JOHN FAIRFAX March 31, 1789. 



As Washington was about to leave Mount Vernon for 

 Philadelphia to take up the duties of President of the United 

 States, he wrote this letter of instructions to John Fairfax 

 whom he had placed in charge of certain plantations. It is 

 a remarkable letter because of the kind yet very firm admoni 

 tions to young Fairfax which it contains. It gives a good 

 insight into Washington s methods of handling men. 



The latter half of the second paragraph is a notable com 

 mentary upon business management, with special application 

 to the farm, which every business man and every up-to-date 

 farmer will do well to read carefully and thoughtfully. 



TO JOHN FAIRFAX 



Mount Vernon, 31 March, 1789. 

 Sir, 



As I am now in the act of bidding adieu to my home, for 

 a longer time perhaps than I wish, I will inform you that it is 

 my intention, if your exertions shall appear to deserve it, 

 to make the wages of the year you are now engaged for, fifty 

 pounds instead of forty, although I consider myself under 

 no obligation to do so ; my own motives for it being to en 

 courage you to use every endeavour in your power to pro 

 mote my interest under the orders and directions of my 

 nephew, who will be intrusted with the general management of 

 all my concerns during my absence. 



I have a very good opinion of your honesty, sobriety, and 

 industry, and now is the time to give me proofs of your ca- 



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