"Expect no character when you go away unless I choose to give it. . . If you refer to me the bad will come out," said John Pratt to his hired man in 1814, in a list of instructions which has been acquired by Widener Library.

The original instructions were written in 1814 for an employee of Pratt, Boston merchant, ship owner, and grandfather of the late Josiah Parsons Cooke, professor of Chemistry. Mr. Pratt captained his own ships for years in trade routes between Boston and the West Indies.

In 1814 he moved into a large three-story house, known as "Harris' Folly," at Pearl and High Streets, and lived there until his death in 1838. The name of the man whom Dr. Pratt employed to do the work in the house is unknown.

The "Mem. of Items for a man to do who lives with John Pratt," is as follows:

Do not go out without asking leave which will not be granted.

See which way the wind blows.

Go to bed when I do, but see that you get up early.

Be temperate--Keep no bad company, go to church, be civil, tell the truth and use no bad language.

Keep a good fire while I am sleeping after dinner.

Fruit Warder

See that the boys don't climb over and steal the fruit.

Clean brasses--Go and come when bell rings.

Clean and rub furniture--Take in and pile wood.

Split wood for oven--Split wood for kindling fires.

Make fires--bring in wood from wood house for use as it is wanted and chips.