Mary Watson to Rev. Edward P. Smith, Apr. 30, 1869
- Title
- Mary Watson to Rev. Edward P. Smith, Apr. 30, 1869
- Date
- 04-30-1869
- Creator
-
Mary Watson
- Recipient
- Rev. Edward P. Smith
- Description
- Darlington teacher Mary Watson reports that the school needs proper school furniture to the replace the temporary furniture they are making do with. The children are preparing to hold a fair in May. Watson writes that the school has excited some jealousy among local whites, who are surprised by the proficiency of the instruction and the students. Watson believes the school is revealing the deficiencies in the home-schooling of the local whites. A prominent white family has donated books and maps to the school. The students are enthusiastic about their "Lincoln Temperance Society." The Sabbath school is doing well.
- Related Financial Supporters
- American Missionary Association
- Transcript
-
AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
Central Office, 53 John Street, N.Y.
Mission Home, Darlington Apr. 30, 1869
Rev. E. P. Smith
Dear Sir
Of late my letters have been few, but my heart and hands, have been deeply and busily engaged in the work.
The time that has not strictly been devoted to school duties I have employed in exertions for the completion of our school house before the close of the term.
The effects of the pressure in financial affairs has been realized quite seriously here; as elsewhere and has had its influence in retarding our onward march.
What we lack now is school furniture we have some temporary, but not at all convenient: the children are preparing to hold a fair in May in that purpose. When completed we will have the finest school-building in H. and it excites not a little jealousy among the whites, many of them have visited the school more from curiosity than true interest. They seem surprised at the proficiency in lessons regularity, and behaviour as they well know their deficiencies in home-training.
A white minister ventured in one day and before leaving made some very appropriate remarks to the scholars.
One of the first families here, however seem to be an exception, they pay us frequent visits and express a desire to aid in the elevation of the race, they have contributed a number of valuable books to our Library.
Our scholars have just purchased a set of Outline Maps the proceeds of an examination, and exhibition, we had last month which gave much satisfaction.
We have an interesting debating-society among the adults: and the children have a flourishing ‘Lincoln Temperance Society’: which they take delight in.
The sabbath-school is very pleasant and profitable the Testaments we received through your kindness were much needed and highly prized, many a “God bless you child,” has saluted my ears from the old folks. By Divine aid we are advancing step, by step, slowly but I trust surely.
Respectfully
M. E. Watson
