Letter, to Lawrence Lewis, 1797 August 4

Washington commiserates with Lewis over his runaway slave ("the loss of your Servant") -- this will become more frequent -- "I wish from my Soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of the gradual abolition of Slavery. It might prevt. much future mischief." -- writes about Lewis coming to make his home at Mt. Vernon -- Lewis will be treated as a member of the family, and not paid -- his duties will be to entertain guests and visitors after the Washington retires to bed or study, & also to record a few papers at times -- Lewis can take advantage of his library ("I have a great many instructive Books, on many subjects, as well as amusing ones") -- he can perhaps also gain some knowledge from observing management of the farms by Anderson.