June 20th, 1862.—The tannery, under Mr. James, is a complete success. Father sent to Gadsden County for a shoemaker, and three of the black boys are working under him, learning the trade; he has three sons and they are motherless. John, the eldest, is fourteen years old, but is very small for his age; David is twelve and Nathan is nine; they have never been to school in their lives and Father wants me to teach them two hours every morning. I have taught Frances right along, since Grandpa gave her to me but I do not know if I can “instill knowledge,” as Dr. Cleveland says, into such unpromising specimens. However, I will try.
Through Some Eventful Years
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