George Washington had excellent handwriting. As a boy he practiced copying The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. The copy below shows how Washington wrote the first four of these rules. His original was written when he was about 12 years old and is in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The rules, which numbered 110, were also a model for good behavior and manners when he was growing up.
Notice that in Washington's time more words were capitalized than is the custom today. You will also see that the spelling of some words has changed, and that sometimes a letter which looks like our 'f' was used as an 's.'
1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
2nd When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
3rd Shew Nothing to your Freind that may affright him.
4rd In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
Suggested Activities:
- Have the students copy these rules in their best handwriting. Have the students write the rules with a quill pen, as Washington did. What would they change or add if they were to make 'Rules of Civility' for today?
- Have students work in small groups to develop short skits illustrating the things that Washington's list says you are not to do in company. Discuss why these things might be considered impolite.
