While touring the bookstore at the base of Mount Rushmore my brother and I discovered a little treasure. We did not purchase it, though, being too cheap. I discovered it online.
Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation
By George Washington at the age of 14 or 15
What ladies and gentlemen we would be if we followed these simple, proper rules! These are my favorite so far: (original spelling left unchanged)
3d Shew Nothing to your Friend that might affright him.
6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.
12th Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.
13th Kil no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks etc in the sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.
25th Superfluous Complements and all Affection of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
This is only 5 of 110! They are of great value and wonderful reminders! Read the whole book for yourself at: Colonial Williamsburg.
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