| National Freedman's Relief Association |
| History of St. Johns County
Public Schools - National Freedman's Relief Association, in the City of New York February 22, 1862 The object of this assoication is, with the cooperation of the Federal Government, so far as attainable, the relief and improvement of the freedmen of the colored race; to teach them civilization and Christianity; to imbue them with notions of order, industry, economy, and self-reliance; and to elevate them in the scale of humanity, by inspiring them with self-respect. To attain that end, so far as it may be within the reach of this association, the following plan is adopted: I. They must be treated as Freemen. II. As such they must earn their livelihood, as we do, and not be dependent on charity. III. Their labor must be performed under a well-organized superintendence. IV. They will receive compensation for their labor, in the shape of daily wages, reserving thereout a sufficient percentage to defray the cost of superintendence. V. As soon as their labor shall be organized, they will be required to provide their own support. VI. In the meanwhile, and until their earnings shall provide the means of their support, they will be aided with food, clothing, and shelter, but such supplies shall be charged to them as advances, to be paid by the receiver, without interest. VII. They may erect tenements on the land, and occupy them, free of charge, but when they occupy tenements erected or supplied by the association, they shall pay rent. VII. Schools and churches shall be established among them, and the sick be cared for. IX. No idlers will be allowed among them, but all must work who can. X. Each one will be encouraged to raise on his own ground such articles of food as his family may require, and be so taught gardening as to raise quantities for the army and navy, and other markets. XI. To guard against imposition upon their ignorance and inexperience, no stores will be allowed among them except those licensed by the association. XII. Auxiliary associations will be received, whenever desired by them, from any part of the country. Officers of the Association President - John W. Edmonds, No. 111 Broadway. Corresponding Secretary -- Edgar Ketchum, No. 83 Nassau Street. Recording Secretary -- Edward Gilbert, No. 111 Broadway Treasurer - Joseph B. Collins, No. 40 Wall Street Finance Committee - George Cabot Ward, No. 56 Wall St. Home Committtee - Charles C. Leigh, No. 320 Broadway. Benjamin Wandell, No. 3 Pine St. Joseph B. Collins, No. 40 Wall St. Francis George Shaw, No. 111 Broadway Wm. Allen Butler, No. 111 Broadway |