The following text is taken from a photostat copy of the original contract of Robert hamilton as schoolmaster at Cane Creek, Buncombe Co.,N.C.
April 22, 1803
I, Robert hamilton, school master of the County of Buncombe & State of N. Carolina, do promise and agree to instruct the several pupils committed to my care on Cane Creek & its vicinity in the several branches of reading, writing & arithmetic, to the best of my ability & their several capacities with due attendance thereunto, for the space of twelve calender months, agreeable to the rules & regulations of an English School. Saturdays and Sundays excepted. To commence on the 16th day of May next and anytime lost by my neglect shall be carefully made up day for day. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22 day of April 1803
Robert hamilton (seal)
In compensation for the above, we, the several subscribers do severally promise to pay or cause to be paid to Robert hamilton, on order the respective sums annexed to our names, to be paid quarterly, that is to say, at the expiration of every three months, to will Six dollars for each scholar subscribed which may be dispensed in produce at cash rates. In witness whereof we and each of us, have hereunto set our hands & seals the day and year first above written
Scholars
Joseph henry 6
Boyd McCrary 4
Benjamin Merrill 6
Henry Warson 2
William McCrary 1
John Lanning 4