The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol.2, page 15, 20 Sept. 1867, U. of Illinois Press

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SEPTEMBER · 1867 which they made in reply was, that they had contracted for school houses for white children, to the amount of $4000, so that they were obliged to issue bonds, payable from the tax levy of 1868. ~ then proposed to get subscriptions from the freedmen. The Board favored this idea, and intimated that they would build at least two houses. I visited and talked to the freedmen at Camel's Creek and got a subscription of $75, towards their house; also at Tinkersville, & got $I IO; also Oakes Furnace or Brook's Hollow, & got $107. ~ now made an appointment to meet the Board, but they failed to meet me. I saw them individually, presented the matter anew, and at length met them officially, and offered Moo from the Bureau towards each of the three houses proposed, as well as the subscriptions named above, which they considered reliable. They at once objected to the plan of the Bureau; said each house would cost $1000; they had no money to build this year; they could hire or rent for the present; log houses were good enough; they must provide for the white children first; they could not provide for both at once, their taxes were now more than they could bear, they would provide two houses some other time- next year, perhaps—they would not issue any more bonds. ~ offered the $275 towards the house at Camel's Creek, which might be built for $500. They thought a log house might be put up for $275, & that was good enough. At Tinkersville, they thought, no house was needed. I explained to them the importance of having desks, and other arrangements convenient for a school, but to no purpose. I would say, that by private conversation I usually dispose individual members favorably; but when together, as soon as a single objection is raised, they all give way, yielding to the slightest opposition. I may also say, in general, these School Boards are mostly ignorant, coarse-minded men; and while they are disposed to keep the letter of the law, are not willing to be at the slightest inconvenience in this matter. However, it is still possible to get $300 or $500 from the Board yet; if houses could be put up in any way. A school is in operation at Tinkersville. The building used for a school cannot be made comfortable in winter, and is in no way suited to a school, though it is better than anything the School Boards have yet provided. The school at Brook's Hollow has been recently discontinued. The school at Camel's Creek is held is ~in] a little room, part of a log hut. At the two latter places, the freedmen are anxious, and sorrowful, for fear they will not get houses for their schools, as well as houses in IS