From George Washington to Robert Louis

Rocky Hill, near Princeton 6th Septr 1783

Gentn,
In Bradfords Paper of the 30th Ulto I perceive an anonymous advertisement of a person who
wants employment as a miller, referring to you for his character. If this is such, as in all points of
view I could approve, it is very likely I might employ him at my Mills in Virginia (ten miles
from Alexa.). My present miller who has lived with me thirteen or fourteen years; & who
perhaps understands the manufacture of wheat, as well as any miller upon the Continent; and
who I believe is also an honest man; is become so unfit for the trust reposed in him by his
addiction to liquor, which not only keeps him intoxicated many days upon a stretch, but absent
also from the Mills, that however reluctantly I do it, I shall be induced to part with him, if I can
meet with a man who could bring me ample testimonials of his skill, his honesty, his sobriety &
Industry.
These qualities must be well ascertained before I would employ any man; as I have no other
objection, than what I have mentioned to my present miller; who, besides being an excellent
miller, is equally a good Millwright, & Cooper.
I work two pair of Stones, one pair of which are French-burr, employed in the merchant
business. The Mill house is of Stone, large & commodiousthe dwelling house, which is
convenient, is within thirty yards of it; & has a Garden enclosed adjoiningA Coopers Shop is
also near, & the whole convenient to tide water.
Having been thus particular, with respect to my Mills & my Wants, I shall thank you Gentn for a
full & unreserved character of the anonymous advertiser, & the terms on which he would
engage. If you think this man woud not answer my purpose, or shoud he be engagd, do you
know of any one who, from what I have here said, would? Your answer to this letter as soon as
convenient will very much oblige. Gentn, Oour most Obt Servt
G: Washington
DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Commented [BA1]: What does this tell you about

Washingtons operation on his plantation?

Commented [BA2]: What is Washington looking for?

Why?
Commented [BA3]: What kind of a job does his current
employee do? Why is he being forced to get rid of him?

Commented [BA4]: What does this letter tell you about

the mill industry in general? What is needed to operate a
mill?