1869 · n.p.
by Warden, H. H. and Mary C. Stevens
n.p., 1869. Very Good. Each document measures approximately 17 x 11 cm. and is bordered in black on front and on three sides only on back, siggesting that these two documents might once have been joined on a larger single sheet. Both documents dated July 9, 1869. Both written in the same hand, probably Warden's The document to be signed by Stevens is unsigned and marked "Copy" at end. The document signed by Warden reads in full: "Kingston , Mass, 9th July 1869. I have engaged Miss Mary C. Stevens to proceed with my family to China, and act in the capacity of Governess for the term of (3) three years from the 1st of January 1870, and I hereby agree to pay for her services a salary of ($500) Five Hundred Mexican dollars [followed by an unclear word or symbol] American or the equivalent thereof: (beginning from the 1st of August 1869) to domiciliate her in my family: and the bear her travelling expenses out and home." The document apparently signed or to be Stevens follows closely the provisions mentioned in the Warden document while adding " "My personal expenses I am to bear myself." The Massachusetts Historical Society Library has an archive (Warden Family Papers, 1747-1940) which contains some letters from Henry H. Warden, identified as a partner in the China trade firm of Russell and Company. The archive includes some letters written from China between 1869 and 1872 by Henry, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Susan. No mention is made of Ms. Stevens in the online description of the archive. We found nothing else online that provides information about Ms. Stevens and whether she made the trip covered by this agreement and got through her three year commitment.
(Inventory #: 91805)