![WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Autograph letter signed ("G:o Washington") to an unidentified correspondent [John Augustine Washington or Charles Washington?], Mount Vernon, 20 March 1773. 1 page, small 4to, a few marginal chips, a few stains (three words affected), folds reinforced from verso, a bit browned.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01840_0011_000(020215).jpg?w=1)
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WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Autograph letter signed ("G:o Washington") to an unidentified correspondent [John Augustine Washington or Charles Washington?], Mount Vernon, 20 March 1773. 1 page, small 4to, a few marginal chips, a few stains (three words affected), folds reinforced from verso, a bit browned.
"PURCHASING" A GARDENER FOR MOUNT VERNON
"I thank you for the trouble you have had in purchasing a Gardener for me--the man promises fair, & I hope will answer, tho[ugh] chance too often directs in things of this sort. By the bearer Mr. Franklin Syms I send you £6.16s.9p; amount of the charge of Transporting the Servant up. Your draft in favour of Mr. Hodge shall be paid by me...by the April Genl. Court next. I have nothing to add but my Compliments to Mrs. Washington in which my wife joins...."
Gardeners, like carpenters, coopers and masons, were skilled laborers who commanded respectable salaries; they were hired, rather than "purchased." In a carefully drawn up contract of 11 January 1773, Washington hired one David Cowan as gardener, to "duely and truly" work at planting, "grafting, budding & pruning, of Fruit-trees and vines." Washington in turn offered wages of £25 plus lodging, washing and meals. (See Library of Congress, Washington Papers online). Not in Fitzpatrick.
"PURCHASING" A GARDENER FOR MOUNT VERNON
"I thank you for the trouble you have had in purchasing a Gardener for me--the man promises fair, & I hope will answer, tho[ugh] chance too often directs in things of this sort. By the bearer Mr. Franklin Syms I send you £6.16s.9p; amount of the charge of Transporting the Servant up. Your draft in favour of Mr. Hodge shall be paid by me...by the April Genl. Court next. I have nothing to add but my Compliments to Mrs. Washington in which my wife joins...."
Gardeners, like carpenters, coopers and masons, were skilled laborers who commanded respectable salaries; they were hired, rather than "purchased." In a carefully drawn up contract of 11 January 1773, Washington hired one David Cowan as gardener, to "duely and truly" work at planting, "grafting, budding & pruning, of Fruit-trees and vines." Washington in turn offered wages of £25 plus lodging, washing and meals. (See Library of Congress, Washington Papers online). Not in Fitzpatrick.