In his dealings with servants Washington was sometimes troubled with questions that worry us when we are trying to hire "Mary" or "Bridget." Thus when Mrs. Washington's ill health necessitated his engaging in 1797 a housekeeper he made the following minute and anxious inquiries of Bushrod Washington at Richmond concerning a certain Mrs. Forbes:
"What countrywoman is she?
"Whether Widow or Wife? if the latter
"Where her husband is?
"What family she has?
"What age she is?
"Of what temper?
"Whether active and spirited in the execution of her business?
"Whether sober and honest?