Handwritten letter by Daniel W. Knowles, 12 pages on three sets of adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, June 12, 1864. Letter describing a southern school at the outset of emancipation. In part: “The school where I am—the largest in the state—has now been christened the 'School of Liberty'...I have now in my own Session-room Two Hundred and Seventy pupils enrolled...Though I have, as yet, not taught two weeks, I can not, looking upon them as I do but regard them with all the love and affection which I ever placed upon my school. Perhaps some might ask, do I not always feel that I am teaching 'negroes'—'niggers.' I answer emphatically, No. I do not know any difference, between them and white children in my estimation of them. I find examples among them, of intellectual activity and brightness that is truly remarkable, if not surprising, seeing they have had no advantages whatever, hitherto. I witness, too, pupils slow to think—whose minds are dull. This is to be expected in such a school where all are received without regard to intellectual qualifications. Yet I can say this, for the 'negro,' against all the cavellings of his enemies that the blackest pupils are the smartest pupils, intellectually; the mulottoes being dull and slower of comprehension. And it is not my own fancy merely. It is the opinion of all who have had the means and opportunity of knowing, and teachers here, of longer experience, have learned to prefer the real 'negro' to the almost white mulatto. I have already learned to love many of my pupils with an attachment such as I have seldom placed upon scholars before. To see the smile that lights up their countenances as I enter the room or pass them in the street, to hear their cheerful ‘good morning’—to feel the warm grasp of their hands—to witness sometimes my desk literally covered with bouquets and flowers—the gifts of loving hearts—more than all, to see the expression of gratitude which fills their hearts for any aid or assistance rendered to them in their studies—to hear, too, the ‘Thank you, Teacher’ that escapes their lips from grateful hearts; these and a thousand things like them serve to call forth every tender emotion of my heart.” In fine condition, with toning and soiling to one panel of first page. RR Auction COA.
