obligations of an instrument of this character by mutual consent to insert unusual conditions as to what was to be done by either party — for the special advantage of the other before or during its operation and at the expiration of the time which it covered. Thus the servant, in entering into covenants with a merchant or shipmaster engaged in the Virginian trade, could insist upon the privilege of having the interval of a fortnight at least in which to make inquiries concerning the characters of the different plant-
at cards, dice or any unlawful games he shall not play; he shall not waste the goods of his said master nor lend them to anybody without his master’s consent, he shall not absent himself from his said master’s service day or night, but as a true and faithful servant, shall demean himself, and the said Edward Rowzie in ye mystery, art, and occupation of a planter which now . . . the best manner he can, the said Bartholomew shall teach or cause to be taught, and also during said term shall find and allow his apprentice competent meat, drink, apparel, washing, lodging with all other things fitting for his degree and in the end thereof, fifty acres of land to be laid out for him, and all other things which according to the custom of the country is or ought to be done.” Records of Rappahannock County, vol. 1664-1673, p. 21, Va. State Library. The following is an indenture drawn up for a female servant: “This Indenture made the Second of Jany in ye year 1686 between John Porter of ye one party, and Samuel Polly of ye othar party, both of ye County of Henrico in James River in manner and form following, witnesseth, that ye said John Porter doth covenant, grant and agree to and with ye sd Samll Polly to take his daughter Mary Polly ye full end and term of ten years from ye 1st month September in ye year 1685, In consideration ye sd John Porter shall use or maintain ye sd Mary noe other ways than he doth his own in all things as dyett, cloathing and lodging, the sd Mary to obey the sd John Porter in all his lawful commands within ye sd term of years above menconed as also att ye full end and term of years that ye sd John Porter doth bind himself his executors or administrators to pay unto ye said Mary Polly, three barrells of corn and one suit of penistone and one suit of good serge with one black hood, two shifts of dowlas and shoes and hose convenient. And ye said Saml Polly doth assure and bind firmly his sd daughter to ye said Porter for ye full end of test years by these presents whereunto both the sd partyes have set their hands.” Records of Henrico County, vol. 1677-1692, p. 424, Va. State Library.
