Mary Watson to Rev. Edward P. Smith, July 1, 1867
- Title
- Mary Watson to Rev. Edward P. Smith, July 1, 1867
- Date
- 07-01-1867
- Creator
-
Mary Watson
- Description
- Teacher Mary Watson writes to Rev. Edward P. Smith of the American Missionary Association regarding the capacity for learning among her students and a recent school fundraising fair.
- Related Financial Supporters
- American Missionary Association
- Transcript
-
Darlington Md. July 1st 1867
Rev. E. P. Smith
Dear Sir
My work this month has been very encouraging. The scholars improve rapidly, and are much interested in their […]. On the 20th we had an examination; the proceeds were for the benefit of the school. It passed off very creditably. A number of white Marylanders deigned their presence, who, in spite of past and present prejudices, expressed their surprise and satisfaction with the system in which our school was conducted, and the promptness of recitations, especially in arithmetic, which they thought they had never seen excelled by such small children[.] I was gratified to think they spoke particularly of this branch of study for by their manner I was assured they were among those who believe in the oft-repeated assertion of the incapacity of the Negro to acquire a knowledge of arithmetic.
So these little ones in their humble sphere made some converts besides causing their parents to thank God, and take courage that they had lived to see the dawn of better days.
Respectfully
M. E. Watson
