Ida S. Marshall to Rev. John W. Alvord, Aug. 9, 1870
- Title
- Ida S. Marshall to Rev. John W. Alvord, Aug. 9, 1870
- Date
- 08-09-1870
- Creator
-
Ida S. Marshall
- Recipient
- Rev. John W. Alvord
- Description
- Former Churchville teacher writes from Newport, R.I., to Freedmen's Bureau Education Superintendent John W. Alvord. Citing meager salary and exposure to harsh weather during her time in Maryland, Marshall desires a teaching position in another place, perhaps farther south, and asks for Alvord's assistance. She had written to D.C. education superintendent Van Derlip on July 18 on the same subject.
- School
- Churchville aka Asbury
- Source
- Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Courtesy of the U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, FamilySearch International, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Transcript
-
Newport Aug. 9th 1870,
Rev. J. W. Alvord,
Respected Sir.
During the four years that I have been associated with the Bureau as teacher. I have been stationed in the country in Maryland.
But the salary is so meagre, and the exposure and other disadvantages are such that I have decided to seek for a situation in some of the cities or counties of the lower states.
I have been, and will still continue under the New England Branch receiving my salary ($20. per month hitherto, and probably less henceforth), from the John. A. Andrew Society of Boston.
The decrease in salary if any, will be owing to the small number of members of the society.
As was the case with all of the teachers in Maryland, I was also associated with the Baltimore Association
Since the closing up of that society, I am of course, obliged to look to the Bureau for influence in obtaining such a situation as I desire.
With this object in view I now address you: asking you to please give me such assistance and advice as is in your power.
As the city authorities of Baltimore or other cities, or the people themselves of the lower states, or maybe even the Bureau will assist in paying the teacher’s salary, you will at once see the benefit which the N.E. Society as well as myself would derive from one of the above situations.
During Genl. Gregory’s connection with the Bureau, I received a recommendation from him. Also one from Mr. R. M. Janney, and very recently from Mr. Core of the Association.
I hardly knew what course to pursue, but trust this will meet your approval.
Please answer as soon as agreeable for the convenience of the N.E. Branch; and oblige most respectfully yours-
Ida Marshall.
36 Levin St. Newport. R.I.
Part of Ida S. Marshall to Rev. John W. Alvord, Aug. 9, 1870