competent to suggest any improvement to the present system of teaching. I think, however, that they lack the order which is generally found in district schools in the northern states, but as many of these schools are so crowded and the scholars are so irregular in their attendance I presume this deficit can not well be remedied.
                 Where schools should be established.
The colored people at the village of Middleburg and vicinity are very desirous to have a school. I am informed that forty or fifty (40 0r 50) pupils would attend. An old abandoned church in the village can be obtained for that purpose.
                 In the village of Aldie there are probably twenty or twenty five (20 or 25) pupils, that would attend, but no building can be obtained for that purpose.
                 In the village of Hamilton and vicinity it is thought that between twenty and thirty (20 or 30) pupils would attend a school if situated in that village.
                 In the village of Lovettsville and vicinity there are probably about the same number (20 or 30) pupils who would attend a school if established in this village. A house in a very dilapidated condition but if repaired could be used for the purpose.
                 The places above named, each most inviting, for the establishment of schools, but as this is one of the finest agricultural counties in the state, it is consequently quite thickly settled; and the colored population very evenly distributed over it. Hence a school established almost anywhere, would be very well attended – probably as many pupils as one teacher could attend to.
                 I have conferred with some of the most influential men residing at the places above mentioned, who were either officers in the rebel army, or in sympathy with the rebels, and they assured me that if a school is established, it will no way be molested.
                 As regards “Adult Freedmen” I know of no tutor or school but short of time and experience, which will meet their requirements under present circumstances.
                 I am Sir Very Respectfully
                                  Your Obt Servt
                                                   Sidney B. Smith
                                     Bvt Capt & Asst Supt