The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol.2, page 162, Jan. 1882, U. of Illinois Press

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The BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Papers want to establish our school on the Hampton plan. We have already bought and paid for a farm of loo acres. We have done this independent of state aid. The students begin the cultivation of the farm this season. Within the last few weeks I have rec'd enough money from the North with which to make the start on the farm. We expect to have up new buildings by the next school year. Knowing that you have always been an active friend to the colored people ~ write to ask you if you will not become one of the trustees of this school. We expect to have in all g trustees including the ~ State Commissioners who control the state appropriations. Most of the other trustees are to be selected from the North. Our school has the confidence of Gen. Armstrong and you can refer to him for any fact concerning it. The only excuse I have to offer for my boldness in writing you, is that I believe that you are the one to do us good and have written you accordingly. Yours Sincerely B. T. Washington ALS Oliver Otis Howard Papers MeB. From Moses Pierce] [Norwich, Conn., January ~ 88~] While it is very important to learn to read, write and cipher, it is equally important to learn to work, and to form the habit of industry. At great cost of life and treasure, your race have obtained freedom and the right of suffrage. Now what you need is knowledge and independence, which can only be obtained, each one for him or herself, by hard study and diligent labor. Never spend a penny for anything without full consideration of the necessity of doing it. Industry and economy lead to independence. Wealth does not always secure independence. The man with a saw-buck, who saws wood for a living, who owes no man anything, except love and good will, who lives and provides for those dependent on him with his daily earnings, is often more independent than many men with more money. Self reliance and self-respect are important for every man and woman to have not pride, but consciousness of the will and ability ~62