Cook

Margaret Carroll wanted English cooks to run her kitchens. In July 1768, Charles Carroll, Barrister, wrote his London agent looking for a seasoned, strait-laced cook and housekeeper. The Barrister said that his wife Margaret wanted an older woman, who would not seek out male attention. The Carroll’s were paying between 10 and 12 pounds per year, and wanted the cook to stay longer than four years. They urged the agent to advertise the Carroll’s “kind” treatment.

"We are in want of Sober orderly woman of a Good character that understands Cooking Pickling preserving and the other Requisites for a House keeper if elderly we shall Like her the Better. I suppose such are to be met with that would on moderate wages I suppose about Ten or Twelve pounds Sterling Per Annum Come to a Good Place Here for some years we shall be much obliged if such a one to be Got that you would agree with Her for us on the best Terms and send her to us if above the ordinary Rank of servants my wife will Like her Better, and she will meet with all kind Treatment But she must not be of the flirting kind or one that give herself airs."

Charles Carroll, Barrister letter from July 1768.