, 1858-08-27
A Curious Document.

Washington, as everybody knows, was
very methodical; and he was particular to
have matters about which dispute might
arise, "put into writing" The article be-
low is copied from ono Of his "papers," !"
and is both characteristic and amusing
1t is an agreement with bis gardener, who
it appears, was in the habit of getting
eight"
Articles Of agreement made this twelfth
day of April, Ammo Domini, one thousand
seven hundred and cighty-seven, by and
between George Washington, Esq. of the
Parish Of Truro in the county Of Fairfax,
State of Virginia, on one part, and Philip
Batter, Gardener, on the other Witness,
that the said Philip Batter, for and 10 con-
sideration of the covenants herein hereafter
mentioned, doth promise and agree to-
serve the said George Washington for the
term of one year as Gardener, and that
he will during the said time, conduct him.
self soberly, diligently and honesly--that
he will faithfully and industriopsly perform,
all and every part of bis duty as Garden
er, to the best Of bis knowledge and abili-'
ties, and that he will not at any time suffer
himself TO be disguised with liquor, except
on times hereafter mentioned
"In consideration of these things being
well and truly performed on the part Of
said Batter, the said George Washington,
doth agree to allow him 1.-THE said (PhAip)
the same kind and quality Of provisions as
he has heretofore.had and likewise annu-
ally, o decent suit Of clothes, be6tting q
man in his station; to consist Of. coat, vest
and breeches; working jacket and breech-
es Of homespun, beside; two white shirts;
three check do; two linen pocket handker-
chiefs, two pair Of linen overalls; as many
pair Of shoes as areanecesshFy for him;
four dollars at Christmas, with. which dhe
may be drunk four days and four nights;
two dollars at Easter to effect the same
purpose; two dollars at Whltsuntide, 10 be
drunk two days; d dram in the morning
and drink of grog at dinner Of noOn9qqit
For the true and faithful performance
Of all and each, part Of these things, the
parties have hereunto set their hands this
twehtysthird dayiof April, ? Ammo Donini,
1887. Ia1su DDS 30 Yioi3d 2iIog T3l gHiva,
PHILIP BATTER, his X mark u
GEORGE WAsHINoToN.
4 NtlttheSSTuG0 iaIa sii1 DO .YeaHvCaqy0D
GEoRGE A.. WASHINGTON, -
% b5issg6ba ,iioiIe-aiIedisJ a .lsaoa .4s.
.odisM "a tEnFEaANcr 1DRHsl q s sel
bIn this connection it may be well add
the close Of n letter from Washington to
one Of bis loyerseers., The 4 temperance
cause,o as such, had not been heard Of 10
the days Of Washington; ~ was q "moder-
ate driikef,n but be was ''down on y in-
temperance Here is tlpqway he talksIto
his oYeTseer; ls ron .ri3sQil ID hf snred
II shall not close this letter without ex-
horting You to refrain from spiritous Ii
quors; they will prove your ruin II you DO
not. Consider how little drunken man
differs from abeast;3 the latter Is not en-
doWed with reason, v the former, depriyes
himself Of it; and when that is the case.
facts, like a brute, annoying and disturbing
ever one around him; nor Is this al, nor,
asst respects himself the worst flit. daBy
degrees II renders 0 person feeble, and not
only pnable to serve Others, but 70 help
himself; and being on act Of bis own, he
falls from state 'of usefulness into con
tempt, and at length Suffers 'ifnot pefishes,
in penury and want otn lh97g " 81 ind
/ Don't let this be your case. Show
yourself more Of a man and a Christian
than 70 yield 70 80 inlolerable q vice,
(which cannot / an certain, TO the great
est lover Of liquor, give more pleasure to
s;6 - fta ,,o,sco rf,y q I, ~ tlstt.s. tth,,
the Cousequencessof IL In bad behaEioFsnt
the.lmoment, and the more serious sevils
produced By j. afterwards, must give pain
am your friend. ~, ,,..e.'..l.-..,,, u.