Adjutant of a Missouri and Arkansas Black Regiment to the Executive Committee of the Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends

Helena Ark  June 11 1866.

Gentlemen:  Your favor of the 14^th of April 1866 in which you accept the trust of taking charge of the Orphan asylum established in Philips Co Ark. by subscription of the Officers and men of this Regiment has been recieved and a copy furnished each soldier.  Under the energetic Management of Your Agent and trusty lady, Mr & Mrs Clark, the institution progresses finely and I have no doubt its beneficial results will be seen and acknowledged soon even by its opponents. The Amount of work that has been done on the grounds by the Soldiers is immense, from an allmost unbroken forrest it has been cleared fenced and a large part of it planted, and four substantial buildings erected suitable for the wants of the children and those who have the Care of them.  It is contemplated to dedicate the Institution on the next 4^th of July in a public manner with proper exercises.  And in behalf of the Regiment I extend herewith to you an invitation to be present if convenient   Very Truly Yours

S J Clark