Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 December 1888 — HE WAS AN ABOLITIONIST. [ARTICLE]

HE WAS AN ABOLITIONIST.

A. HrreWoiTj Unpublished Letter from the father of Hi* Country. [Audley(V*,) letter in the Boston Herald.] The letter which follows, selected from several at the disposal of your correspondent, thanks to the courtesy of CoL Lewis, is given verbatim, and appears in print for the first time in its entirety. It is most interesting, and is addressed to his nephew, Lawrence Lewis: “Mount Vernon, 4 Aug., 1797. “Deab Sir : Your letter of the 24th ult. has been received, and I am sorry to hear qf the loss of your servant, but it is my opinion elopements will be much more before they are less frequent; and that the persons making them should never be retained, if they are recovered, as they are sure to contaminate and discontent others. I wish from my soul that the Legislature » of this State could see the policy of a gradual abolition of slavery. It might prevent much future mischief. "Whenever it is convenient to you to make this place your home I shall be glad to see you at it for that purpose; and that there may not be no misunderstanding in the matter, I shall inform you beforehand that you, servant (if you bring o»e), and horses will fare in all respects as we and mine do; but that I shall expect no services from you for which pecuniary compensation will be made. I have already as many on wages as are sufficient to carry on my business, and more, indeed, than I can find means to pay, conveniently. As both your aunt and I are in the decline of life and regular in our habits, especially in our hour of rising and going to bed, I require some person (fit and proper) to ease me of the trouble of entertaining company, particularly of nights, as it is my inclination to retire (and unless prevented by particular company always do retire) either to my bed or to my study, soon after candlelight. In taking these duties (which hospitality obliges one to bestow on company) off my hands it would render me an acceptable service, and, for a little time only to come, an hour in the day, now and then, devoted to the recording of some papers which time would not allow me to complete before I left Philadelphia, would also be acceptable. Besides these, I know nothing at present that would require any portion of your time or attention, both of which, if you have inclination for it, might be devoted to reading, as I have a great many instimctive books on many subjects, as well as amusing ones; or they might be employed in sporting, there being much game of all sorts here; or in riding and viewing the management of my farms, from whence something useful may be drawn, as I think Mr. Anderson in many things could give you useful lessons and a better insight into husbandry than your opportunities have hitherto presented to you. Ido not mean, however, that any of these things should restrain you from attending to your own affairs, or restrain you from visiting your friends at pleasure. All I have in view by making this communication is to guard against misconception on either side. Your aunt unites with me in best regards for you, and I am your sincere friend and affectionate uncle, G. Washington.”