At Mr. Williams’s school, George was taught Arithmetic, English Grammar, Book Keeping, Surveying and Geography.[1] He wrote his school exercises in arithmetic and geometry in a remarkably neat, fair hand. The number and accuracy of his geometrical figures, shows the strong bent of his inclination to mathematical studies. When he was thirteen years old, he began a manuscript book, which he entitled “Forms of Writing.” In it he copied out with great care and exactness, forms of different kinds used in the transaction of business, such as a note of hand, a bill of exchange, a bond, an indenture, a lease, a will. Then follow two or three select pieces of poetry. Among them are “Lines on True Happiness.”—Then follow a collection of a hundred and ten maxims, written out and numbered.—These he entitles “Rules of civility and proper behavior in company and conversation.” He does not mention from what source he derived these rules. They seem well calculated to improve the manners and morals of a young person, and no doubt had a favorable influence in forming the future deportment and character of Washington. The following is a selection from these rules.
[1] Weems.
1. Every action in company ought to be respectful to those present.
2. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
3. Sit not while others are standing; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not on when others stop.
4. Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another is reading or writing; lean not on any one.
5. Be no flatterer.
6. Read no letters, books or papers in company, unless there is necessity for doing it, and then ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of any one, so as to read them, unless desired; nor give your opinion of them unasked: also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.
7. Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.
8. Show not yourself glad at the misfortunes of another, though he were your enemy.