THE
FAIRFAXES OF ENGLAND AND AMERICA
IN THE
04M    nUtetttth at  (flltUflht tlt Qet#tneh
INCLUDING LETTERS FROM
AND TO
HON. WILLIAM FAIRFAX,
PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL OF VIRGINIA,
AND HIS SONS
COL. GEORGE WILLIAM  FAIRFAX AND REV.
BRYAN, EIGHTH LORD FAIRFAX,
THE NEIGHBORS AND
FRIENDS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON.
BY
EDWARD D. NEILL,
AUTHOR OF "TERRA MARIE," " DAHKOTAH LAND AND DAHKOTAI
LIFE," ETC., ETC.
ALBANY, N. Y.:
JOEL MUNSELL.
1868.








PREFACE.
The name of Fairfax is closely connected with
two of the most momentous uprisings of Englishmen, as well as with two of the most distinguished
popular leaders.
Thomas, the third baron of Cameron, the hero of
Naseby, is associated in history with Oliver Cromwell; and Thomas, the sixth Lord Fairfax, retiring
to the wilds of the Shenandoah valley in Virginia, became the friend of George Washington, the
successful defender of the liberties of Englishmen
on American soil.
The following correspondence for the first time
printed, it is hoped may prove interesting not only
to the numerous descendants of the Fairfaxes on
both sides of the Atlantic, but to students of Colonial American History.
E. D. N.
ANACOSTAN RIDGE,
Near Washington, D. C.








PART FIRST.
CORRESPONDENCE
THE  FAIRFAXES
OF
ENGLAND.








THE FAIRFAXES.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE FAIRFAXES IN ENGLAND.
In the year 1822, some repairs having been
made at Leeds Castle, England, a quantity of
rubbish was sold, among which was an old oaken
chest, apparently filled with Dutch tiles, which
was purchased by a poor shoemaker from a
neighboring village. Upon removing the tiles,
he found beneath them  several parchments
and a number of letters.
Knowing no better use for the vellum he cut
it into measuring strips, and the papers were
carelessly scattered, some being used by the
village mantua makers, as winders for thread.
At length the attention of an intelligent gentleman was arrested, and he diligently sought out
and purchased the scattered manuscripts, which
were edited by George W. Johnson, barrister,
and published in two octavo volumes, by Bentley of London, in 1848.




8              THE FAIRFAXES
Not long since, a friend who had married one
of the American Fairfaxes, told me that there
was a quantity of manuscript in a trunk, at his
house, which he would submit to my examination.  One day he brought a tattered wormeaten and mouse-nibbled bundle of old papers,
difficult to arrange and more difficult to decipher.
From  this has been rescued the following
correspondence of the Fairfaxes of England,
which, by a singular coincidence, proves to be a
supplement of that which was in the old oaken
chest of Leeds Castle.
Sir Thomas Fairfax, who purchased the baronetcy of Cameron for ~1,500, was a solid,
sensible man, loyal to his king, and humbly
acknowledged obligation to his Creator.
In his youth he was captain of a company of
troopers in the Low Countries; in the prime of
life interested in agriculture and the raising
of stock, and published a treatise on the horse;
in his old age lived a retired life respected by
his neighbors as a friend and counsellor, and
wrote some devotional sentiments. After fourscore years he died in 1640, having had many




OF ENGLAND.               9
children. Among others were Dorothy, the
wife of Sir William Constable, and Ferdinando,
the heir and successor to the title, who was a
member of parliament at an early age, opposed
to the usurpation of Charles, quick to buckle on
the armor in defense of the liberties of England,
and in command of the parliament forces at
the famous battle of Marston Moor. This second Lord Fairfax had eight children, the first
named  after his grandfather Thomas, and
known in history as the hero of Naseby, and
the fifth was Frances, the wife of Sir Thomas,
afterwards Lord Widdrington, the speaker of
parliament, who  administered  the  oath  to
Cromwell as protector.
The correspondence which follows pertains
to the marriage of Thomas, the third Lord Fairfax, to Ann, a daughter of Horatio Vere.
Young Fairfax had served on the continent,
under the brave and virtuous Lord Vere, the
Chevalier Bayard of England.
The latter died in 1635, but his widow
shared in the esteem of her husband for the
then young Tom Fairfax and was willing that
her daughter Ann should become his wife.
2




10             THE FAIRFAXES
They were all religiously disposed, moderate
but decided Presbyterians, equally opposed to
the ritualism of Laud, and the irregularities of
the Independents of that era.
The first letter of the collection is from Mary,
Lady Vere, written in August 24th, 1636, to
the wife of Sir William  Constable, the aunt of
the young Fairfax.  Sir William was prominent
as a member of parliament during the commonwealth, commanded a regiment, was governor
of Gloucester, one of the judges of Charles the
First, and signed his death warrant.
LADY VERE TO LADY CONSTABLE.
To my honorable friend, the Lady Constable:
Madam:
I cannot but take the first opportunity after
my servant's return out of Holland, to give
your ladyship notice of it as I promised that
you may see I meant really as I spake and that
my forbearing to treat then about the business
was only because I knew not how my estate
would fall out to be until his return.




OF ENGLAND.              11
The nobleness of your affections expressed to
my Lord's family and my Lord's great affections
and mine ever to yours makes me desirous to
give you all respect and satisfaction which you
shall ever find, and how truly I do esteem and
respect your ladyship who shall ever have
power to command
Your Lads most affectionate
friend to serve you
MARY VERE.
STISKEY, Aug. 24.
I shall desire y'r lads answer of Sir Ferdinando Fairfax; his intention for I have not
hearkened to any motion for my daughter, since
it was made. I beseech you Madam, permit this
to present my respective love to Sir Wm Constable and my service to y'r Lads niece.
Doctor Lawrence Wright of the Charter
House, London, who writes the next letter, was
a learned and popular physician, a correspondent and c loving cousin" of Governor Winthrop
of Massachusetts, and an honored friend of
Governor Hopkins of Connecticut.




12             THE FAIRFAXES
DR. WRIGHT TO SIR WM. CONSTABLE.
To my worthy friend, Sir William Constable:
I understood by a line from my Lady Vere
out of Norfolk, that according to her promise
to your lady, so soon as her servant did return
out of the Low Countries, she writ you, and
which line did not only signify that now she
was enabled to treat of a matter for her daughter (which she could not before) but also that
she did willingly entertain the particular motion
formerly made by yourself [torn]. She hath
desired me to let you understand this matter
and my request to you is that you will be
pleased to let me know whether the motion
made on the gentleman's part [torn] be pursued
or not [torn] which I presume you will readily
inform me of as she desireth by me you should
understand her true meaning that no mistakes
may beget imputation on either side but a fair
and ready conclusion either way.
Y'r loving friend,
LAW: WRIGHT.
4 November, 1636.




OF ENGLAND.              13
Thomas Widdrington married Francesl the
sister of the young man whose marriage contract was being arranged. The letter was written to Lord Ferdinando Fairfax, and the Mary
alluded to became the wife of Henry Arthington.
THOS. WIDDRINGTON TO FERD. FAIRFAX.
Sir:
I have received yours and the Judges letter.
I could not but blush in reading the copy of the
latter and return you humble thanks for all.
I purpose to see Sir W. Belt to morrow morning
and advise with him for my course and time of
delivering this letter. I fear nothing but his
being in bed for I must be early being necessitated by some occasions to be at Denton tomorrow night. If he fail of designating me
a fitter, I must make use of cousin Wilkinson
to whom I have already imparted the business.
I must trust the success to the wise Disposer
of all things.                  "    I shall
be much absent from home till the end of TriShe died May 4, 1649.




14            THE FAIRFAXES
nity term: if you would be pleased to let my
sister Mary keep my wife company all or some
part of the, you should do me a great favour.
*    ^    8^   and shall ever remain,
Y'r humble servant and
affectionate Son in law,
WIDDRINGTON.
YORK the 27th March, 1637.
The following, although without signature,
is evidently a copy of one written by Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, to Lady Vere:
LORD FAIRFAX TO LADY VERE.
Madam:
I understand by several letters from Sir W.
that your Lad'ship demands the estatings of
~2000 land by the year, out of which 600 by
year jointure, and 500~ by year present maintenance.
The first with much more conveniency be
yielded unto than the latter, which in these
parts have not gone so high heretofore in any
family that I can hear of what rank soever.




OF ENGLAND.              15
I must confess they are little enough for a
daughter of your Ladyship, though much for
them to give for those whose estates are not
drawn up to a full value. Yet madam it is my
intention to obey you in all things as if it please
God the match speed. I shall subscribe to the
conditions or anything else hereafter, which
may concern the good of them.
I perceive likewise your Ladyship offers for
portion ~2000 at the time of marriage, and
~2000 some time afterwards, or to estate land
of a considerable value to descend after your
Ladyship's death. To which I must answer, I
know not what sum, or what manner of payment may best suit your La'ship's convenience,
to which for my own part I refer, both, being
confident of your noble works and good affections to a well deserving child. Madam I have
no more to say, but that I am
Your Honor's most humble
and ready servant.
My father has commanded me to present
his service to your Ladyship and to signify
his earnest desire to see a happy conclusion of
this treaty.




16             THE FAIRFAXES
The communication of Lady Vere to the
grandfather of the suitor, indicates a speedy
settlement of the preliminaries, and in a few
weeks the nuptials were celebrated.
LADY VERE TO THOS. LORD WIDDRINGTON.
For the Right Honorable, the Lord Fairfax.
My Lord:
I know you have from Sir Ferdinando Fairfax, a full account of the proceedings of the
business concerning my own son and my own
daughter. I cannot let your servant go without this to say, something in it yet, notwithstanding some rubs in the way which Lawyers
many times will needlessly put in. Yet now
it is brought to that issue as I hope there will
be no let to a good conclusion of it, so soon as
a convenient time will permit.
My prayer and desire is, that as the Lord
hath hitherto brought it on, so it will please
him to give a happy conclusion by blessing it
to us all and making her a blessing to your
family, as I hope she shall be, for indeed God




OF EN(LAND.               17
hath given you a great blessing in your Grandchild, whom I look upon with much affection:
the match hath been with so much desire on
all sides entertained that I trust we shall all
have the comfort of it, which is the earnest
desire of my heart and that you may long enjoy
the happiness of it.  And so commending it to
God; I leave you to his protection, and will ever
approve myself to be
Yor L'p's
Most affectionate friend,
MARY VERE.
HACKNEY May 28, 1637.
On July 3d, 1638, Mary the daughter and
heir of Thomas, third Lord'Fairfax was born.
She was married to George,:the profligate. Duke
of Buckingham, on September 15, 1657, whom
she survived, and, after a life of great trial,
died near St. James, Westminster, October 20,
1704, poor but respected.  She left no issue.
0




18             THE FAIRFAXES
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS, THIRD BARON
OF CAMERON..From the Manuscript of his Cousin, Bryan Fairfax.
" Thomas Lord Fairfax was the son of
Ferdinando Lord Fairfax and Mary Sheffield
daughter of the Earl of Mulgrave. He was
born at Denton in the west of Yorkshire, Anno
1611, Jan. 17th. He went into the Low Country wars 1627, where General Vere, baron of
Tilbury took special notice of him, whose
daughter and co-heir he married Anno 1637,
and had issue Mary, Duchess of Bucks, and
Elizabeth. He commanded the Yorkshire troop
of Red Caps in the first Scotch war. He was
knighted 1640, and was chosen General of the
Parliament's army in the unhappy civil war
1645, and resigned his commission in 1650.
He was signally instrumental in the restoration
of his Majesty King Charles the 2nd declaring
for General Monk then in Scotland (at his
earnest request), against Lambert's army which
pressed hard upon him as he lay at Coldstream,




OF ENGLAND.                 19
whither my Lord Fairfax sent me his cousin
Bryan, with  a verbal answer to  his letter
brought by Sir Thomas Clargis, that he would
appear at the head of what forces he could
raise in Yorkshire the first of January 16"~;
which he did to so good effect, that in three
days time, the report of my Lord  Fairfax's
opposing them, being spread about Lambert's
army, the Irish  Brigade consisting of 1200
horse deserted  him  and  sent to  offer their
service to my Lord Fairfax,' and several foot
regiments at the same time declared for their
old General Fairfax, and in 5 days time Lambert himself with ten men stole away from his
own army.
" Then General Monk marched into England
and offered the command of the army to my
Lord Fairfax, but he refused; only advised him
at his house at Appleton where Monk gave
him a visit, to consider that there would be no
1 " My Lord Fairfax was then at Arthingtonr with about
100 men, when an officer came and inquired for Mr. Bryan
Fairfax (now Dr. F'f'x) to bring him to my Lord, with this
kind and seasonable offer of their assistance."-.Jnfnuscript
note.




20'14THE FAIRFAXES
peace in England until the Nation was settled
upon the old foundation of Monarchy and King
Charles the Second restored.  And in the mean
time to call the old secluded members into this:Parliament, which'  had  now  got into their
places again.' The General was more reserved
than he needed to have been' upon this' free
discourse of my Lord Fairfax, beingl alone with
him in.his study, which gave my Lord occasion
to suspect him ever after, until he declared himself.the.spring following that he was of the
same'mind, having received another letter at
London from  my: Lord Fairfax, delivered by
the same hand Bryan Fairfax, and accompanied
with the address of all the gentlemen of Yorkshire for.a free Parliament, and that they
would pay no taxes till it met.
" King Charles himself did often acknowledge
these services, not:only -by granting him  a
general pardon, but upon all occasions speaking
kindly of him, and praising his great courage,
his modesty, and his honesty.
In the year 1660 he was one of the Deputies
of that Parliament or Convention sent to King
Charles at the Hague (where Bryan Fairfax went




OF ENGLAND.              21
with him) to invite his Majesty over into England, where he was kindly received, his Majesty
sending my Lord Gerard to compliment him
particularly and to conduct him to the court,
wherehee kissed his Majesty's hand. After his
Majesty's restoration and coronation, my Lord
Fairfax retired: from  London to -his house at
New Appleton near York (a house which he
built a few years before) and where he peaceably spent the remainder of his life, between the
pains of the gout and stone, with a courage
and patience equal to that he had shown in
the unhappy war.. The wounds and fatigue
of that war brought those diseases -upon him
whereof he writes a short account, which he
calls a Memorial of his actions in the Northern
War from the year 1642 to 1644, and something in his own vindication after he was General.
The original is in Denton Library.  The last
seven years of his' life that disease which he was
most subject to, the gout, occasioned or increased
by the heats and colds and loss of blood, the many
wounds he got in the war,- this disease took
from him the use of his legs, and confined him
to a chair, wherein he sat like an old Roman,




22             THE FAIRFAXES
his manly countenance striking love and reverence into all that beheld him, and yet mixed
with so much modesty and meekness, as no
figure of a mortal man ever represented more.
"Most of his time did he spend in religious
duties, and much of the rest in reading good
books, which he was qualified to do in all
modern languages, as appears by those he hath
writ and translated.  Several volumes of his
own handwriting are now  in the study at
Denton, with my brother Henry, Lord Fairfax.
"He died of a short sickness, a fever, at
Appleton, November the 11th, 1671. The last
morning of his life he called for a Bible, saying
his eyes grew dim and read the 42d Psalm "As
the hart panteth after the water brooks" etc.
"And so he quietly yielded up his soul to God
in the 60th year of his age.  His funeral
sermon was preached by Mr. Richard Stratton,
wherein he gives him his true character. He
was buried at Billrough near York, where a
decent monument is erected to his memory.
His Lady was there buried also."




OF ENGLAND.               23
William  Fairfax of Steeton, whose mother
was a daughter of Lord Sheffield, and whose
mother's sister was also the wife of his relative
Ferdinando Fairfax, came back from the continent and joined the army of parliament, and
was as brave as his relatives. In a skirmish at
Montgomery Castle on November 20, 1644, he
received eleven wounds, which proved fatal.
The Sir Wm. Sheffield mentioned in the letter
was probably his mother's brother.
MR. WM. FAIRFAX TO MR. ROBERT BARWICK.
From NORMANDIE the
9 of December, 1640.
For his much respected friend,
Mr. Robert Barwicke, at his house in York.
Sir:
Sir William Shefeild's man tells me that you
refuse to pay the 500 pound you offered before
the day of payment which will be due at
Christmas.  For my part had it not been your
own offer I should not have expected it. I am
sure I have performed all the conditions on my
part, except Thomas Procter's lease, which I




24              THE FAIRFAXES
intreated you to stay till I came into Yorkshire,
but since you will not trust me I have sent my
man on purpose to see it done and to receive
the money.
As for the dove coa,te I:will repare itt as
sonne as the season of the yeare will serve.  I
have sent you the fine.  I know no more is to
be done saveing my Lord Fairfax his release,
and my sister's which I intend to gett at London very shortly. Bryan: tells mne you are
troubled about a little parsell of land which
belongs to Newton thatt lies within Toulston
Land, for that I shall satisfy you, when I come
to Yorke for I am sure it is nott in your reviculer, no more is the majesty of the law.  Butt
I will satisfy you fully when I come, till which
time I rest
Your loveing freind and servantt
WILL: FAIRFAX.




OF ENGLAND).             25
The wife of Robert Barwick of Tolston,
recorder of York, was a daughter of Walter
Strickland of Boynton, and sister of Sir William Strickland, prominent during the protectorate.  She was a woman of fine intellect and
deep piety, recognized by all those who knew
the truth of religion as an " elect lady."
Her son Robert, in whom  so many hopes
centered, and for whom his mother offered so
many prayers, was drowned in 1666, in the
prime of life.  Her surviving child, Frances,
married  Henry, the fourth  Lord  Fairfax.
Lady Barwick at the age of 81 died on October
4th, 1682.
URSULA BARWICKE TO HER SON ROBERT.
Roben:
The first thing I have to say is the Lord God
bless and guide you in his ways, that you may
make his laws your delight and meditate thereon
day and night.  I have often desired you to
make the word of God your rule of allyour actions
in this life, and to read very much the proverbs
of wise Solomon, for their is much wisdom
4




26             THE FAIRFAXES
to be had. Your happiness is very much of
my comfort and contentment. I hope your
being at Boynton with your best friends will be
very comfortable to you, and such good company and society as that place doth afford, may
be very much for your advantage, if you will
have patience to stay there some time.
I know you will be welcome to them all and
kindly used. I have sent you such necessaries
as I think fit for you: if they may be acceptable and as well taken as I heartily mean them
let me know what you want and I will supply
you with whatever you will have.  You have
been too careless of your habit at home, I pray,
be not so, when you are abroad. It is seemly
for young men to be neat. I pray you to have
a care of your health this sickly time, we
cannot truly value that great blessing of health
until we want it, and so the like of all other
blessings we do enjoy.  Roben I pray you be
cheerful, and let our greatest frown be for our
sins, that we do not live such lives as are pleasing to that great and most merciful God whose
mercies never failed them that trusted in Him.
Roben I do beg of God that he will be pleased




OF ENGLAND.             27
to give you heavenly comforts, and then your
life will be more comfortable, and then vain
thoughts will not trouble you, and then you
will be a happy man, and delight to be in good
company, and godly society will be most pleasing unto you.
Solitariness is not good for you, nor will be
any advantage to you, but do you very much
harm, this is true and you will find it to be so.
I will not trouble more at this time but to
present my most humble service to brother
Strickland, and my Lady Frances and my dear
nephew Strickland. I bless God for his recovery.
I hope God will please to bless him, and make
him a strong pillar to uphold the house of
Boynton. I do most heartily wish him all true
happiness and comfort. I pray you to tell him
what I say. My love to Mr. Rowe and thank
him  for all his kindness when he was at
London. Roben the Lord bless and keep you
now and ever.
Your affectionate truly loving mother
to do you all the good I can.
URSULA BARWICKE.




28             THE FAIRFAXES
Henry, fourth Lord Fairfax, was the grandson of the first lord, and the son of the Rev.
Henry Fairfax of Bolton Percy.  His brother
Bryan was a man of literary culture, the
translator of the  life  of the distinguished
Huguenot M. de Plessis.  Bryan, son of Bryan,
was the secretary of the archbishop of Canterbury.  The amiable Thoresby in his diary
mentions him as an honored friend and'a gentleman of great accomplishment and reading."
His nephew Henry, son of Henry Lord Fairfax, became sheriff of Yorkshire, a post that
had been filled by several of his ancestors.
Nathaniel Bladen, barrister, who had married
Isabella, the daughter of William Fairfax of
Steeton, urged the fourth Lord Fairfax to stand
for parliament, as every protestant feared a
popish plot.




OF ENGLAND.               29
NATHANIEL BLADEN TO HENRY, LORD FAIRFAX.
JAN'Y 25th, 1678.
My Lord:
It hath pleased the King to dissolve the
Pl'm't and to summon another against the sixth
of March next, whereof I give your Lordship
this early notice, that thereby you may take
the opportunity of endearing yourself in a
signal measure to the King and Country, by the
representing your County in Pl'm't, a trust you
will find them willing to confer on your Lordship for your own sake, as also for the performance your family hath given them on the like
occasion.
And to encourage your Lordship's heart the
more I give you the assurance of a noble Second
(who can contribute no inconsiderable share of
interest to carry on the joint concern) my Lord
Treasurers2 eldest son, my Lord Latimer.
My Lord, let not your modesty, or any other
pretence of indisposition of health do yourself,
This parliament had existed since 1661.
2 Thomas Osborn, Earl of Danby.




30             THE FAIRFAXES
your Country, your King that injury as to
induce you to decline so noble a cause, at a
time when the interest of King and Church
calls for the assistance of men well principled
in religion and loyalty.  My Lord Treasurer
hath applied to your Lordship (before all persons in the County, with the King's approbation,
like an echo  reverberated from  those kind
characters, wherewith his Lordship ever took
occasion to represent you to his majesty) for an
associate to his son, a favour which for the
kind intention, ought not to be rejected.
But my Lord, if all I have said cannot prevail with your Lordship to appear on the
public theatre, and that I have not reached
some reasons which you think will excuse you
to God, and your own conscience, if by your
unwillingness to engage herein, you suffer a
man to gain that point, who instead of balsam,
shall cast vinegar into the wounds of Church
and State and make the little scratches incurable ulcers.  Then, let me beg of your Lordship
(all arguments laid aside) to give your interest
for my sake to my Lord Latimer, who will use
that and all other of his own and my Lord




OF ENGLAND.              31
Treasurer's advantages to serve your Lordship
and your family.
And this I beg for my own sake as presuming
upon your Lordship's particular kindness to me,
and I must tell your Lordship ingeniously, I
serve a generous master, and that it may turn
to account in my fortune. I will also put you
in mind that it is still in his Lordship's power
to serve the posterity of Col. Charles Fairfax.
I could wish your Lordship would also think
of some borough where to cause my cousin,
your son to be elected. I presume it may not
be amiss to join interest with Sir Thomas
Slingsby at Knarsburghe, but I leave the place
to your thoughts, only wish the thing may not
be omitted, for there is no school of improvement, for a young man of his quality, like the
House of Commons.
My Lord I pray give me leave to insert my
humble service to my Lady and pardon this
trouble from
Your Lordship's
Most humble & obedient servant
NATHANIEL BLADEN.




32                THE FAIRFAXES
That your Lordship may perceive that I do
not desire to link you with a person your Lordship may be  ashamed of, I thought good to
enclose  your Lordship  the  speech  my  Lord
Treasurer made in the House of Lords to his
accusations, than which nothing can show his
Lordship  better.  And  tho' Mr.  Montague's
endeavouring to take sanctuary in France by
putting himself on board of a French shallop
in a livery as servant to  my Lady Harvy his
sister's steward may declare his interest greater
there,' yet I refer you to two of his own letters
to make your judgment.
1 Macaulay says, " The French court, which knew Danby
to be its mortal enemy, artfully contrived to ruin him, by
making him pass for its friend. Louis by the instrumentality of Ralph Montague, a faithless and shameless man,
who had resided in France as minister from England, laid
before the House of Commons proofs that the treasurer, had
been concerned in an application made by the court of
Whitehall, to the court of Versailles for a sum of money."




OF ENGLAND.              33
BRYAN FAIRFAX TO HENRY FAIRFAX, ESQ.
LONDON, Oct. 30, 1683.
Dear Nephew:
I thank you for your kind letter and many
other favours I rec'd from you in the country
and visits at Appleton. and your welcoming us
at Tolston. This kind disposition of yours to
your friends shows you to be father's own son,
and you will find respect accordingly especially
from me, who rejoice to see you resemble the
man I love above all others, and I thank God
I may boast that the bond of brotherly love
hath been kept inviolable between us, and I
wish it may be the same between your brother
and you.  I am  sure it will on your part
by the respectful behavior I observe in you
towards him.  My wife is very sensible of your
loving and kind behavior to her in the country,
which makes sufficient amends for the want of
it in others. Your old acquaintance my son
Brian presents his service to you. We expect
your brother at London to morrow. Let your
father know that my lady Duchess is pretty
well recovered, and she shall know how hardly
he prayed for it.
5




34             THE FAIRFAXES
Present my service to your father and mother,
a letter now and then will be very acceptable,
advise him not to walk alone for fear of his fits
8        1  @ i God have you in his protection.
Your ever loving uncle,
and humble serv't,
BR: FAIRFAX.
Mr. Henry Fairfax at Tolston near Tadcaster, Yorkshire.
Frances, a daughter of the fourth Lord Fairfax, fell in love with the Rev. Mr. Rymer the
private chaplain.  Her father, Lord Fairfax,
was unwilling that the engagement should
continue; but love conquers all things, and in
time, she became the parson's wife.
HENRY, FOURTH LORD FAIRFAX, TO HIS SON HENRY.
June 5.
I would have you in my name to command
my daughter Fr. as she ever expects my
blessing or to see my face to forbear conversing
with Mr. Rymer.  He talks to me of a contract.
I expect she should renounce it so far if it be
one, as never to proceed further to marry him;




OF ENGLAND.               35
in this I expect as her father to be obeyed, and
let me know her answer.
Y'r affectionate father
HEN FAIRFAX.
Pray send her answer back by Mr. Banks
immediately.
Mr. H. Fairfax at Tolston.
SHERIFF HENRY FAIRFAX TO HIS WIFE.
YORK, March 10, 1684.
My Dear:
I waited on your sisters last night, and heard
Sir Will: Lowther intends to send his coach
for them the week after the Assizes.
I've sent therefore to let you know it. I am
returned upon the Grand Jury so that I cannot
go with you myself to Preston but you may go
when you please or come hither and go from
hence with me, but it will be next week before
I can be at liberty. My love to you and my
sisters. Wishing you your healthes to be very
merry this is all at present from
Y'r truly affect. husband
H. F.
My lady Stapilton and Mr. Peebles are dead.




86              THE FAIRFAXES
LORD FAIRFAX'S RELEASE IN FAVOR OF HIS SON
HENRY.
To all persons to whom these presents shall come the Right
Honoourable Henry Lord Fairfax sends greeting.
Whereas Henry Fairfax my younger son hath
by my commission received several rents and
other sums of money due to me, and I am
satisfied with the account and disposal of the
sum made by my said son.
Now know that I the. said Lord Fairfax in
consideration of said accounts have remised and
released and by these presents do remise and
release to the said young Fairfax my son, all
actions, accounts, and demands whatsoever.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this seventeen day of September,
in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign
Lord James the Second, by the grace of God of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King,
Defender of the Faith, Annoq: Dom 1685.
HEN. FAIRFAX.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
MICH. RYMER,
JOHN BUXTON.




OF ENGLAND.              37
The fourth Lord Fairfax, the ancestor of
the American family, proved a worthy son of
the rector of Bolton Percy.  Religion was
always honored while he lived at Denton Hall.
Thoresby in his diary, under date of June 8,
1684, writes: - Was much pleased yester-night
with the good order observed in my Lordship's
religious family, all which was called in and
Mr. Clapham [the chaplain] read three or four
psalms and a chapter or two out of the Old
Testament, and as many out of the New, then
after a psalm  sung, prayed very seriously."
He died in April, 1688, and a crowd of all
classes followed his remains to the tomb, the
poor of the neighborhood being sincere mourners.
He left two sons: Thomas, who succeeded to
the title, and Henry.
Thomas, fifth Lord Fairfax, married Catharine
Culpepper, the daughter of Lord Culpepper, who
had been governor of Virginia.
Henry married Anna Harrison of South Cave,
and in 1691 was high sheriff of York.  His
wife's sister, Eleanora, in 1689, married Henry
Washington, a near relative of John and Law



38            THE FAIRFAXES
rence, the emigrants to America. The seal
used by Henry Washington bore the same coat
of arms as that of General George Washington.
HENRY WASHINGTON TO HENRY FAIRFAX.
Oct. 23, 94.
Dear Sr:
On Monday night I had yours of the 16th
and sure you think me guilty of a sham as you
call it. I am glad you had so good a witness
as one you call a friend to let you know it, but
must beg the favour of you only to let me know
his name which when done, if I do not prove
him a lying rascal, then I'll be contented to
wear the name of coward and villain while I
live.  
And since your friend that you style him
though not worthy of the character that told
you so great a lie, if you will not ask him why
he imposed it on you, let me but know him and
I'll ask him why he did on me, for never a son
of a ---— in England shall belie me with a
design to make a misunderstanding betwixt me




OF ENGLAND.              39
and my friend but I'll know his reason and use
proper methods to convict him.
*      *  ** And if I cannot prove my disbursement then I am  to blame but I can
produce vouchers for it all. And I thank God
my care and conduct were such, otherwise I
guess how they would have been allowed. I
ask your pardon for this digression. My wife's
service and mine wait on you and my sister.
And I am Sir,
Y'r suspected Bro. your
real friend & serv.
HEN: WASHINGTON.
Thomas, fifth Lord Fairfax, was a member
of parliament in 1689, colonel of the Third
Hussar Guards, brigadier general in 1701 and
died in 1710. His wife was Catharine Culpepper. He was more extravagant than his predecessors.  Denton, formerly the site of a
nunnery, was much improved by Thomas the
third lord. He built the stately mansion, with
a gallery one hundred and fifty feet in length,




40            THE FAIRFAXES
and numerous rooms with mantel pieces of delicate and variegated marbles.
The fifth lord continued to improve, and in
1703 employed Gyles, the celebrated artist, who
painted the window at University College, Oxford, to place in Denton Chapel the noblest
painted glass then known in the north of
England.
His expenditures exceeding his income, he
became involved, and was much troubled by
creditors. He died in London on January 6,
1710, and his servant who attended him robbed
him of the little money he had left. The old
Fairfax place now passed into the hands of
strangers. Thoresby visited the spot in 1712,
and says: "Was in company of old Robert
Taite, who has seen the chapel and some remains
of the nunnery, the old house pulled down,
and a stately new one erected by Thomas, Lord
Fairfax, the general, and now most of that
pulled down, and a much more convenient
though not quite so large erected by Mr. Milner.
He remembers the first Thomas, Lord Fairfax,
and his son Ferdinando, was servant to the third
Lord, the general, and the Lord Henry and the




OF ENGLAND.              41
last Lord Thomas were also survived by him,
and he now lives in the sixth Lord Fairfax's
time."
THOMAS, FIFTH LORD FAIRFAX, TO HIS BROTHER
HENRY.
LONDON, Nov. 20, 1697.
Dear Brother:
I came to town last night and am going now
to Kensington to wait on the King. I will do
what I can to serve you. I will speak to the
Duke of Devon, and will speak to the Lords of
the Treasury but I know not what to think of
ye matter since you are told they are likely to
sink the office. I will raise money for you with
all the speed I can, but Barradall drains me
ncow, and the paym't I have had of the
Treasury has been paper at nigh 40 per cent
loss, such favour have I had. I wish with all
my heart you had this, and if it continue I
will use my poor interest. I cannot remember
the particulars of my cosen Stapilton's disease,
this in general I remember some thing of your
acknowledging a debt to him one day and then
when it was to be paid shuffled and disowned
it. I cannot tell how but a very bad story it
6




42             THE FAIRFAXES
was, indeed I was ashamed, and uneasie at it
and cannot now recollect what it was unless I
heard him repeat it, which would not be very
agreeable. I thought my cosen would not tell
me a lye against you, and if it was true I could
not tell to say in your excuse, but the non-paym't I am positive was not the chief matter of
complaint. If I can have any hopeful prospect
of your affair I will follow it with dilligence,
and send you the best advice I can. But I am
not like you with drawn cart horses (I own it)
that will pull forever at large unmoveable oak.
Pray give my humble service to all our friends,
I am
Y'r affect. Brother,
T. FAIRFAX.
Excuse haste, but I hope you may send my
letter.
RALPH THORESBY, TO THOMAS, FIFTH LORD FAIRFAX.
My Lord:
I cannot forbear writing tho' the occasion be
less grateful, but being yesternight in company
of some of our magistrates, I was told that
your Lordship not appearing'twas verily tho't
the Lord Irwyn and Sir John Kay would carry




OF ENGLAND.              413
it the next election (which they seem to expect
shortly).  Tis certain my Lord Irwyn made
the Corporation a visit on Saturday, and will
doubtless have our vote, will your Lordship be
pleased to signify your design in time, for the'
the country ought rather to court for the future,
as well as thank your Lordship for what is past,
yet as the world goes, notwithstanding the
great services your Lordship has been so eminent for, there seems to be a necessity to let
your friends know that your Lordship is willing
to stand for the County. I humbly beg your
Lordships pardon for this freedom, but I cannot
bear that your truly ancient as well as right
honorable family should be excluded, and besides
the honor I bear to the family in general, your
Lordship's special respects to me, has laid a
peculiar obligation upon my Lord.
Your Lordship's most obliged
and most humble servt.
RALPH THORESBY.
LEEDS, Sept. 9, 1701.
I shall be glad of the honor of a line, that
I may have a pardon for this boldness, under
your Lordship's own hand.




44             THE FAIRFAXES.
My service pray to the mayor and Mr. Bryan
Fairfax.
Ralph Thoresby was the son of a Leeds merchant who during the civil wars had been an
officer under the Fairfaxes.  With his father
he founded the once celebrated Thoresby Museum.  He was a fine scholar, singular, conscientious and devout, a fellow of the Royal
Society, and although a dissenter, among his
friends and correspondents were some of the
bishops of the established church. He published the History of Leeds, and at the age
of 68 died October 10, 1725. Dunton, in the
Whipping Post, says: " Ralph Thoresby F. R. S.
is a very ingenious, sober gentleman  and
antiquary who  hath a curious collection of
natural and artificial rarities of many years
standing. He is also a great preserver of manuscripts of all sorts. He is kind and respectful
to his friends, and never better pleased than
when they can present him with some piece of
antiquity or valuable manuscript."




PEDIGREE OF THE FAIRFAX FAMILY OF'VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Sir TIIOMlAS FAIRFAX, Yorkshire, England.
Created Baron Fairfax of Cameron, Scotland, 1627.
Married Helen Aske.
Died 1640.
FERDI)INAnDO, eldest son, 2d Lord Fairfax.                                      HENRY FAIRFAX, 2d son of 1st lord.
CI-LARLES FAIRFAX, 3d son.
First wife, Lady Mary Sheffield; 2d wife. Rhoda Chapman.::Married Mary, daughter of Sir Henry Cholmicy. and....:.'::Left issue.
lie died in 1647.::                           Died in April, 1665.
T:IoT MAs, 3d Lord Fairfax.                                              IENRY FAIRFAX of Oglethorpe.
Married Anne, dauyhter of Lord Vero'.'Married Frances, daughter of Sir Robert Barwick of Tolston, county               BRYA-T N,FARTFAX.
of York. Succeeded his cousin Thomas, and was 4th Lord Fairfax.
Died in 1671 without male issue.                                                      Died in 1689.
THIOMNAS, eldest son of 4th Lord Fairfax,
Marsried Catharine, daaughter of Lord Colpepper and                           h HIIENRY FAIRFAX,   d son of 4th Lord Fairfax.                                                     BRYAN, 3d son 
wvas 5th Lord Fairfax.
Married Anne Harrison.                                                                of 4th Lord Fairfax.
Died 1709 -10.
ROBERT,                                                                              ILlTAM,  4th son..THO.MAS,           -.       HENRY.,'.3d son, became:  UHENRPtY FAIRFAX:'THOMAS.'RIcHARD.
the 7th Lord                                                                     Born in 1691. emig rated to:          BRYAN,5thson.
th LordFairfax...   3d s ofn ooth Lord... Fairfh ax,          Died                Died in           Died in           America and resided at
Died without issue,:: Died without issue in                  and:                                                                Belvoir, Virginia.:              Died 1.
in Virginia, in   81.::          1734.:: Died without:: wilithout issue.:: infav.ncy.:              Died 175.
issue in 1793.:::.








PART SECOND.
THE
FAIRFAX FAMILY
IN
A~MERICA.








THE FAIRFAXES IN AMERICA.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE.
William Fairfax was the early and constant
adviser, and his sons George William, and Bryan
the youthful associates, and subsequent correspondents of him whose name is above every
other name in America - George Washington.
Burk and Campbell in their histories of Virginia, erroneously state that William, the founder
of the Fairfax family of Virginia, was the son
instead of cousin of Thomas, Lord Fairfax, who
lived in the valley of the Shenandoah, and was
unmarried.  The father of'William  was the
EIon. Henry Fairfax, sheriff of Yorkshire, who
was the son of the fourth Lord Fairfax.  It has
already been stated that his mother's name
before marriage was Anna Harrison, a sister-inlaw of one of the Washingtons of England.
His only brother Henry was well educated,
but led a dissolute life, and died in England in




48             THE FAIRFAXES
1759; William was born in 1691, and at an early
age, was sent to the collegiate school established
by Sir John Lowther, afterward Viscount Lonsdale; but through the influence of a relative,
Capt. Fairfax of the Royal navy, went to sea
when very young. Returning from this voyage
he served in the British army in Spain, under
Col. Martin Bladen, who had married a Fairfax.
The letters written to his widowed mother
indicate not only strong filial affection, but correct principles.  For a time he was stationed at
St. Helena, and subsequently at the Bahamas,
where he married Sarah, a daughter of Major
Walker, and was appointed chief justice of
the island. About the year 1725 on account of
the unhealthiness of the climate, he removed to
New England, having received the appointment
of collector of the customs at Salem and Marblehead.  Here he was bereaved by the death of
his wife in the year 1731, who left him four
children.
Subsequently he married a Miss Deborah
Clarke of Salem, an intimate friend of his first
wife, who had expressed a wish on her death bed
that she might be the step-mother of her children.




OF AMERICA.              49
Thomas, the sixth Lord Fairfax, who became
the proprietor of the northern neck of Virginia,
through  his  mother, who  was Catharine,
daughter of Lord Culpepper, hearing that his
agent was not faithful to his interests, invited
his cousin William to leave New England and
become the superintendent of his estates.
The offer in 1734 was accepted, and he at first
took up his residence in Westmoreland county,
but subsequently removed to a plantation called
Belvoir, fourteen miles below Alexandria.
His  daughter Anne  by  his  first wife,
married Lawrence Washington, who  settled
four miles above his father-in-law, and named
his place Mount Vernon, in honor of the admiral
with whom he had served while in the navy.
George, the brother of Lawrence, was thus at
an early age brought under the influence of Mr.
Fairfax, and on Sept. 10th, 1746, Lawrence
Washington received a letter from his fatherin-law relative to his brother, then fourteen
years of age, in which he writes, " George has
been with us, and says he will be steady, and
thankfully follow your advice as his best friend.
I gave him his mother's letter to deliver, with a
7




50             THE FAIRFAXES
caution not to show his."  Mr. Fairfax had used
his influence to obtain a position for George in
the navy, but the mother would not consent to
his going to sea, for " several persons told her it
was a bad scheme."
Not long after this his uncle Joseph Ball, residing in England, wrote to his motherl "I
understand you are advised, and have some
thoughts of putting your son to sea. I think
he had better be put apprentice to a trade, for
a common sailor before the mast has by no
means the common liberty of the subject; for
they will press him from a ship where he has
fifty shillings a month, and make him take
twenty-three, and cut and beat him like a negro,
or rather like a dog. And as to any considerable
promotion in the navy it is not to be expected,
as there are always so many gaping for it here,
who have influence, and he has none."
The year that it was proposed that George
should go to sea, the eccentric bachelor Thomas,
the sixth Lord Fairfax, made a second visit to
Virginia, and remained there until his death at. Meade.




OF AMERICA.              51
Greenway Court in the Shenandoah valley a
half century later; and under his directions
William Fairfax in 1748 sends his son George
William, a young man, and George Washington,
then sixteen years of age, on a surveying tour
in the upper part of the northern neck of Virginia. In a journal of this tour kept by Washington, he states, under date of April 12th,
1748: -  Mr. Fairfax got safe home, and I to my
brother's house, which concludes my journal."
Colonel William  Fairfax was not only collector of his majesty's customs for the South
Potomac, but after the death of Blair, president
of the council of Virginia. At Great Meadows,
in June, 1754, Washington named Queen Alequippa's son, Colonel Fairfax, in compliment to
his valuable friend, and gave the young chief a
medal.  While he was there encamped Mr.
Fairfax wrote to him: " I will not doubt you,
having public prayers in the camp, especially
when the Indian families are your guests, that
they seeing your plain manner of worship, may
have their curiosity excited to be informed
why we do not use the ceremonies of the
French."




52             THE FAIRFAXES.
On September 3d, 1757, William  Fairfax
died, and Virginia was deprived of the services
of one of her most judicious councilors.
His children by Sarah IWclker, his first wife,
were George W., born in 1724.
Thomas of the British navy killed in action
in East Indies, June 26, 1746.
Anne, wife of Lawrence Washington, and
after his death married George Lee.
Sarah, wife of John Carlyle of Alexandria.
His children by second wife, Deborah Clarke,
were Bryan, the eighth Lord Fairfax.
William, who died from wounds at the siege
of Quebec.
Hannah, wife of Warner Washington.




CORRESPONDENCE.
HON. HENRY FAIRFAX TO HIS WIFE.
LOWTHER,1 Sept. 24, 98.
Dear:
I were much to blame if I tell you our ways
and weather was pleasant, for both were bad to
a great degree yet arrived safely here yesterday,
about two in the afternoon, finding my Lord,
Lady and rest of friends in good health, and
had a kind reception.
The  first day we arrived  at Caterick, the
next at Appleby  where I left Mrs. Lowther
with her mother, who entertained us very hospitably.  Major Lowther, my Lord's uncle sent
for his two sons, and Mr. Kirk for his son to
keep Henry company, so Mr. Kirk and I went
I Lowther was the seat of Sir John Lowther, who, in the
year that this letter was written, became Viscount Lonsdale.
His mansion was one of the most elegant of the age, and
his library and paintings displayed refined taste. Interested
in education he founded Lowther College. He died in 1700.
In time the school was discontinued, and the building was
used for a stocking factory.




54             THE FAIRFAXES
with them  to the colledge.  Henry  liking his
companions was very well contented to stay
with them.  Mr. T. Kirk is his bed fellow in a
large room, in the middle story; in the same
chamber is a large bed wherein Sir Matthew
Pearson's three sons lie.  There  are about
twenty-one or twenty-two young gentlemen, and
six or seven more are shortly expected, so that
the number my Lord intends to accept of will
soon be complete.
I am sorry that my Godson omitted coming
at this juncture if he is designed to come at all.
Besides their school learning they are taught to
sing psalms, and tomorrow will be the first time
they are to sing in consort in the church provided the [torn] get their seat built. I hope Will,
will make one of the chorus next Spring for the
French master says, sooner the boys come the
better provided they be in the grammar. Some
are already come that be but ten years old, some
about that age especially the Major's son, is as
tall as Mr. Marshall of Newton and much thicker.
I approve highly of every thing, and my Lord
a Elder brother of William Fairfax.




OF AMERICA.             55
and Lady most of all, for they both join in encouraging the noble and generous undertaking.
As for my Lord's house I. must not pretend
to describe it at this time, neither my [torn] nor
leisure will admit of it, so must conclude. Love,
duty and service to yourself and children and
friends.
This morning the weather seems to take up
so I hope it may do the like with you that we
may reap our harvest. The white Gelding's
back being sadly galled is the worst disaster
which befell us, mine not so bad, makes us
think of staying here till Thursday or Friday
next.  We had some thoughts of being at
Denton tomorrow  sennight however.  In so
long a time we may alter our measures.
At an early period William Fairfax entered
the navy, and on the eve of going on board the
ship wrote the following affectionate letter to
his brother Henry who was wayward and dissolute. The cousin Dick Washington spoken
of, was the son of Henry Washington, who
married Anna Harrison of South Cave, a sister
of his mother.




56             THE FAIRFAXES
WILLIAM FAIRFAX TO HIS BROTHER HENRY FAIRFAX.
MARCH the 3, 1709 -10.
Dear Brother:
To what I should have imputed your silence
I confess I knew not, for I could not apprehend
how all your time was employed that one or
two minutes could not be gained for one's service.  But after this frank confession and earnest desire for remission I shall forget what's
past.
Tho' our separation has been pretty long yet
I in nowise despair of another greeting which
I rather wish to be at Towlston, than any
where else.
I am glad your's assures me of your innocence, as to what you have been charged with;
tho' I must to justify myself, insist that I never
too easily gave credit to any ill report of you,
but the author who has been lately in town in
my opinion would'nt have represented things
worse than they really were; however if they
were true I must impute it to the flush of youth,
unwilling to be limited within narrow bounds.
I would willingly inform you of my author, if




OF AMERICA.             57
I could depend that your knowledge thereof
were no other than to satisfy your curiosity.
I have shown yours to cousin Dick Washington who sends you his sentiments here.
You may with little entreaty engage me to
answer yours, when my mind is so easily
inclined thereto on its own accord. I earnestly
wish you all happiness and pleasure. By this
time you will hear of the arrival of your neighbour W. Hammond who set forward last Monday.
The next time you hear from me I believe
will be from my ship, tho' I dont mention it as
a precaution against your writing because I
cant depend on the certainty of it. I am with
unalterable affection,
Your endearing Brother
W. FAIRFAX.
LETTERS OF RICHARD WASHINGTON TO HENRY
FAIRFAX.
FROM MRS. CROSIER'S, WESTMINSTER.
Dear boy:
As for Sir Robt. Berwick's deed of settlement
I can assure you'tis not in my custody. When
8




58                 THE FAIRFAXES
our papers were brought from  Lincoln's Inns I
searched'em for that purpose, but could not
find any  such  paper amongst them.   I will
write  to  my  mother about the pictures, and
take care to send you'em.  My humble respects
to  my Aunt.  All our news at present is the
general rumour of peace, and the sentence of
Dr. Sacheverell.l He is cast and to be sentenced
for three years, his books to be burnt by the
common hangman.  I should be very proud to
hear what execution hath been done among the
foxes this season. I am Sir
Yr affectionate kinsman,
R. W.
1 Henry Sacheverell, ).D., was born about 1672 and in
college was a chum of Addison the poet. In two sensational
and political sermons he advocated the jure divino view
of church and state, which excited the whigs of parliament
and caused his impeachment.
He was tried, and sentenced to be silenced for three years,
and his obnoxious sermons to be burned. The Duchess of
Marlborough called him " an ignorant and impudent incendiary." Bishop Burnet says: " He possessed little of religion,
virtue, or good sense, but forced himself to preferment by
railing at dissenters and low churchmen."  He died in
obscurity in 1724.




OF AMERICA.               59
FROM MRS. CROSIER'S IN OLD PALACE,
WESTMINSTER, June 17, 1710.
Dear Harry:
I hope you will not impute my freedom to
proceed from any disrespect being justly allowed
to our affinity.  But will rather favour this
with such a friendly reception as may engage
you to a return of these my first offers; for
never having received any permission or countenance for a correspondence I have constrained
myself till now. But lately reflecting on the
obscurity and solitariness of a country retired
life, I thought a friendly access by lines might
not be at present unacceptable.'Twould be a
great satisfaction to me to hear how my countrymen divert themselves. What store of foxes,
hares, stags, etc., you have killed last winter
and what race was last run, and whose was the
winning horse. In return I would acquaint you
with all the news this populous town affords.
At present we have a sort of pestilence amongst
us.  My late Secretary of State is turned out,
who was my Lord Sunderland and my Lord
Dartmouth put in his room.  The Governor




60                  THE FAIRFAXES
of Doway insisted on some unreasonable articles
in the capitulation he sent to the Duke of Marlboro they were rejected. However we fancy by
this'tis surrendered.  If you  should  see  Mr.
Hammond  present my  humble  service.   All
here give their respects to Aunt and yourself.
Pray  accept mine  &  believe that I am  with
unalterable affection, Dear Harry.
Your affectionate kinsman r
and humble servt.
R. WASHINGTON.
1 General Washington, in a letter to the Earl of Buchan
says:" The family of Fairfax of which you speak, is also
related to me.  *    * *  What remains of the old stock
are near neighbours to my estate at Mount Vernon."
Henry Fairfax, sheriff of Yorkshire, and Richard Washington, married sisters Anna and Eleanora Harrison, of South
Cave.  William, son of Henry Fairfax, became the proprietor of the estate adjoining Mount Vernon, and his daughter
married Lawrence, the brother of General George Washington.
Richard Washington, the writer of this letter, was a first
cousin and schoolmate of William Fairfax of Virginia, and
in after years a resident of London, and correspondent of
General Washington.
The Earl of Buchan was a connection of General Washington, David, 4th Earl of Buchan, having married Frances,
daughter of Henry Fairfax of Hurst.
Mr. Chester of London, in New Englcdcl Genealogical
Register, has recently pointed out the error of Sparks in




OF AMERICA.                    61
CAPT. ROBERT FAIRFAX1 R. N., TO MRS. ANN FAIRFAX.
Cousin:
I have yours of the 8th inst, and have sent
up for your son, who I expect in town to-morrow,
and  have  given  his Captain the  very  letter
which I got for him, so you will accordingly
consider his equipment for his voyage being it
will not be long consequently, before the ship
will be going to sea; that he may lose no time
for his advantage in the service of the Fleet I
have been careful to obtain the letter, and I am
glad to do him any service because he is a good
boy and I am,
Your ready servant
ROB'T FAIRFAX.
stating that Lawrence and John, sons of Lawrence Washington of Sulgrave, were the emigrants to Virginia. They
were probably grandsons. Mr. Chester says that Richard,
one of the sons of Lawrence of Sulgrave, went to London to
live as an apprentice to a clothworker. Richard, the writer
of the letter, may have been his grandson.
The wills of the emigrants John and Lawrence were
made in Virginia, in 1675, and proved in 1677. John's
second wife was then living.  Lawrence bequeathed an
estate in England to Mary a daughter by a former wife, and
his lands and goods in Virginia, were divided between his
second wife, and two children, John and Anna.
1 Captain Fairfax rose to be Admiral of the Blue.




62              THE FAIRFAXES
WILLIAM FAIRFAX TO HIS MOTHER.
Honored Madam:
I take occasion to acquaint you of my arrival
in England and the receipt of your letter of the
7th of April, by which you was pleased to remit
~5 for which I return you my filial acknowledgment.  You was pleased to intimate in
yours that you adjudged to my advantage as
well as Capt. Fairfax my continuing abroad
with Sir John Jennings.
I beg leave to acquaint you that I dont in the
least question my Friends will think me in the
right.  When I received yours it was War, but
now there being a cessation of arms, there are
few Ships of War left abroad, consequently less
vacancies happen, besides in a month's time,
my Lord Forbes is designed to relieve Sr. Jno.
Jennings, and so would only have drawn the
time out a little longer. By a letter I lately
saw  from  Sir G. Byngl in my behalf, I dare
1 Sir G. Byng was born in 1663, and was an eminent officer of the British navy. By his successes in the Mediterranean in 1718, Spain was compelled to accede to the
quadruple alliance.




OF AMERICA.             63
be confident he will serve me at sea, if not I
will consult with my friends about some thoughts
I have of going with the Duke of Hamilton to
France, when he goes as Embassador.  I have
been assured of his interest. This is the only
time that I will importune my friends, and if
all the interest and endeavours fail, I have
resolved to seek my own fortune in some remote
[end] of the world, where I dont in the least
doubt of living better than I have hitherto done
at Sea. I assure you I could wish my Bro.
Brian would never settle his thoughts or have
the least tendency to it. I have often wished
that I had been a Parson, as in my childish
years I began to fancy it, for they in all parts
live the only happy lives, and without incident
to those misfortunes, the laity often suffer under.
By the time you receive this I hope to be in
London, but where, there, I am yet uncertain.
It would be an extraordinary service to me if
you could spare me ~30; I confess it is with
regrets I am forced to make such a demand, but
I dare to venture to assure you that if nothing
offers, as I ought to expect it will be the last
I shall draw from, being resolved to throw my



64             THE FAIRFAXES
self to Italy and France having this voyage
learnt a little of the French tongue. Where I
have so little title I begin to be weary of England.  When I have finished what I have to
do in London, I will take that so much wished
for journey to Towlston to receive your blessing before I proceed further.
Y'r: most dutiful son & servt,
W. FAIRFAX.
December 12, 1712.
After returning from  a voyage under his
relative, Captain, afterwards Admiral Fairfax,
he entered the army and served with Colonel
Martin Bladen, the son of his relative Nathaniel
Bladen.
WILLIAM FAIRFAX TO HIS MOTHER.
Hon'd Madam:
I have embrac'd several opportunities of writing to you since my being abroad, but amongst
the number I only esteem those safe where the
conveyance is not to be suspected.  When




OF AMERICA.                  65
friends and relatives meet in foreign parts their
satisfaction is mutually exchang'd, and I think
the kind fortune of presenting Cousin A. Lowther, has been very welcome for he is an officer
well respected by his Captain and belov'd of his
people.
As he has promised to wait on you in his way
to or from Swillington, I refer to him the particulars of my  present circumstance.   The last
news from England mentioned S'r George Byng
and  Col. Bladen  to be in great favour with
the present ministry, insomuch that I intend
with  God's  leave to make  another trial of
interest in England, as soon as I can possible.
Pray present my love to brother and sisters,
respects to all friends and relations.
I am truly madam
Y'r most dutiful son, and
obliged servant,
W. FAIRFAX.
St. Helena,
Aug't 16, 1716.
1Col. Martin Bladen was the son of Nathaniel Bladen,
barrister, and edited Casar's Commentaries. He became
comptroller of the mint and one of the lords of trade.
9




66             THE FAIRFAXES
Dear Madam:
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter
dated in July 1716, the last June, therein I
was sorry to observe that you advised my continuance at St. Helena, because you knew of no
business I could immediately have at my arrival in England.  But I must conclude that
your reasons were altogether unknown with the
knowledge of that Island. When I first received
your's I had covenanted for my return, and as
I in nowise doubt an employment more agreeable to my desires, so I hope in little time you
will have the satisfaction to hear of my being
settled. My Uncle Bladen sent your's enclosed
in a very kind one of his own, and considering
that he only of all those Gentlemen whom I
have writ to did me the favour to return any,
my obligation to him is the more encreased,
especially when his concluded with a hearty
wish of seeing me speedily at his house.
I am now on the road to London, when I
shall hope in three or four days to hear of your
welfare, as well as brothers and sisters to whom
pray give my kind love, and to all friends.




OF AMERICA.              67
My Uncle Bladen inform'd me of my Aunt
Mary Fairfax's death, and of the kind legacy
she left me.  I received that intelligence as
became a nephew, that condol'd the decease of
my indulgent friend, and whatever suspicions
might once have been surmis'd, I always thought
myself highly favour'd of my Aunt and I trust
in God I shall never procure the disesteem of
any relation.
I am hon'd Madam
Y'r very dutiful son
and servant,
W. FAIRFAX.
DEAL, Octob. 8, 1717.
LONDON, Jan'y 28, 1717-8.
Honour'd Madam:
My departure from  you to-day recall'd to
mind the time when I left you at Towlston, and
the little outward show I had power only to
demonstrate of that just concern might be expected. But I must beg you would do me the
justice to believe, I have a heart fraught with
as much sense of duty and gratitude, as the
most open professor.




68            THE FAIRFAXES
It is the strength of the conception which
overflows my heart, and denys my tongue its
expected utterance, therefore hope for your
favourable construction.
My brother and I arriv'd in safety, and
somewhat satisfied with our pleasant walk.
My wife has since Saturday been very uneasy,
because I sent her word, she might expect me
then, which occasion'd her sending the messenger to enquire after me. Govern: Rogers call'd
this morning expecting to see me, but told my
wife that he had the satisfaction of having the
ship return'd, which he sent to Providence,
where she was, and on shewing the proclamation, and being acquainted that Captain Rogers
was intended  Governour, they unanimously
rejoiced, and have sent their assurances of their
hearty intention to accept of the offer'd pardon,
also to compliment Gov: Rogers, whose character is not unknown to them. This is what
I have learnt at present, and when I have
seen Gov: Rogers to-morrow shall send a more
particular account. My sister has got her
cloaths, which had been stopt on the road by
some Custom  officer and examined on suspi



OF AMERICA.              69
cion, and in a letter lately received from Towlston is desired to let you know that the mare
Brian lost, is return'd home again.
My sister came this evening to pay my wife
a visit, and joins with me, wife, and bearer in
all duty. Love & respect to you, Uncle, Aunt,
and Cousins.
I am hon'd Madam
Y'r very dutiful son,
W. FAIRFAX.
SHIP DELICIA AT THE NORE, April 19, 1718.
Honour'd Madam:
On Thursday I accompanied the Governour
on board in order to settle for the preparing
voyage, which hitherto has made but slow procedure, yet does not advance by quicker pace.
I am  pleased both with the Gentlemen, and
accommodation on board, and believe I have
procured so much of the Governour's favour,
by my inclination to serve his affairs, that it
must be own neglect, if at any time I shall
want his assistance.




70             THE FAIRFAXES
Indeed I never went on a voyage,-but with
hope to return with the ship, but my case
differs at this time, yet shall never despair,
(whilst I have either vigour or willing mind to
advance my fortune) of both revisiting my
native land, and again receiving your blessing
with more settled purposes.  There are many
instances to be found of persons that have ventur'd abroad, and in a few years have return'd
bless'd with a happy fraught of their labours,
to the rejoicing of friends and self-satisfaction.
* * * *   We shall be in the Downs in two or
three days, wherefore I should be glad to hear
from you before we sail thence, and hope you
have had some remedies to relax your late
ailings. Tho' I expect to be a little while
separated from my wife, yet I trust in God, she
will not want any thing to comfort her sorrows.
She is indeed a stranger in England, known to
few but my friends, and as I know she deserves
a better fate than to be left almost disconsolate,
yet I hope shall hear of the good intentions of
some friends, that have been ready to acknowledge their zeal to serve her.
I do most sincerely, prompted by the mere




OF AMERICA.             71
dictates of duty & inclination, wish you, Uncle,
Aunt, and cousins all health and happiness, to
whom severally I desire my remembrance and
am Hon'd Madam.
Y'r very dutiful son
and affection't servant
W. FAIRFAX.
Mr. Graves is very complaisant to me with
whom when we take a nipperkin, never fail of
drinking to my Uncle's good health, as we shall
continue to do.
MARY BLADEN TO MRS. ANN FAIRFAX.
SATTERDAY, March ye 30.
Madam:
I think it necessary to let you know that
there is a Clargy man courts your Daughter,
and indeed in all appearance is a very deserving young man, and is every way qualiffied for
a Living, tho he has none as yet, but Mr.
Bladen has promised me that he will do all he
can to get him one either here or in IreLand.
We both like his charicter, yet will inquire a
little more into his circumstances, if you ap



72              THE FAIRFAXES
prove off the courtships going on, for my cosin
Nancy I dare say will be obedient to all your
commands.
I am Madam
Your humble servant,
M. BLADEN.1
For Mrs. Fairfax at Tolston,
near Tadcaster In Yorkshire.
DOROTHY SHERARD TO HER NEPHEW.
Good Neve:
I return you my thanks for the favour of
your letter.  I thank God I am very well in
helth tho I never ster out of my house all the
winter.  I am  very sorry to heire my sister is
in such a very ill steat of helth.
Pray tell her I have seent down the same
sort of drops for her to take as I youst to seend
her, and some Red Pills, and ruberb.  I have
desir'd my Brother to seend em  to her, for
theay are seent in a box to him and will be at
Tadcaster, Saturday sennet for it is seent by
1 Mary Bladen was the daughter of Col. Gibbs, who owned
lands in Carolina.




OF AMERICA.                73
York coach.  I must now tell you of the good
fortaine of my son Sherard, who by the. deth
of the leat Earle of Harborough, hee hes now
that tittle, but the leat L'd hes bein soe good
to him as to give him ye part of the Estate w'ch
was his great Granfathers and ye other part of
the Esteate is cheefly givern to the Duches of
Rutland w'ch was his sister, and some part to
my Lady Irwin's and her suns, but my sun
having such  a number of chilldren, it will
require his good nanneigment as much as ever
to proveide for em in such a high stations.
I am glad I can tell you, all y'r relations o
this side very well for most of em hes beein to
see me.  * * *  I hartily wish you and my
sister, and nece a [torn] and menny happy new
yeirs, and I and my daughter [torn] humble serveis to you all and to my cousen Fairfaxes when
you see them. I am
Yr: affect. Ante & servt
D. SHERARD.1
1 Dorothy, daughter of Henry Lord Fairfax, first married
R. Stapleton. After his death she became the wife of
Bennet Sherard, and her son became Earl of Harborough.
She died in 1744.
10




74             THE FAIRFAXES
The ship Delicia arrived at Nassau, New
Providence, in July, 1718, and Woodes Rogers,
distinguished for a three years' voyage around
the world, who had been sent out on petition
of the Liverpool merchants to break up the
nest of pirates there, immediately entered upon
his duties as governor.  William Fairfax was
appointed judge of the Admiralty, and acted
as president of the court, which in December
tried, found guilty, and hung a number of
desperadoes.
Owing to the sickliness of the climate, in
1725 he moved to New England, where his wife,
the daughter of Major Walker of Nassau, died
in 1731.
HON. WM. FAIRFAX TO IIIS MOTHER.
CUSTOM HOUSE, SALEM 1
IN NEW ENGLAND, 24 May, 1731.
Ever honoured Madam:
I have once again the great pleasure to write
by Col'o Gale who in his way for England has
paid me a visit, well knowing that the opportunity would be most agreeable. His long and
1 In 1734 he left Salem for Virginia. See Felt's Salem.




OF AMERICA.              75
continued acquaintance with my affairs, and
my now present circumstances will make it
unnecessary to repeat the former account I have
given you of the decease of my dear Dame on
the 18th of January last, and her having left
me four small children. Col~ Gale has indeed
kindly offered to take the care of safe conducting my eldest son George, upwards of seven
years old, but I judged it too forward to send
him before I had your's or some one of his
Uncles' or Aunts' invitation, altho' I have no
reason to doubt any of their indulgences to poor
West India boy * * * * * I and mine are with
all duty, love and respect humble petitioners
that you will please to continue your prayers
to God for a blessing on our endeavours to live
happily here and hereafter. I am most dutiful
mother,
Your ever dutiful son and servant
W. FAIRFAX.
In 1750 Mr. Fairfax visited England, where
his son William  Henry was probably at the
Blue Coat school of Beverley in Yorkshire.




76             THE FAIRFAXES
HON. WM. FAIRFAX, TO A BROTHER.
BEVERLEY, 28th Septr. 1750.
Sir:
I have had the pleasure to find Col. Beverley,
his family, and my son William Henry in good
health.
On discoursing with Mr. Clarke the worthy
school master, I find that several of the books
under Wm. Appleyard's care will be useful to
my son, therefore take the freedom to entreat
your favor to receive and forward the books to
be sent you. If there be any books that please
and worth your acceptance I shall be glad if you
will take them.  Mrs. Beverley and family
send their best compliments and I hope you
will favor me with your good correspondence,
while I am  in London which will be always
agreeable to
Yr very affect. brother, &c.
W. FAIRFAX.
Thomas, the  sixth  Lord  Fairfax, whose
mother was a daughter of Lord Culpepper,
owned a vast estate in the northern neck of




OF AMERICA.              77
Virginia; and discovering neglect upon the part
of his mother's agent, he dismissed him, and, as
has been stated, appointed his cousin, Colonel
William Fairfax.
Colonel Fairfax upon his first removal from
New England to Virginia lived in Westmoreland,
but afterwards moved to the banks of the
Potomac, and built Belvoir, a pleasant residence,
in sight of what is now called Mt. Vernon.
Lord Fairfax first visited Virginia in 1736,
and passed a year with his cousin. A graduate
of Oxford, and possessed of literary taste, partly
owing to disappointed affection he sought the
Virginia wilderness, and shunned the conventionalities of society. In the year 1746 he made
Virginia his permanent residence, and the letter
from Leeds Castle to his cousin George, the son of
Colonel William Fairfax, was probably written
just before his final departure from England.
THOS. LORD FAIRFAX TO GEO. WV. FAIRFAX.
LEEDS CASTLE; April 6.
Dear George:
I here send you by Captain Cooling of the
Elizabeth, two dogs and one bitch of Sr Edward
Filmores hounds which he promised you.  I




78             THE FAIRFAXES
desire you will be very careful of them and get
into the breed; if you have any other good
hounds they will make a good cross and mend
the breeds. If there is any charge attending
them  I have wrote to your father to satisfy
Captain Cooling. I do not yet hear of any
convoy appointed for Virginia, but I hope soon
to know of one being named that I may soon
have the pleasure of seeing my friends in the
Northern Neck. I hope likewise soon of having
the pleasure of acquainting you of something
to your advantage.  The Major desires his compliments and reminds you of his turkeys. I
have nothing more to add at present but that
I remain
Yours
FAIRFAX.
LORD FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
FREDERICK, October 28, 1751.
Sir:
I have promised Mr. John West to lend him
one hundred pounds sterling w'ch you may pay
him and take his bond for. There are two
steers and one cow of mine at Potter's, if they




OF AMERICA.                   79
will be of any service to you, you may send
for them before Potter leaves your parts.
My service attends all the good family, as
also Mr. Martins.  I remain
Yours
FAIRFAX.
LORD FAIRFAX TO HON. WM. FAIRFAX.
Sir:
Yours I received from Williamsburg by which
I was glad to hear of all the good Family's
health.  We have no news in this part of the
world. We have had hitherto very fine weather,'but now it begins to be very cold, and likely to
set in for wet weather. Two or three days ago
we had a small snow but it soon melted. Please
to let Mr. Lewis  have his own and any of his
neighbours deeds out of the office. His note is
as good as cash as there is an account between
1 John Lewis of Ireland was the first settler of Augusta
county, and founder of the town of Staunton. He died in
1762, aged eighty-four.  He left five sons: Thomas, a man
of learning and integrity, and a member of the convention of
1776; Samuel; General Andrew; William, an officer in the
army of the revolution; and Colonel Charles.
Thomas is probably the one alluded to in the note.




80                THE FAIRFAXES
him and me, which you may at any time send
up  to  me.  My service  attends  Col. George,
Mrs. Fairfax and all friends.  I remain
Dear cousin
Yours
FAIRFAX.
GEORGE W. FAIRFAX TO GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE,
OF VIRGINIA.
WINCHESTER, Sept'r 4t:, 1755.
Honble Sir:
This instant Mr. Dennis McCarty 1 came here
and gave me the agreeable news of Col. Dunbar's2 being ordered back, and that my friend
Col. Washington is to have command of the
forces to be raised by this Colony, which undoubtedly is a great trust, but I dare say he will
discharge it with honour. I could wish our good
Countrymen were not so tenacious of their liberEarly in the eighteenth century, Daniel McCarty, the
ancestor of Dennis came to Westmoreland county, Va.,
and was speaker of the house of burgesses in 1715. Dennis was appointed a captain by Washington. Mr. McCarty
and family were at Mrs. Washington's request present at
her husband's funeral.
2 Dunbar was colonel of the 48tll regiment British Regulars, and was the senior officer after Braddock's defeat and
death at Fort Duquesne, the previous July.




OF AMERICA.              81
ties at this time, and put the Soldiery during
the expedition under martial law, and then I am
sure he would do it with greatsatisfaction, and
engage others to enter into the service. I can't
help expressing my intention, and great desire
of serving my Country at this juncture, if you
should be at a loss for officers, not sembling in
the least to serve under my valuable friend.
Had I the least reason to expect this when I
last saw him, I should have mentioned it and
wrote to your Honour, but I hope I am not too
late in my application, and must beg the favour
of you to postpone any office you may incline
to favour me with till I consult my good and
indulgent Parent, and my worthy Patron L'd
Fairfax who I am  in hopes will spare me from
his office.. Wives, good Sir, are not to be consulted upon these occasions, but I make no doubt
but mine would consent upon so laudable a call.'
I tarried but one day at home, before I set
off for this County in which I have been endeavouring ever since to get men for the companies of rangers and I am sorry to say with
I His wife was Sarah, the daughter of Wilson Cary.
11




82             THE FAIRFAXES
but little success, but what we have, being
about — I  think  are good, expert, active
woodsmen such as I do intend to and can trust
myself with, and do propose to march them on
next Saturday if possible, and to leave Capt.
Cocke to bring up the remainder of his rangers,
and some of his militia troops which his Lordship and we think most expeditious and necessary for the defence of the back inhabitants
until further orders. For at our general muster,
we drafted pursuant to the Act made for that
purpose 30 young men, out of which we could
not get one to enlist, or pay the Ten pounds.
Upon which we committed the whole to prison,
where I set a good and efficient guard every
night, and yesterday about twelve oClock the
prisoners artfully or by some assistance put the
lock back, and took an opportunity of rushing
out in a body with clubs, and through the
guard, and have all made their escape, notwithstanding we sent several horsemen after them,
and was kindly assisted by Capt. Stuart's horse.
Thus good Sir I have been perplexed, and
am at a loss what to do indeed with those that
are enlisted in case they should misbehave. I




OF AMERICA.               83
should have wrote by Mr. McCarty but he
would not tarry and now am hurried to take this
opportunity. Please to present my kind compliments to your good Lady and family, and be
assured that I am with the greatest esteem
Your honour's most ob't humble servant
GEO. WM. FAIRFAX.
LORD FAIRFAX TO GEORGE W. FAIRFAX.
Thursday Evening.
Dear George:
I was yesterday down at Mr. West's on my
way to Belvoir, but was called back by a false
alarm  of old Sharpe's  of which I wrote an
account to Mr. Carlyle;2 tho' the first part,
namely the twenty men being either killed or
taken is true. I propose setting off once more
by the way of Prince Wn. as we now imagine
the Indians are for the present gone back. I
have no objection to what you mention in your
letter if you think it will any ways to your
advantage. I have nothing farther to add till I
I Governor Sharpe of Maryland was very unpopular with
the Virginians.
2 Mr. Carlyle married the sister of George Fairfax.




84                 THE FAIRFAXES
shall have the pleasure of seeing you. My service
attends Mrs. Fairfax and the rest of the family.
I remain Yours
FAIRFAX.
LORD FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
May 5, 1756.
Dear George:
I wrote to you some time ago about a piece
of land surveyed for Ben Smith on Opeckon,
who  married Captain Chester's  daughter, who
has been with me, and has given her consent
that the deed should come out in the name of
Mr. John Hogg.2   The said Smith has run away
to Carolina, and she for the benefit of her
1 Capt. Chester was an early settler in the valley of the
Shenandoah.  Fothergill, a quaker preacher, brother of the
distinguished English physician, says in his journal, under
date of 9th mo. 13th. 1736:
" We got over Shenandoah river to one Chester's who
was very courteous to us, his poor circumstances considered."
The Hoge family came to Frederick county in 1738.
George Hoge was one of the first justices of the court.
John Hoge, perhaps son of George, graduated at Princeton,
in 1748. William, a relative of George, was a native of
Paisley, Scotland, and after a brief residence in the middle
states, settled near Winchester.  Moses, one of his sons,
became a professor of theology.




OF AMERICA.              85
children has agreed with the said Hog and the
executors of Capt. Chester to exchange said
land for another of Chester's whereon she has
always lived.  If it is agreeable to the practice
of the office, I am willing to consent to it, and
will take care that the children have justice
done them by Chester's executors.
I remain Yours
FAIRFAX.
H. CLAPHAM TO HON. WILLIAM FAIRFAX.
HULL. 1st March, 1757.
Dr' S':
It's now above a year, since we have had any
letters from  Virginia, two of our ships, viz
Capt. Cheeseman and Capt. Lewis, by both of
whom we wrote, being taken by French privateers, upon our own Coasts. This comes by Capt.
Cheeseman who ransomed his ship and cargo
for ~1000 the cargo belonging to Mr. Welfil.
As to affairs here we are in the utmost confusion, the Ministry being entirely changed,
and Bing who behaved so ill in the Mediterranean, I believe if one may credit the papers
was to be shot on board the'Royal Anne at




86               THE FAIRFAXES
Spithead on yesterday.'  The greatest preparations for war are making that was ever known
in the memory of man, the whole Nation being
united to humble the French, and want only
good commanders that will fight. I am with
mine and my wife's best respects to yourself,
family, and all friends in Virginia,
Yr: affect. brother
and humble Serv't
H. CLAPHAM.
DOROTHY CLAPHAM TO HER BROTHER HON. WM.
FAIRFAX.
Dear Brother:
I have been troubled very  much by not
hearing from you so long, and we have sent you
many letters, and as Captain  Cheesman told
Mr. Clapham 2 he had a packet for us, but when
he found he should be taken he threw all over
into the sea. I got a letter lately from my
poor Willy who writes from London.  The last
John Byng, son of Viscount Torrington, was tried for
alleged cowardice and unjustly executed. He was shot at
Portsmouth, and met his sad fate like a man and Christian.
s H. Clapham was an officer of the customs in England, and
Dorothy, his wife, wts sister of William Fairfax of Belvoir, Va.




OF AMERICA.              87
time I saw him was last year at York. He is
tall and good-like, God bless him and send him
grace. We drunk tea together with my brother
for I had not gone to York, but word was sent
to us that he was very ill so stayed till he was
better and so went to Newton, and dined one day
there, and lay two nights at William Appleyards,
and two at the More House    * * * *   went to
see the Hall, it made my heart ache to see so
ruined a place. I am dear brother
Your loving sister & humble servant
DOROTHY CLAPHAM.
JOHN HOGE, PRISONER OF WAR, COGNAC, FRANCE,
TO LORD FAIRFAX.
COGNAC, March 27, 1757.
Lord Thomas Fairfax:
Sir:
I make bold to write you a few lines to let
you know of my being a prisoner in old France,
and should be glad if you would forward it to
my father, as I am well assured he dont think
of my being in the land of the living, and the
condition I am now in, makes me rely upon
[torn] some relief, being in great want of the




88             THE FAIRFAXES
necessary  [torn] having the second shirt or
jacket to put to my [torn] of all I had, when I
was taken by the Indians and [torn] Royal, and
from there was sent to this prison. [torn] remain
having no likelihood or hopes of being [torn] I
understand there is a dispute between both
[torn] Prisoners that were taken before the war
was dec [torn] ever relief my father is pleased
to send me by the way of Lond [torn] correspondence in England, and that your Lordship
[torn] me to them, to befriend me in the way
of getting [torn] in his majesty's service, which
if your Lordship [torn] I shall always think
myself highly obligated to your Honour for doing
so charitable an act.  So no more at present
but remain
Your H'ble servant and well wisher
JOHN HOGE.
JOHN HOGE, PRISONER OF WAR, TO HIS FATHER.
COGNAC, March the 27tl, 1757.
Honoured Father:
I take this opportunity of letting you know
that I am well in health at present, thanks be
to God for it, and I hope you enjoy the like




OF AMERICA.                  89
blessing, although I have had my share of sickness, and but just coming to myself, it gives me
a great deal of concern to think that I have the
misfortune to be at so great a distance from
you, but I hope when these few lines reach your
hands it will revive your spirits, as I think you
are doubtful whether I was dead or alive, and
the way that I am now in. And knowing you
always to be a tender and careful Father over
me, a few lines with some relief from your hands
would be a great comfort to me under my confinement, having but few clothes to put to my
back, and if you would apply to Lord Thomas
Fairfax he would put you in a way of sending
it to me. Dear Father I should be glad you
would  send  me an  account how  much you
received of my wages, and what my team  of
horses was valued at, and whether you got my
wagon that I left at Belhaven,1 as I expect to
1 Alexandria was frequently called Bell Haven.  On
February 20, 1755, General Braddock arrived at Alexandria,
with two regiments from Ireland commanded by Col. Dunbar
and Sir Peter Halket  Braddock left the town on May 20th
and marched by way of Winchester to the fatal battle-field
at Fort Duquesne. John Hoge appears to have been attached
to the expedition, in some capacity.
12




90             THE FAIRFAXES
receive the remainder of my wages when I am
released and arrive in England, of which I shall
stand in need of to get my passage home, in
which I hope to be a comfort to you after so
long absence, and as it is troublesome times, get
his Lordship to write to his friend, to get me a
protection to keep me clear of a man of war. So
no more at present but desires to be remembered
to my brothers and sisters, uncles, and aunts and
all enquiring friends, whilst I remain
Your ever loving and
dutiful son till death
JOHN HOGE.
P. S. It gives me a deal of satisfaction to
let you know that there is a gentleman here
that has been a great friend to me, and all my
fellow prisoners, for which we have great reason to pray for his health and welfare, this
gentleman's name is Anthony Le Measurer.
On August 30, 1757, William Fairfax died
lamented for his many sterling qualities. Not
only had he been president of the council of
Virginia, but collector of the customs for the
South Potomac.




OF AMERICA.               91
LITTLETON EYRE TO GEORGE W. FAIRFAX.
NORTHAMPTON, Sept'r 22, 1757.
Sir:
Since writing on the 20th inst, by our papers
I see your Father is dead. His death occasions
a vacancy in the Customs, probably you will
endeavour for that place as I suppose it's better
than your present one.  If you will use your
interest for your place on our Shore in my
behalf so as to procure it for me or my son I
will give you a hundred pounds. Pray let me
know your sentiments on this affair and whether
it will be in time to conclude on it at the
October Court, and on what day, or if it is
necessary to see you sooner I will meet you at
any place you shall appoint
I am Sir, Your h'ble serv't
LITTLETON EYRE.
LORD FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
Dear George:
I have wrote a very pressing letter to my
brother 1 to use his utmost endeavours to obtain
I Robert, the only brother and successor to the title.




92              THE FAIRFAXES
for you the Collectorship of the South Potomack.
I have acquainted him with the death of your
father, and the great loss it must be to the
whole family, which Mr. Martin1 and myself
heartily join in our sincerest condolence.
I considered as it would be so many days
before the fleet sailed and there would be so
many letters of solicitations that it would be
impossible to keep it secret at home and therefore the best way was to own the whole truth.
I shall not fail writing on you from Prince
Wm Court on Wednesday the 23c of this instant,
and Mr. Martin designs likewise to attend you,
which is about the time Mr. Carlyle mentions.
Pray make our compliments to Mrs. Fairfax
and the rest of the good family on this melancholy occasion and you will oblige
Dear George Yours
FAIRFAX.
1 Thomas Brian Martin was the nephew of the Lord, being
a son of his sister Frances, and succeeded Geo. W. Fairfax,
as the Lord's land agent.




OF AMERICA.              93
In November Mr. George W. Fairfax arrived
in London to solicit from Lord Granville the
office that had been held by his father.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO LORD FAIRFAX.
LONDON, Dec'r 6th, 1757.
Sir:
In my last from Falmouth, I acquainted you
of my arrival here on the 26th of last month,
and the next day I waited on our worthy friend
Mr. Athawes, who told me the vacant place
was not then disposed of, and that the Commissioner of the Customs had recommended me to
the Treasury, whereupon I went and had your
kind letter delivered to the Duke of Newcastle,
and then waited on Lord Granvile who kindly
received me, and promised to do me any service
in his power, and thus I rested till Mr. Fairfax
came to town who waited on his Grace, and I
hope has so far succeeded that I shall be appointed to that small place, which by some
gentleman has been represented to be worth 5
or 6 hundred pounds per annum, and I believe
has occasioned this delay.




94             THE FAIRFAXES
The Parliament met the 1st, and unanimously
agreed in a very loyal and dutiful address, in
which they promise to aid the brave and victorious King of Prussia. The late second expedition against Rocford has unhappily miscarried,
by I don't know whose neglect. But Sir John
Mordaunt it seems is in custody, and to be tried
by a court martial very soon, and it's whispered
that Sir Edward Hawke will also be tried when
he returns. Thus your Lordship may see how
the Ministry have been imployed, and I heartily
wish their orders may be better executed next
campaign.
A Bill has passed already to prevent the
exportation, and distillers using corn, etc., for
one year occasioned by the great scarcity of it
in the kingdom, whereby it is thought there
will be sufficient to supply the people till next
harvest, which if nothing particular happens
will exceed any, as there never was so much
put into the ground, as at the last sowing.
The execution of the Militia Law has occasioned great riots, and disturbances in many
Counties, and a motion has been made in the
House to bring in a Bill to amend it, which I




OF AMERICA.             95
believe will be the principal business done before
the holidays, which I shall spend in Kent, and
then visit our relations and friends in Yorkshire.
A convoy is appointed for our fleet in March,
so that I hope I shall be so fortunate as to find
you and friends well in April. I am my Lord
Your Lordship's dutiful and
most obliged humble servant
Go. WM. FAIRFAX.
GEORGE W. FAIRFAX TO HIS WIFE.
LONDON, Deer 12t1 1757.
Dear Sally:
I am sorry to say I have not yet succeeded
and that it is uncertain whether I shall. But
be it as it may, I find it was necessary to be
here, and I should not have excused myself if
I had not. Mr. Fairfax went down to Leeds
Castle yesterday and left me to push my own
way, and then to follow to spend my Christmas
and to prepare for his imbarking with me in
March. Therefore I beseech you'll employ old
Tom, or get some person to put the garden in
good order, and call upon Mr. Carlyle for his




96               THE FAIRFAXES
assistance in getting other necessary things
done about the house in order to receive so fine
a gentleman.1  And I must further recommend,
and desire that you'll endeavour to provide the
best provision for his nice stomach, altho: I
suppose he will spend chief of his time with his
brother.
However to make his and other company
more agreeable I shall endeavour to engage a
butler to go over with me at least for one year.
My Dear, I have often wished for your company to enjoy the amusements of this Metropolis, for I can with truth say, they are not much
so to me in my present situation and that I now
and then go to a play only to kill time. But I
please myself with my country visits imagining
the time there will pass more agreeable.  Permit me Sally to advise a steady and constant
application to those things directed for your
I Robert, brother of Thomas Lord Fairfax, made the proposed visit. Washington, in one of his diaries, says: "Mr.
Bryan Fairfax, Mr. Grayson, and Phil. Alexander, came home
by sunrise. Hunted and catched a fox with these, Lord
Fairfax, his brother, and Colonel Fairfax-all of whom,
with Mr Fairfax and Mr Wilson of England, dined here."




OF AMERICA.                     97
welfare, which may afford me the greatest satisfaction upon my arrival.
Your affect. and loving husband
Go. WM. FAIRFAX.
GEORGE LEE TO EDMUND ATHAWES, LONDON.
Sir:
If Col. Fairfax should be sailed for Virginia
when  this reaches you, be pleased to open the
letter directed for him, negotiate the Bills of
Exchange inclosed for his use and oblige
Yr most obed't h'ble serv't
GEORGE LEE.1
Virg'a Westmoreland, 2,d January, 1758.
1 Lawrence Washington died at Mt. Vernon in 1752, and
his widow, the sister of'George Fairfax, married George Lee.
Colonel George Washington, in a letter to Governor Binwiddie on Aug. 14, 1756, says:
"As a general meeting of the persons concerned in the
estate of my deceased brother is appointed to be held at
Alexandria, about the middle of September, for making a
final settlement of all his affairs, and as I am very deeply
interested not only as an executor and heir of part of his
estate, but also in a very important dispute  subsisting
between Colonel Lee who married the widow, and my brothers
and self concerning a devise in the will *  *  *  I hope
your Honor will readily consent to my attending this meeting."  George Lee was the uncle of Arthur and Richard
Henry Lee, the revolutionary patriots.
13




98               THE FAIRFAXES
LETTERS OF LORD FAIRFAX TO (GEORGE W. FAIRFAX.
Dear George:
I received yours by Mr Andrews and am
sorry to find you decline standing candidate for
your County.  I do propose being down at
Prince William election, and so take either
yours and London on my way up into Frederick.
Our writ did not get to the sheriff's hands till
this day by which means our election will be
on Monday the twenty fourth of this month,
and  Hampshire will for the same reason be
some days after it. I fear Coll. Washington
will be very hard pushed.l My service attends
Mrs Fairfax and all friends.  Mr Martin  is
gone to Winchester, and I propose going thither
to morrow.  I remain
Your humble servant & kinsman
FAIRFAX.
July 5th 1758.
1 He was hard pushed. There were three candidates, but
he was successful. Sparks says the election cost Washington
~39 6s., and among the items of the bill were a hogshead
and a barrel of punch, thirty-five gallons of wine, forty-three
gallons of strong beer, cider, and dinner for his friends.




OF AMERICA.                 99
Dear George:
Mr. Neil  has been with me and complains
that Joseph Carter takes in all the water, which
very much hurts his plantation. He desires if
he have thirty or forty acres which I really
think is very reasonable. He likewise desires
his brother's and his deed may be made separate.
I should be likewise glad if some Golden
Pipen, Nonparel, Aromatick and Medlar Apple
grafts by him, which he will take care to convey
to me.  My service attends Mrs. Fairfax and
all friends.  I remain Yours
FAIRFAX.
Sept'r 10th 1758.
Dear George:
Mr. Stephens in his way to the office called
here and I take the opportunity of sending by
him  a letter left here for you, as also Mr
1 Mr. Neill was an Irish Quaker settled on the Opequan,
about five miles from Winchester, and was sheriff of Frederick county.
A descendant of his, Lt. Lewis Neill, a graduate of West
Point, distinguished himself in the Mexican war, and died at
Fort Croghan, Texas.




100               THE FAIRFAXES
Lemons plot.  When you see Mr Carlyle pray
desire him to set aside a. hogshead of rum  and
barrel of sugar which I shall soon send my
wagon for. I believe I shall be down in your
parts before you  set out for Williamsburgh.
Mr Baylis has very much disappointed us, in
not sending up a plan of Winchester, which has
prevented my sending down a petition for the
addition to Winchester, which as Mr Wood is
doing may occasion some confusion. Hollingsworth   is likewise desirous of doing the same
thing, as also Mr Cocken. My service attends
the  families at Belvoir and  Alexandria.   I
remain
Your humble servant and kinsman
FAIRFAX.
The  following  letter was taken from  the
Fairfax manuscripts in 1860, and given by a
1 Fothergill, the Quaker preacher, and brother of the celebrated physician, in 1736 visited "Abraham Hollingsworth,
a Friend near Opeckon."
Valentine Hollingsworth, a Friend, settled in New Castle
county, Del., about 1682. His son Henry moved to Elkton,
Md. and he had a number of sons who became heads of
families in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.




OF AMERICA.               101
gentleman, who had married the granddaughter
of Bryan, Lord Fairfax, to the late Hon. Edward
Everett.'
It was addressed to Miss Mary Cary by Col.
George Washington, while in camp near the
Pennsylvania line, thirty miles from Fort Cumberland, awaiting the slow movements of General Forbes.
He had been sincerely attached to her, and
always maintained friendly relations, but was
prevented from marrying her by the unwillingness of her father.  Bishop Meade, in his History
of Old Churches in Virginia prints a document of
the Ambler family, an extract from which throws
some light on this early love of Washington.
It says:
"The eldest sister of Miss Mary Cary had
married George William Fairfax, at whose house
she was on a visit, when she captivated a
young man who paid her his addresses.  His
affection, however, was not returned, and the
offer of his hand was rejected by Miss Cary.
I Mr. Everett incorporated it in his article on Washington
in the New American C(yclopedia and supposed it was addressed to the widow, Martha Custis.




102            THE FAIRFAXES
This young man was afterward known to the
world as General George Washington, the first
President of the United States of America.
Young Washington asked permission of old
Mr. Cary to address his daughter before he
ventured to speak to herself.  The reply of the
old gentleman was' If that is your business here,
Sir, I wish you to leave the house, for my
daughter has been accustomed to ride in her
own coach."
"It has subsequently been said that this
answer of Mr. Cary to the stripling Washington,
produced the independence of the United States,
and laid the foundation of the future fame of
the first of braves and the best of men -our
immortal Washington; as it was more than
probable that, had he obtained possession of the
large fortune which it was known Miss Cary
would carry to the altar with her, he would
have passed the remainder of his life in inglorious ease.
It was an anecdote of the day that this
lady, many years after she had been the wife
of Edward Ambler, happened to be in Williamsburg when General Washington passed through




OF AMERICA.             103
that city at the head of the American army,
crowned with never fading laurels, and adored
by his countrymen. Having distinguished her
among the crowd, his sword waved toward her
a military salute, whereupon she is said to have
fainted. But this wants confirmation, for her
whole life tended to show that she never for a
moment regretted the choice she had made.
It may be added as a curious fact that the lady
General Washington afterward married resembled Miss Cary as much as one twin-sister ever
did another."
COL. GEO. WASHINGTON TO MISS MARY CARY.
CAMP AT RAYS TOWN, 25th Sept'r, 1758.
Dear Madam:
Do we still misunderstand the true meaning
of each other's Letters? I think it must appear
so, tho' I would feign hope the contrary as I
cannot speak plainer without     but I'll say
no more and leave you to guess the rest.
I am now furnished with News of a very
interesting nature, I know it will affect you, but
as you must hear it from others I will state it




104            THE FAIRFAXES
myself. The 12th past, then Major Grant with
a chosen Detachment of 800 men march'd from
our advanced post at Loyal Hanna against
Fort Du-quesne.
On the night of the 13th he arrivd at that
place or rather upon a Hill near to it; from
whence went a party and viewd the Works,
made what observations they could, and burnt
a Logd house not far from the Walls. Egg'd
on rather than satisfied by this success, Major
Grant must needs insult the Enemy next morning by beating the Reveille in different places
in view, this caus'd a great body of men to
Sallie from the Fort, and an obstinate engagement to ensue, which was maintained on our
Side with the utmost efforts that bravery could
yield, till being overpower'd and quite surrounded they were obliged to Retreat with the
loss of 22 officers killed, and 278 men besides
wounded.
This is a heavy blow to our Affairs here, and
a sad stroke upon my Regiment, that has lost
out of 8 officers, and 168 that was in the Action,
6 of the former killd, and a 7th wounded.
Among the Slain was our dear Major Lewis;




OF AMERICA.              105
this Gentleman as the other officers also did,
bravely fought while they had life, tho' wounded
in different places. Your old acquaintance
Capt'n Bullet, who is the only officer of mine
that came of untouched has acquired immortal
honour in this engagement by his gallant behaviour, and long continuance in the field of
Action. It might be thought vanity in me to
praise the behaviour of my own People were I
to deviate from the report of common Fame,but when you consider the loss they have sustaind, and learn that every mouth resounds
their praises, you will believe me Impartial.
What was the great end proposed by this
attempt or what will be the want of its failure,
I cant take upon me to determine; it appears
however (from the best Accts) that the Enemy
lost more men then we did in the engagement.
Thus it is the Lives of the brave are often disposed of- but who is there that does not rather
Envy than regret a Death that gives birth to
Honour and Glorious memory.
I am extremely glad to find that Mr Fairfax 
I Wm. Henry Fairfax, brother of Geo. W. and Bryan
Fairfax, was an ensign of the 28th British regulars. The
14




106              THE FAIRFAXES
has escap'd the Dangers of the Siege at Louisbourg.  Already have we experienced greater
Losses than our Army sustaind at that place,
and have gain'd not one obvious Advantage.
So miserably has this Expedition been managd
that I expect after a month's further Tryal, and
the loss of many more men by the Sword, Cold
and perhaps Famine, we shall give the expedition over as perhaps impracticable this season,
and retire to the inhabitants.condemnd by
the World and derided by our Friends.
I shoud think our time more agreeable spent
believe me, in playing a part in Cato, with the
company you mention, and myself doubly happy
in  being the Juba to such a Marcia as you
must make.1
Your agreeable Letter containd these words
" My Sisters and Nancy Gist who neither of
them expect to be here soon after our return
next year he was fatally wounded at the storming of Quebec.
Archdeacon Burnaby says that General Wolfe saw him
as the army landed, seated near the bank of the river, and
that touching him on the shoulder, said: " Youlng man, when
we come to actictn remember your name."
I Addison's tragedy of Cato must have been full of interest to the young military officer in love with a fair maiden,




OF AMERICA.                   107
from   Town, desire  you  to  accept their best
complimts &c."
Pray are these Ladies upon a Matrimonial
and yet debarred from being her husband, because her father
looked upon him, as without fortune, and without fame.
Many passages in the play are exceedingly apposite to
one in his situation, but only a few can be given:
Act I, Scene 5th.
Juba.   O Marcia, let me hope thy kind concerns
And gentle wishes follow me to battle.
Marcia. My prayers and wishes always shall attend
The friends of Rome, the glorious cause of virtue,
And men approv'd of the gods and Cato.
Juba.   Thou virtuous maid: I'll hasten to my troops
And in the shock of charging hosts, remember
What glorious deeds, should grace the man, who hopes
For Marcia's love.
Act IV, Scene 1st.
Marcia. Juba to all the bravery of a hero,
Adds softest love, and more than female sweetness;
Juba might make the proudest of our sex,
Any of woman kind, but Marcia happy.
Lucia.  And why not Marcia?          * 
Marcia. While Cato lives, his daughter has no right
To love or hate but as his choice directs.
Act IV, Scene 3d.
Marcia. Why do I think on what he was! He's dead!
He's dead, and never knew how much I loved him.
*    *    *    *    *    *'    *'




108                THE FAIRFAXES
Scheme?  Is Miss Fairfax   to  be transformed
into that charming Domestick -  a Martin, and
Miss Cary2 to a Fa-re.  What does Miss Gist
turn  to -  A  Cocke 3 that cant be, we have him
here.
One thing more and then have done.  You
ask if I am not tird at the length of your letter?
No Madam I am not, nor never can be while the
Lines are an Inch assunder to bring you in haste
to the end of the Paper, you may be tird of mine
by this. Adieu dear Madam, you will possibly
hear something of me, or from me before we
Jitba.   Where am I? do I live! or am indeed
What Marcia thinks! all is Elysium around me.
Marcia. Ye dear remains of the most loved of men!
Nor modesty, nor virtue here forbid
A last embrace while thus
Juba.   See Marcia! See!
The happy Juba lives, he lives to catch
That dear embrace, and to return it too
With mutual warmth and eagerness of love."
I Hannah Fairfax, sister of Wm. Henry and Bryan, afterwards married Warner Washington, and not as suggested
Mr. Martin, the nephew of Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax.
2Elizabeth, the sister of Mary Cary, married soon after
this letter was written, Bryan, subsequently the eighth Lord
Fairfax.
Captain Cocke was then an officer of one of the Virginia companies.




OF AMERICA.             109
shall meet. I must beg the favour of you to
make my compliments to Col Cary and the
Ladies with you, and believe me that I am most
unalterably
Y'r most Obedt. and Oblig'd
Go WASHINGTON.
Tradition relates that in the year 1758,
while Washington was traveling to Williamsburg, after crossing the Pumunkey river ferry,
he was invited by a gentleman of New Kent
county to tarry with him during the night, and
was then introduced to the prepossessing and
dignified young widow, Martha Custis.l
Repelled by the father of her whom he had
loved from early youth, and yet longing for one
in whom he could confide, the widow made a
deep impression upon him, and after a brief
acquaintance he was accepted as her future
husband.
The prediction made in his letter to Miss
Cary, C You will hear something of me, or from
me, was fulfilled. On the 25th of November
lCustis's Recollections of Washington, New York, 1859.




110            THE FAIRFAXES
the heroic young officer planted the British
flag on the ruins of Fort Duquesne, which the
French had evacuated and burned at his approach.  Returning to Virginia he hastened to
the house of burgesses of which he had been
elected a member while with the army, and,
early in January, 1759, he was married at the
White House, to Mrs. Martha Custis by the
Rev. David Mossom of St. Peter's parish, New
Kent county.
He made the widow's house his home during
his attendance upon the legislature. The first
month of married life was hardly over, when,
says Bancroft, "in the House of Burgesses, the
Speaker obeying the resolve of the House,
publicly gave him the thanks of Virginia for his
services to his country; and when the young
man, taken by surprise, hesitated for words, as
he rose to reply,' Sit down,' rejoined the speaker,'your modesty is equal to your valor, and that
surpasses the power of any language I possess.'"




OF AMERICA.                    11.
LORD FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
Feb'y 16th 1759.
Dear George:
Yours I this evening received and shall be
very sorry if Mr. Mason should be able to carry
a point so prejudicial to the three counties of
Fairfax,  Loudon,  and  Prince  W".   If the
Lees' and Custis should join in the affair, I
doubt they with the assistance of James River
1 Col. Philip Lee was one of the descendants of Richard
Lee, an early settler in Virginia, who is spoken of in the
records of England (1654) as " Colonel Lee faithful and useful
to the interest of the Commonwealth," and thus in sympathy
with Digges, Bennett and others who upheld parliament.
His son Richard was a prominent man in the colony and
a fine scholar.  On his tombstone in Westmoreland county
is a Latin inscription, to this effect:
" Here lieth the body of Richard Lee, Esq., born in Virginia, son of Richard Lee, Gentleman, descended of an old
family of Merton-Regis in Shropshire.
" While he exercised the office of a magistrate, he was a
zealous promoter of the public good.
" He was well versed in Greek and Latin literature, and
other branches of polite learning.
"To God, whom he always adored with the greatest reverence, he tranquilly resigned his soul on the twelfth day of
March 1714 in the 68th year of his age."
He left five sons:
1. Richard, who became a London merchant and Was the




112                THE FAIRFAXES
will carry it in the House of Assembly.  I will
therefore write to Col's Philip Lee, and Col.
Tayloe and try what we can  do in the Upper
House.  I have just received an  angry letter
father of George Lee, who married the widow of Lawrence
Washington.
2. Philip moved to Maryland.
3. Francis.
4. Thomas.
5. Henry.
Thomas, the fourth son, by industry and intelligence became
wealthy.  He married a Miss Hannah Ludwell, and had six
sons.
1. Philip, referred to in the above letter, who married
Miss Steptoe.  His eldest daughter became the wife of
General Lee, the Light Horse Harry of the revolution,
who was the father of Gen. Robert Lee, now president of
Washington College, Va.
2. Thomas, who married a Miss Aylett.
3. Richard Henry Lee, born in 1732, educated in England, member of the first Continental congress, president of
congress of 1784, one of the first senators of Virginia under
the constitution.  Died 1794.
4. Francis Lightfoot, born in 1734, married Rebecca,
daughter of John Tayloe, member of Continental congress
and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Died 1797.
5. William, sheriff of the city of London, and U. S.
commissioner at Berlin and Vienna.
6. Arthur, born in 1740, first studied medicine at Edinburgh, then law in London.  Member of Continental congress from 1781 to 1784.  Died 1792.




OF AMERICA.                 113
from Charles Carter  wherein he desires me to
send him  an account by Col. Martin, what his
arrears of quit rent amount to, which is not in
my power to do.  I hope shortly to see you.
My service attends Mrs. Fairfax.
I remain Yours
FAIRFAX.
Ten at night.
EDWARD ATHAWES TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, 24 Nov'r 1759.
Dear Sir:
I have just now rec'd the inclosed letter for
you from  the Rev. Mr. Mosley of York.  He
tells me it is of the utmost importance, as it
informs you of the dying condition of your
Uncle.  I send it by the post to Portsmouth,
in expectation of getting it on board of a ship
now there, and bound to Virginia, under cover
to Richard Ambler Esq. with a request to for1 The ancestor of the Carter family first settled in Upper
Norfolk or Nansemond county, and was its burgess in
1649.  In 1654 he appears as burgess from  Lancaster
county.
Robert, his descendant, was agent of the Fairfax estates,
15




114             THE FAIRFAXES
ward it immediately to you. I have not heard
any thing from  Leeds Castle for a great while,
nor do I see a line from  you by any of our
Virginia fleet, now arrived at Portsmouth with
the Lynn, Man of War.
My whole family are in the greatest anxiety
on account of our dear friend, your brother Mr.
Wm HenY Fairfax who the Gazette informed us
long since was wounded at the battle of Quebeck.1  God grant he may be well.  We all
esteem  and love him, so do all who know him.
My respects of duty wait on L'd Fairfax, to
his and your whole family. I am
Your affectionate & obliged
humble servant
EDWD. ATHAWES.
but giving dissatisfaction was superseded by William Fairfax, the ancestor of the Virginia Fairfaxes. Robert was
called King Carter. Charles was a grandson of Robert.
1 The wound was fatal.




OF AMERICA.                    115
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS.
April 1761.
Dear Sir:
I shall proceed to tell you that during my
absence and indisposition, there were some very
sudden  changes in our Ministry, among which
was Lord  Halifax  who  I suppose had a mind
to make the most of his place at the Board of
Trade.
Without considering he appointed an under
clerk and Mr Nelson 1 Naval officers in the room
of our friend Colonel Cary 2 and poor old Church] Mr. Nelson was the son of Thomas Nelson who came to
Virginia in 1705, and a merchant at Yorktown, often called
Scotch Tom, because he came from Penriff on the borders of
Scotland.
2Colonel Wilson Miles Cary was the descendant of an
early Virginia settler. Miles, son of John Cary of Bristol,
England, arrived in the colony in 1640, and settled in Warwick county.  He died in 1667, leaving four sons, two of
whom, Thomas and Miles appear to have been Quakers.
Story, the classical and logical Quaker preacher, in his
journal under date of 19": of 12 month, 1699, says "Went
to Thomas Carey's who had been lately convinced.  His
wife had been also.  His brother Miles and wife coming
hither to see us, were made partakers of the same visitation."
Six years later, Story writes: " made a visit to Miles Carey




116                THE FAIRFAXES
ill who of the two I pity, for the other thank
God  has an  independent fortune and can live
very well without.
But yet it is amazing  that old officers who
have discharged their duty so long without the
least complaint, should be turned out. * * *
Your affect and very humble serv't
G. W. FAIRFAX.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO LORD FAIRFAX.
BELVOIR, May 1, 1760.
My Lord:
Upon account of your Lordship's affairs, I had
concluded to stay till I had settled them  to my
satisfaction, but I have just rec'd another letter
from   my  friend  in  Yorkshire, requiring  my
Secretary of the County, who being absent his wife a Friend
prevailed with us to stay to supper."
Col. Wilson Miles Cary had been collector of the lower
district of James river for thirty-four years, and was a
gentleman of culture and wealth.
His daughter Sarah married Geo. Wim. Fairfax; his
daughter Elizabeth married Bryan, brother of George, afterwards eighth Lord Fairfax; and Anna became the wife of
the distinguished Robert Carter Nicholas to whom the above
letter was written, and Mary, the early love of Washington,
married Edward Ambler.




OF AMERICA.             117
immediate presence to put a stop to the foreclosing of the mortgage on the Redness estate,
which obliges me to alter my resolution and to
prepare for embarking in the first good ship
from  this River, so shall be glad to know
whether you have thought of any person to
keep the Office, and how the books are to be
disposed of, for I am afraid I cant accomplish
my trip under twelve or eighteen months, in
which time the business might suffer.  Mr
Carlyle has informed me that you signified a
desire of removing down, which I wish could
be convenient and then the same hand now in
the office, and under your Eye and direction
could continue the business, but if that be not
agreeable, and you have no person in view I
will endeavour to leave things in the best situation I can, and I am certain Mr Dent is so well
qualified now, that he can do and keep all the
ordinary business, and if you have a mind the
several receivers may be directed to make their
returns of money to you, or any person you
may please to direct.  The Rev Mr Green' has
1 Rev. Charles Green was from Ireland, and minister of
old Pohick church in Truro parish, Fairfax county, from 1738




118              THE FAIRFAXES
kindly offered you or me any service in his
power, and I think when there is any intricate
affair, I dont know of any that I would sooner
accept, for he has been formerly well acquainted
with the office business, and is able to examine
any plot that can be brought before him. Or
I dare say Col: Washington could inspect into
these affairs during my absence.   But these
methods I only mention in case you have not
fixed upon any one for these purposes, for I am
far from desiring the continuance of the business, but would willingly do all in my power to
increase your revenue.  * * *    I am  getting
things ready to repair the house, and if your
Lordship is inclined I will endeavour to make
it as agreeable as possible, and truly say you
shall be heartily welcome. I am with all due
regard
Your Lordships most obliged and
very humble servant
Go. WM. FAIRFAX.
until his death in 1765. In his will he recommends that
his wife shall return to Ireland. He was intimately associated with his parishioners George Mason, George Washington and George William Fairfax, all of whom were vestrymen
in 1765. At times he practised medicine.




OF AMERICA.            119
BELVOIR, May 27, 1760.
My Lord:
Since your Lordships departure Sally tells
me that Col Martin said you would not object
to reside here in our absence, and as we did not
talk on the subject I shall be very glad if you'll
leave a line with Mr Carlyle to let me know if
you'll choose any of the house servants should
remain here.
Col Martin it seems, told Mrs Fairfax that
your Lordship would choose to bring down your
own furniture, bed, table and chairs, except
that they are troublesome to remove. The
house, and every thing in it, is at your service,
and all or any part of the negroes you think
proper. I desire no rent for the house and
plantation, as it will be an advantage to have
them inhabited, and if your Lordship would
choose any of the negroes should remain please
fix your own terms.    * *  * * *    There are many
matters relative to your office, I should be glad
to talk about, which I flatter myself will tend
to your interest, and I hope you'll order your
affairs at Greenway  Court, so that you'll
spend some days when you come down next,




120           THE FAIRFAXES
when I hope to have more leisure and less
company
Your L'dships humb servt
G. W. F.
My Lord:
I was much concerned upon my arrival here
to find that your Lordship had left Williamsburg.
As I intended doing myself the honor of
waiting on you the next day to receive any
commands you might have for England, and
again more particularly obtaining your permission of absence for a few years about some
private affairs of great consequence to myself
and family.
If your Lordship thinks your written leave
is necessary I shall be greatly obliged to your
Excellency, if you'll favour me with a line
directed to the care of Mr Saml Athawes merch't
in London
Your Lordships most obed't and
most obliged h'ble serv't
G~. WM. FAIRFAX.




OF AMERICA.                  121
JOSIAH CLAPHAM' TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
Sir:
When you arrive at the City of York, please
be kind enough to write my wife a line advising where she may meet with you there, and I
make no doubt she will immediately wait on
you I having instructed her so to do. Then
please direct her to whom, and in what manner
she must apply for her and my boy's passage
into Virginia, and in doing this you will add to
your favours, the greatest obligation imaginable
and forever bind to your services Hon'd Sir
Your most gratefull and most obed't
h'ble servant to command
JO: CLAPHAM.
N. B. She lives in Wakefield.
l The Claphams were associated with the Fairfaxes for
several generations. A Mr. Clapham was private chaplain
of Henry, fourth Lord Fairfax in 1684.
Dorothy Fairfax, sister of William Fairfax, the founder of
Belvoir, Va., was the wife of a Mr. H. Clapham who resided
at Hull, England.
Josiah Clapham of Virginia was one of the trustees named
in the act incorporating the town of Leesburg, and member
of the convention of 1775.
16




122               THE FAIRFAXES
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
LONDON, April 15th 1761.
Dear Sir:
I came to town  about some business of Col.
Cary's, and could by no means omit so good an
opportunity as by the Convoy to enquire after
your, and good Mrs Washington's welfare, and
to let you know that it was with difficulty I. got
here, and that poor Mrs Fairfax  and  I have
alternately been confined to our chambers since
we have been in England, but I hope as the
warm  weather approaches we shall both  get
better.  It is impossible for me to fix the time
for my return, but I shall do every thing in
my power to  bring  it within  the  time first
limited. *   * * *    The chief news and talk of the
Metropolis is of immediate peace, and the King's
marriage  with the young Princess of Brunswick
I Massey, speaking of the marriage of George III, says:
"High-breeding and personal merit was no qualification
for the consort of a British Sovereign. Royal blood is the
one thing needful and that was provided for in the person
of a Princess of one of those diminutive Sovereignties,
which bring ridicule on the royal dignity.
" Homely in person, of narrow and uncultivated understanding was Charlotte of Mecklenburg Strelitz *  * 
" That such a woman should have been productive of




OF AMERICA.                123
not quite fifteen years of age, but I believe
neither certain tho' the stocks rise every day,
and it is said the expedition Fleet is arrived
and landed men at Bellisle in the Bay, but Sir
Edward Hawke who is just returned from thence,
says he left nothing but fishing vessels, the
French having broken up and burnt all the
ships that they could not get out to sea, and
have removed all their valuables to the interiour
parts.   The changes and other particulars I
shall refer you to the magazine herewith inclosed, and I wish  I could  say they  were
satisfactory to the people * * *
Mrs Fairfax and I, thank God are upon the
recovery and hope Buxton Wells strongly recommended will set us both quite right, and enable
us to return within the time limited, but in the
meantime should be glad to know  your and
Mr Green's determination about leaving that
part of the world,l for I assure you'tis our
domestic happiness could hardly have been expected but
nevertheless it was attended with that good fortune."
I George Washington in a letter to Richard Washington
of London, dated August 10, 1760, alludes to an invitation
to visit England in these words:
" My indulging myself in a trip to England depends upon




124                 THE FAIRFAXES
greatest inducement, and  will turn  the  scale
very  much  whether  we  come  back  or not.
Pray make my compliments to Mrs Green, Miss
Bolan, and  all our worthy  neighbours,  and
believe me with greatest esteem Dear Sir
Your affect. and very humb. servt
Go. WM. FAIRFAX.
June 5th 1761.
Mrs Fairfax:
To H. Ambler Dr.
s. s.d.
For making blew and white silck night gown       0. 3. 0
body lining to    do                 0.  1. 0
pd for 9 yds pea green rib.          0.  1. 6
for 4 yds 2 of broad                 0.  1. 6
for mending crape gown               0.  1. 0
for trimming black short apron       0.  1. 0
pd for silck for trimming do         0.  2. 6
Aug. 22,d for makingblack silck negligee and coat 0.  7. 0
for making trimmings and trimming do 0.  8. 0
for body and sleeves linings         0.  1. 6
for ferritt buttons, looping and     0.  1. 9
pd for 6 dozen 8 yds of black rib    0. 16. 3'
pd for 10 yds of rich black silck    7. 12. 0
1 walking Grey Lustring negligee    0.  2. 0
~10..  0. 
Received March the 17th the above contents and all
demands.
HANNAH AMBLER.
so many contingencies which in all probability may never
occur, that I dare not even think of such gratification."




OF AMERICA.                125
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
October 30tl 1761.
Dear Sir:
Your favour of the 2"' of December, 6th of
March, 3d of April, 27th of July and first of
August came very safe to hand.  In that of July,
I am sorry to find that you were in such a bad
state of health,  and that neither Mr Green's
nor Mr Hamilton's prescriptions had the desired
effect.  The latter's it seems you had but just
begun  and consequently could not expect an
immediate cure, but I hope long before this you
are perfectly restored. If not probably change
of air might be of service, and if you had any
particular business, or even fancy to see England, we shall be extremely glad to see you at
York, or at our little retreat not many miles
from it.
But I hope a bad state of health will not
oblige you to cross the horrible Ocean, tho' if
better advice should be really necessary the
George Washington, in a letter to Richard Washington
of London, alludes to his sickness in 1761, and says: "I once
thought the grim King would certainly master my utmost
efforts." —Sparks's Washington, vol. ii, p. 336.




126             THE FAIRFAXES
sooner it is taken the better, and not delay it
so long as our deceased friend.  I am  very
sorry my mare Moggy did not prove with foal,
and that I should have neglected to desire that
you  would put her to whatever horse you
thought proper. It may possibly be occasioned
from her travelling so great a distance after,
and suppose you were to try your own horse
Gift in the spring.  It will be the least trouble
and certainly will remove the suspicion. I am
informed by many hands, tho' not from  the
performers, that an Office is really building at
Greenway Courtl and that his Lordship and
family removes this very month. It gives me
the most concern to find what an influence,
Martin has, as I fear he will not stop at that,
but will daily lessen the esteem the people have
for the good old Gentl.  I offer my compliments
to Mrs Washington and am very sincerely dear
Sir,
Your most ob't humble serv't
Go. WM. FAIRFAX.
I Under the influence of his nephew, Col. T. B. Martin,
Thomas Lord Fairfax moved the land office from Belvoir
to Greenway Court, twelve miles southeast of Winchester.




OF AMERICA.                  127
I have been endeavouring ever since I have
been in England to get a gardener or two, but
without success.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO MR. FAIRFAX OF KENT IN 1716.
Dear Sir:
By the last post I had a line from our friend
Mr Athawes advising that the Rev Mr Thos.
Dawson 1 Commissary, died since I left Virginia,
whereby there is a vacant seat in the Council,
and shall take it as a favour if you would apply
to Lords Halifax and Granville to nominate and
appoint either Mr Martin  or Colonel Presly
Thornton 2 to succeed him.
As Mr Thornton is a stranger I must acquaint
you that he is a gentleman of property in the
Northern Neck, and I dare say will be a friend
I Rev. Thomas Dawson succeeded his brother, Rev. William,
as commissary of the bishop of London. Bishop Meade says
that in his latter years he became addicted to drink.
2 Col. Presley Thornton was one of the most influential
men of the Northern Neck, and in 1777 was a member of
Washington's military family.
His son Presley was a British army officer at the time of
the revolution, but would not fight against his country.




128           THE FAIRFAXES
to the Proprietor thereof which is much wanting at that board. * * * I have long observed
that the lower members disregard and look
upon the Northern Neck as a separate interest,
tho' under the same laws. Whenever you are
in a prospect of succeeding, if you'll let me
know I will advance the money usually paid
for the warrant.
TO THE BISHOP OF LONDON.
YORK, Oct. 1761.
My Lord:
Mr Leonard Watson having a very strong
desire for entering into Holy Orders, and to
remove to the Colony of Virginia has applied
to me as an inhabitant thereof for a recommendation upon which I have made great inquiry and with pleasure find that he bears a
general good character and I hope your Lordship will find him qualified for ordination.
The vestry of each parish upon a vacancy are
empowered by law to elect their minister within
a year, but if they should fail to do so, in that
time, then the Governor or Commander in chief
may appoint, so that Gentlemen that come over




OF AMERICA.             129
to be ordained seldom, or indeed ever apply for
a title, or can have the assurance of a particular parish, this I took the liberty to mention to
your Lordship, as I understand it is required of
those that reside in England.
I am my Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble serv't
G. W. FAIRFAX of Virginia.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO HON. MR. FAIRFAX OF ENGLAND.
ASKAM NEAR YORK, Sept'r 8, 1762.
Dear Sir:
As it was not convenient for you, Mr and
Miss Martin to come to our last years races, I
was in hopes it would have suited you this, and
wrote to you about a month before they happened by Mr Carcart who had business at
Rochester, to beg the favour of your company,
and till they were over, I must own I pleased
myself with the expectation. Upon my friend
Mr Croft's return from  London, I had the
pleasure of hearing of you, and since by Mr
Athawes, and the former said you was surprized
at not seeing me in town, a place, good Sir, I
avoid as much as possible from  the expen17




130            THE FAIRFAXES
siveness of it, but if you had any particular
reason for desiring it, I would cheerfully attend
you there or wherever you think proper. Mr
Croft did inform my friend Mosley that you
said it was expedient for me to return to
America.  But upon what account I know not
for T dare say that you must be acquainted that
Mr M       1 has carried his long laboured point
of getting the management of the Office into
his own hands, and removing it with them to
Frederick, so that unless it's my own private
affairs that require my presence I know of no
other, for I have been hitherto, and can be
indulged by the Commissioner of Customs, till
I completed the business that called me over.
Indeed upon the confirmation of this point
being carried, I was more concerned upon my
good Lord's account than upon my own, for I
thank my stars, I can stand the utmost screwing, and have enough for me and my wife to
live retired upon.
Your ever obliged humble serv't
G~ WM. FAIRFAX.
Thos. B. Martin, nephew of Lord Fairfax.




OF AMERICA.              131
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO RICHARD WASHINGTON.
Oct. 7, 1762.
Dear Sir:
Upon my return the other day I found your
fayour of the 23d of September, covering some
musick for my sister, who returns her thanks
for your remembrance of her. I was surprised
to find our friends had left Yorkshire, and more
so that they had not discovered who it was
that disconcerted their scheme.  I left this
place the 5th ult, and only arrived two or three
days ago.  In my tour I had the satisfaction
of seeing  Scotland, my friends at Carlisle,
Whitehaven, and along the coast to Liverpool,
and now am determined to fix to business, and
get every thing settled if possible, a month
before my departure to London, and you'll assist me greatly, if you will apply for what may
remain of my salary at the Custom  House.
By some of the last ships from Virginia I had
a line from  Mr Cary, and Col W --         they
give a most terrible account of the crops there,
and the horrid prospect the people have before' Colonel Washington.




132             THE FAIRFAXES
them.  Corn what used to be 5 and 6 shillings
a barrel is now thirty five shillings.
Your namesake  says he is pretty well recovered, and does not now mention any word
of his coming over.  Not a line from Mr Carlyle, but expect that satisfaction by the fleet.
The Ladies join in their compliments.
Your affect. humble serv't
G. WM. FAIRFAX.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO HON. ROBERT2 FAIRFAX
OF ENGLAND.
ASKAM NEAR YORK, Nov'r 16, 1762.
Dear Sir:
Upon my return from a tour in the North, I
received a line from  Mr Washington, which
gave me vast pleasure as it acquainted me of
your having been in town, and in good health
for I was really unhappy by not hearing from
you for so long a time.
1 Washington.
2 Robert, brother of Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax, and successor to the title.




OF AMERICA.             133
Mr W         also said you signified an intention of going to Virginia in the Spring if
there was peace by that time, & as it now seems
in great forwardness I have some thoughts of
embarking there with my family, and shall be
extremely glad of such good company, and shall
do every thing in my power to make our cottage in that wooded world, as tolerable to you as
possible. Do, my good Sir, think seriously of
this and resolve to go. I really think it would
be much to your interest to see once what must
shortly be your property, for sorry I am to inform  you that by letters from many of my
friends, I find, that my good Lord is much
broken and declines fast,1 and it's also hinted to
me that my Lord is made very unhappy,
which in some measure accounts for his desire
of returning to England. We propose being in
town two or three months before we imbark,
and shall hope to have the good fortune of
meeting with you there.  In the meantime it
will give me great pleasure to have a line from
t Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax, survived twenty years and
died at Greenway Court, 1782.




134             THE FAIRFAXES
you.  My wife and sister present their cormpliments and I am with great esteem dear Sir
Yours &c.
G~ WM. FAIRFAX.
LORD ROBERT FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
GREENWAY COURT, 19th Oct. 1768.
Dear Sir:
I have mentioned the affair we talked of to
my brother, he seems to make some doubts
about it, as he says that he has promised the
tenants to grant them leases; however he says
he will consider. of it. * * * * My brother is
determined to make you a visit as soon as your
return to Belvoir, and hopes you will return as
soon as you can, that the hunting season may
not be too far advanced. He desires that you
will let us know when you will be at home,
that he may come to you as soon as possible.
I need not tell you that I've no news for I have
seen nothing since I have been here but Buckcskins.l I am at all times and places
Your affectionate kinsman
R. FAIRFAX.
J Buckskins, a term applied to frontiersmen.




OF AMERICA.                  135
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO CAPT. THOMAS EDEN.
BELVOIR, May 10, 1773.
Sir:
I  am  told  by  Col. Washington, that his
Excellency, Governor Eden,l informed him  it
would be agreeable to you to take passengers
to  London, which  occasions my  taking  the
liberty to address you and to beg to be informed
as nearly as possible of the  time  when  you
expect to sail, where the ship will lay, and what
are your terms for cabin, and steerage passengers.  My wife, two servants and myself at the
most, with our baggage is all I propose carrying.      * *   am  Sir
Your most ob't humb. servt
G~ WM FAIRFAX.
I Governor Eden of Maryland married Caroline, daughter
of Charles, fifth Lord Baltimore, and was governor from 1769
until 1776, when the populace obliged him to leave the
country.
After the war he returned and soon died, and was buried
under the pulpit of an Episcopal church on the north side
of the Severn, two or three miles from Annapolis.




136                THE FAIRFAXES
RICHARD CORBIN TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LANEVILLE, 16th Aug'st, 1773.
Dear Sir:
I could not let Captain Punderson leave this
place, without acknowledging  the  receipt of
your kind letter from York, which in very few
words contained every thing the warmest friendship could dictate.  Mrs Fairfax's kind assurance  makes  my  wife  quite easy  and  happy,
and that Frank  is so I make no doubt.  My
wife indeed my whole family join with me in
their best wishes  for you  and Mrs Fairfax.
To hear of your safe arrival in England will
give joy to your friends, to none more than this
family and Dear Sir
Your most humb. and ob't serv't
R'D CORBIN.
1 Henry, the ancestor of the Corbins, settled in King and
Queen county about 1650. His son, Gawin, became president of the council of Virginia, and married a daughter of
William Bassett, and had four daughters and three sons, one
of whom, Richard, was the writer of the above letter. In
1754, Washington wrote to Mr. Corbin, stating that he would
be pleased to receive a commission as lieutenant colonel.
Through Mr. Corbin's influence as a member of the Virginia
council, it was obtained and transmitted with the following
laconic note:




OF AMERICA.                 137
FRANCIS WILLIS, AGENT OF GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LEESBURG, September 15th 1773.
Hon'ble Sir:
I impatiently  waited  the  return  of Miles
expecting to have been informed of your resolutions respecting the renting of your h6use. * *
You have not even hinted to me what you expect per year, what time or number of years to
let it for, nor have you desired it to be rented
from  year to year.  I think it would be better
to rent it on very low terms, than to suffer it to
be uninhabited. Upon the receipt of your letter
by Miles, I waited on Col. G. Washington, and
after a day or two's consideration we resolved
to  decline  renting  the  house or selling  the
furniture until we could be directed by you. * *
Your very obedient servant
FRANCIS WILLIS Jun'r.
Dear George:
I inclose you your commission. God prosper you with it.
Your friend,
RICHARD CORBIN.
He lived at Laneville on the Maattapony, in King and
Queen county, and his wife was a daughter of Colonel John
Tayloe.
His son Frank was sent to England with Hon. G. W.
Fairfax, to be educated.
18




138               THE FAIRFAXES
ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
VIRG'A, 16th Octr, 1773.
My dear Sir:
The interest I hold in your own and my sister Fairfax's welfare makes me exceedingly
anxious to hear of your happy arrival in England, and safe recovery from the small pox. I
shall be sadly disappointed if the first ship from
London, does not bring us this agreeable news.
* * * We must therefore have patience, and
a great deal I fear will be necessary in the
present situation of the country, and the extreme scarcity of money, for tho' there is such
a pother made by some of our Patriots about
paper money, I think the day is not very far
distant when they will be glad to rake and
scrape every tattered bill they can lay their
hands on. * * *
Your affect. humble servt
Ro. C. NICHOLAS.1
1 Robert Carter Nicholas was the son of George Nicholas,
M.D., who came from England, and married a widow Burwell, of Gloucester county. He was distinguished as a
lawyer, as a patriot during the revolution, and as treasurer
of the state. He and his wife Anna, daughter of Col.
Wilson Cary, were noted for their Christian culture.




OF AMERICA.                   139
MATTHEW CAMPBELL TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
ALEXANDRIA, Nov'r 11th, 1773.
Sir:
By this opportunity I send for Mrs Fairfax
one box citron which I imported for her from
Madeira. * * * * All your relations so far as I
at present recollect are well. We have had a
prodigious sickly fall, and have lost about forty
inhabitants amongst whom  was Mr Tom  our
Presbyterian Minister, his mother, and Mr
Joseph Watson.  I hope this will find you both
happy, in much ease, with society and books.
This seems to be the most the world can bestow.
Mr Adams joins me in compliments to both and
I am  with real respect Sir
Your most ob't humb. serv't
MATTHEW CAMPBELL.
He left five sons, one of whom, Wilson Cary Nicholas,
was an officer in the revolution, a member of the convention
to frame the constitution of United States, senator of the
United States from 1799 to 1804, and governor of Virginia
from 1814 to 1817.
Another son, John, was a member of congress from Virginia from  1793 to 1801. Removed to Geneva, N. Y.,
and member of the senate of that state from 1806 to 1809.




140               THE FAIRFAXES
COL. GEO. F. MERCER TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, December 211(, 1773.
My dear Sir:
If this letter should break in upon your retirement I pray you Sir to allow the subject to
plead  an apology and I am  sure it will, as my
interest and  the furtherance  of some of my
schemes are dependent upon it.  Perhaps you
thought, I am  sure you  wished, that all my
Vandalia 1 prospects, were ere this fully within
my grasp, but my ill stars still prevail against
me.  I am  not yet Governor, and a fresh objection, the  last I hope  they have to offer, has
arisen against the policy of the grant, so far as
it relates to Britain.  It is urged that Colonel
Fairfax  a gentleman lately  arrived from  VirIn 1749, Thomas Lee and others of Virginia, with Mr.
Hanbury, a London merchant and Quaker, was incorporated
as the Ohio company, and obtained a grant of land west of
the mountains and south of the Ohio. After Lee's death,
Lawrence, brother of George Washington, became principal
manager. The Ohio company at length united with Walpole and others, and in 1770 Thomas Walpole, banker of
London, Benjamin Franklin, John Sargeant, and Samuel
Wharton, petitioned for a separate government of that part
of Virginia, south of the Ohio, and west of a certain longitude.




OF AMERICA.            141
ginia, has confirmed what Lord Hillsborough
had suggested,  that the inhabitants of Vandalia were not only out of reach of the arms, but
the commerce of Great Britain," and that Colonel Fairfax had said many thousand "families
were settled within the bounds of the new
Province, and that each of them had a loom
and spinning wheel, and would always manufacture every article of cloath they wanted, of
course would not want any British manufactures: and that the people on the Ohio might
be easily and conveniently governed by Virginia,
which not only made the establishment of a
new and separate government totally unnecessary, but that the separation of the intended
government from that of Virginia under which
it was at present, and by whom  they were
governed, would occasion great murmurs and
perhaps insurrections among the settlers."
I do not presume my dear Sir to oppose my
own opinion to one so well informed as I am
sure you are, and did I suspect you thought
what was reported to have been your declaration, it would certainly have great weight in
future with me, and indeed would, with as much




142            THE FAIRFAXES
decency as was practicable, retract what really
has hitherto been my opinion. I must however
pay that respect to the opinion I have hitherto
maintained, to suppose this report has been
spread as coming from one of your knowledge
and authority in Virginia, in order to support
Lord Hillsborough's assertions, and I am the
more persuaded to this, as I recollect you were
so obliging as to mention some conversation
you had with Mr Pownall, in which you desired
you might not be called before any public Board,
being in no way interested, and having no
knowledge of the dispute between Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and the Vandalians about the boundaries of the Provinces, and that you should have
stepped forth, justified as you thought you were
in your public character to have asserted the
claims, and ask redress of the injuries, if any
had  been offered to Virginia.  I beg your
pardon, my dear Sir, for presuming to give you
this trouble, and I know public justice as well
as your friendship manifested to me on so many
occasions, will plead my excuse for asking your
answer to this letter.




OF AMERICA.                   143
My best wishes attend  Mrs Fairfax, and  I
am with the utmost sincerity my dear Sir
Your much obliged friend and obedient servant
GEO. F. MERCER.1
HON. JOHN TAYLOE2 TO GEO. WM. FAIRFAX.
MOUNT AIRY, Dec. 14th, 1773.
Dear Sir:
Altho' I did not intend (by letter at a time
when  you must have felt anxiety  at parting
with so many friends) my good wishes yet they
accompany you  with  the  sincerity  of a real
friendship.
Accept now dear friend the hearty congratulations of a friend on your safe passage. * * *
I Col. George Mercer was an officer in the British service,
son of John Mercer, native of Ireland, a resident of Stafford
county, and a lawyer of eminence.
2 William Tayloe came from London to Virginia in 1650.
His descendant, the writer of the above letter, was the
founder of Mount Airy in Lunenburgh parish, Richmond
county.  He was member of the first council under the
state constitution, and died April 12, 1779, leaving twelve
children.
His only son, John, in 1792, married a daughter of Governor Ogle of Maryland, and their eldest son, John, distinguished himself as an officer of the United States navy.




144              THE FAIRFAXES
The little son we have is now ill with a cold.
* * *   * I have often wished him as happy
as his cousin  Frank  Corbin is, under your
care, lest he become a racer for he is fond now
of horses to distraction. Indeed his father is
foolishly so, for he cannot help wishing for a
good nag to take some of the Jockey club plates
at Annapolis or Fredericksburg, where a week's
sport is establishing for five years upon the
principles of the Annapolis.  I cannot leave
this subject without giving you an historical
account of the performance of my old horse
Yorick (now  13 years old) who you know has
been a stud horse six years.  A  match was
made on him  by  some young  Fauntleroysl
against a breed horse of Doctor Wm Flood's for
~500 a side, quite on the Doctor's own terms to
run one heat of five miles 12 stone, 12 lbs,
which Yorick run easy in 12 minutes and 27
seconds hand in hand the whole way, but what
is extraordinary in this is that Yorick could
I The Fauntleroys are of French origin, and were early
settlers on the Rappahannock. William died in 1684, and
left three sons: William, Moore, and John, whose descendants are numerous. A young Fauntleroy was killed at the
battle of Monmouth, N. J., in June, 1777.




OF AMERICA.                145
not stand training for bad feet, which was his
disorder when Selim beat him being the only
time he ever lost the victory, and had not had
a regular sweat in eight weeks.' This may be
amusing to Capt Wentworth or some of your
sporting acquaintances, as it must be thought
by them a very extraordinary instance in the
running way. * * * *
Your most obed't humble serv't
JOHN TAYLOE.
J. H. NORTON TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
YORK [VA], March 27, 1774.
Dear Sir:
I have by Capt H Esten received your favor
of the 27th November, referring me to one by
the Nelly, Capt Greig which I have not received
and fear has miscarried.  I consider myself
very fortunate as having been the instrument
of rendering your stay and good Mrs Fairfax's
a The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 3, 1774, copies the
following from a Virginia paper:
"A CARD.- A Virginian presents his compliments to the
Jockey Clubs of Fredericksburg and Portsmouth, and begs
19




146               THE FAIRFAXES
in London, any way agreeable.  My father and
mother are never so happy as when they can
show civilities to my friends from this continent.
The affair of inoculation proved quite agreeable
to my wishes, a mere bagatelle, and Mrs Fairfax I find surmounted with great fortitude every
dread which crowds upon the mind.    * * *   Tom
was at the time of writing to me settling your
household in the City of York which from all
accounts is a most desirable place, and a comfortable recess you must find it after having
passed so many years in this country. I had a
very  good account of your petit maitre, Mr
Corbin which I was glad to hear.   I lately
heard from your friends in Frederick, Hampton,
and Williamsburgh who were all well, as was
the family at Laneville.  My wife joins me in
duty  to  yourself  and  Mrs Fairfax.   With
that they will suppress their sporting spirit, till the circumstances of America, can permit it with more decency. He
also begs leave to recommend to the most serious considera.
tion of these Clubs, whether their purses applied to the
relief of the distressed Bostonians, would not afford them
more real pleasure than all that can arise from viewing a
painful contest, between two or three animals."




OF AMERICA.                   147
compliments to Master Corbin I am as ever
Dear Sir
Your very much obliged
and most obed't servant
J. H. NORTON.1
Mr Custis2 is lately married  to a lady in
Maryland.
RICHARD CORBIN TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LANEVILLE, 27th June, 1774.
Dear Sir:
Two letters I have lately received from Mr
Athawes, have given my wife some uneasiness.
He tells me Frank3 is volatile' and too much of
I John Hatley Norton, son of John Norton of London.
Rev. John H. Norton was a descendant.
" John Parke Custis was the step-son of George Washington.  While in charge of a tutor at Annapolis, Md., he fell
in love with the second daughter of Benjamin (usually
called Benedict) Calvert and engaged himself.  Washington
objected on account of his youth.  IIe then was sent to
King's College, New  York city, but returning for the
Christmas holidays was soon married. He was an aid-decamp of Washington at Yorktown, and died at the close of
the war at the house of Mr. Basset of Eltham.: See page 137.




148               THE FAIRFAXES
a man to be subject to school rules, and that he
was afraid of his falling into the dissipation and
vices of the times, and that he must either go
to the University, or return to Virginia. * * *
The  Act of Parliament respecting  Boston arrived here at the meeting of the Assembly.
The part they acted was such that the Governor
thought himself obliged to dissolve them. This
dissolution as I think is always the case, has
inflamed the minds of the people to a greater
degree then when the Stamp Act took place,
and they seem  more determined.'  As the Assembly did no business, the Fee Bill is expired
and  the  County  Courts will do no business,
and every thing is in confusion.  The Indians
are committing devastations in the upper part.
Several skirmishes have happened. God knows
how  these things will end.  The Council have
I The assembly was in session at Williamsburgh, when
the news of the Boston port bill arrived. Jefferson and
others " rummaged over the pages of Rushworth, and cooked
up a resolution" appointing June 1st as a day of fasting
and prayer. The day but one after this, the governor dissolved the assembly. Eighty-nine members then met at the
Apollo tavern, and pledged cooperation, and recommended
an annual congress of delegates from each colony.




OF AMERICA.                 149
prevailed  with  the  Governor to  try another
Assembly.  Writs are issued returnable the 11
Aug'st. The best wishes of all my family wait
on you and good Mrs Fairfax and I am  with
the most sincere regard
Your most obed't humble servant
RD. CORBIN.
J. H. NORTON TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
YORK TOWN, June 31, 1774.
Dear Sir:
I find you wave politicks altogether.  The
deadly machinations of the ministry against us,.must in time lessen our esteem for Great Britain.
In consequence of the proceedings at Boston,
our colony intend to second their schemes by
entering into  violent Associations.   The late
Representatives in our Assembly are to convene on the  1st of August nextl when such
I Convention met and appointed Peyton Randolph, R. H.
Lee, Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benj.
Harrison and E. Pendleton, delegates to first congress to
meet in Philadelphia, in September. A gentleman writing
to a friend, notices their arrival there in these words:
" The Virginia delegates to the Congress have arrived in




150             THE FAIRFAXES
measures will be adopted as are likely to produce good effects.  The Fee Bill is expired and
of course no Courts can be held, so that the
whole trade of the colony must decline. I wish
for better times for they are very much wanted.
Your niece Sally Norton and her little girl very
well.  S. N joins me in duty to you and Mrs
Fairfax.
Your very much obliged
and humble servant
J. H. NORTON.
SAMUEL ATHAWES TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, 25tl February, 1775.
Dear Sir:
There is a talk of a conciliating plan, but I
see myself no appearance of it at present I profess, for there is now a Bill passing the House
respecting the fishery so full of cruelty and
oppression that it cannot be read by any one
who has a spark of humanity, without horror
town - they are a fine set of fellows- even the New England men, are milksops to them." —Reed's Philomathean
Address.




OF AMERICA.               151
and emotion.  Five provinces I think because
part of one has been thought fit to be declared
in rebellion are to be starved for the North
Colonies grow but little. They are inhibited by
this Bill from receiving any from their sister
colonies, nor can they [torn] without a license
which I think is only to be granted if they subscribe a certain test and acquiescence to all the
measures which has caused all the dispute so
that the trade is not only to be demolished, but
they are deprived of fish for their subsistence.
God knows how  this will end, but I heartily
wish it may not ruin both countries.
I am with affection Dear Sir
Your very obed't servant
SAM'L ATHAWES.
LONDON, 15th May, 1775.
Dear Sir:
The Secretary's son Mr John Nelson,1 Carter
Burwell, and Mr Prentice arrived some months
f Thomas Nelson, son of Scotch Tom of Yorktown, was
long secretary of the council, and had three sons in the
army of the revolution.




152             THE FAIRFAXES
since, the former for their health, and the latter
I believe to attend to the practice of our courts
of law, and I find them all agreeable young
men.1  Nelson's disorder arose from  a strain
and was a chirurgical case of which he is recovered, and he and Mr Prentice have engaged
their passage with Capt Mitchell who I understand will sail in about seven or eight days.
Mr Burwell' was this day inoculated being returned from Bristol where he has been by Dr
Fothergill's advice for two or three months
drinking the waters and living on vegetable
diet.  There is a Mrs Brodeau 2 who is recommended to me as an accomplished woman skilled
in French etc and all kinds of work, of a most
sober disposition and good character who is going to New York in order to set up a Boarding
School. If you could send a few lines, in a few
days, under cover to me, addressed to any one
1 Carter Burwell, son of Lewis, president of the council of
Virginia.'On a map of Virginia, prepared near this time, a few
miles south of Essex Court House is marked Broder's
School, can it be intended for Brodeau?




OF AMERICA.             153
in that province, by way of introduction to her
it would oblige me.
I am with esteem Dear Sir
Your very obed't & obliged serv't
SAM'L ATHAWES.
Col. Phil Lee  is no more.
His friend and neighbor George Washington
naturally became the agent to attend to the
pecuniary concerns of Hon. Geo. W. Fairfax,
after he went to England.
In 1774 the plantation of Belvoir was leased
to the Rev. Andrew  Morton for seven years.
The mansion house was brick, two stories in
height.  Upon the first floor were four rooms
and a large hall, and on the second floor were
five rooms.  In the basement was a servant's
hall, and cellar. Convenient offices, stables and
coach house adjoined.  The garden was large
and filled with valuable fruit trees. A few
years after, the house was burned.
In examining the following account rendered
by Washington, a charge will be noticed for
1 Col. Phil. Lee, father-in-law of Major Gen. Henry Lee,
see page 112.
20




154            THE FAIRFAXES
lettering a pew in Pohick church. This edifice is
in Truro parish, Fairfax county. It was built
of brick from plans drawn by Washington, and
completed in 1773, and here worshiped the
patriot, George Mason, as well as George Washington. In February, 1773, Washington bought
a pew for Geo. W. Fairfax, and gave a bond for
~16, and in August, 1774, it was lettered. At
the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, the
initials G. W. F., were visible.
This was the final account rendered by Washington; for immediately on his appointment to
the command of the American army he wrote
to Geo. W. Fairfax, that it would be impracticable for him to longer continue to perform the
duties of a friend, by having an eye to the conduct of his collector and steward.




Dr.                   The H-ni2le Geo. W. Fairfax, Esq., in acct. with Geo. Washington.                           Cr.
1774                                                       1774
June      To Blank Bonds and Bills for your                June 15  By Ball. of last acc't render'd         ~1  8 41
Sale at Belvoir                   ~0  5  0         18   By 5 pr ct gain'd in the Contra Bill
29  To cash sent.to the Annapolis printer                          of Excha: it being had from Colo
advertizing Belvoir and the sale                            Syme, at 25 p'r c't instead of 30
of goods there                      2  8  0                p'r c't                            10  0  0
Augt 15  To Ditto p'd Wm. Copan putting                               By cash p'd Colo Lewis by Littleton
your cypher (3 letters) on yr Pew                           Savage on acc't of Giles Cook's
in Pohick church at 5s a letter       15  0                 Rent                               50  0  0 
October   To  the Pensa  Gazette advert'g                  Augt 17 By ditto rec'd from Doctr Craik for 
Belv'r to be let                       6  5                 a Wilton Carpet bought at your
Nov'r 30  To an express to Ld Fairfax concern-                           sale in August                      8 10  0 
ing his Renting Belvoir                6  0         23 By ditto rec'd from  Adam Lynn for 
To Smith's acc't                          1  6                sundries bought at Ditto              18  0 
Dec'r 17 By Ditto rec'd Francis Willis for sun4  1 11                dries sold at Belvoir ye 5th inst.9  4  9
By Ditto rec'd from Abednego Adams
for a pair of scales sold at Do Do    10  0
20 By cash reed from Mr. Craven PeyTo Ball. due and Credd pr Contra   238 11 10                  ton p'r acc't sent                 162  2 71
~242 13  9                                                  ~242 13  9
By Ball pr Contra                  ~2 38 11 10
E. Excepted p'r
GO WASHINGTON
April 6th 1775.




156            THE FAIRFAXES
GEO. SHAW TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
WOMERSLEY, 20th June, 1775.
Sir:
I am almost afraid to make enquiries about
my friends in Virginia, of whom I have heard
no tidings for a long season, and indeed I am
too much in their debt to expect it. Sorry I
am that affairs in the western World have taken
so unfavorable a turn, and that any blood should
have been drawn in the quarrel.  I hop'd our
disputes would have been previously adjusted,
and tho' this has not fallen out to my wish, I
still hope the day is not far off when we shall
be bless'd with the joyful news, that both sides
have made some healing concessions and resettled peace on a firm basis. I see nothing to
hinder this, if the inflammatory patriots on both
sides of the water are not in the way, who with
all their zeal may perhaps have the real good
of both countries less at heart, than men of
fewer pretensions, and greater moderation. It
would give me the truest pleasure to hear that
you are pursuing measures towards effecting an
accommodation between the contending parties.




OF AMERICA.              157
You cannot engage in a nobler work, nor could I
wish you a more honorable inscription in future,
than the Saviour of England and America.
I shall take it, as a particular favour, if you
will be so kind as to inform me how they do in
James and Yorktown, and if you can further tell
me on good grounds that you entertain great
hopes of a speedy reconciliation between perhaps
an obstinate mother and her pert children, I shall
be extremely indebted to you. I beg my humble
compliments to Mrs Fairfax.  My wife desires
to add hers. I am with great respect and regard
Your most obd't & obliged servant
GEO. SHAW.1
SAMUEL ATHAWES TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, 19t1 July, 1775.
Dear Sir:
The following extract of a letter which I
have received from Virginia, may perhaps ac1 Rev. George Shaw of England married a sister of
Richard Ambler of Yorktown, and she was the grandmother of
Charles Shaw Lefevre, late speaker of the House of Commons
of Great Britain.




158             THE FAIRFAXES
count for L'd D-   e  embarking with his
family:'CAn unfortunate affair happened by some
of the citizens assembling at the magazine in
order to arm themselves with the guns that
were lodged there, and in going in they found
two guns planted with spring locks, one of
which went off and wounded three men, one
dangerously, one lost two fingers, the other but
slightly.  The trap was laid by the G        r
which  has  incensed  the  people  amazingly
against him.2 It's imagined the Assembly will
take it under consideration to-morrow, and how
it will end God knows."
Yours very affectionately
SAM'L ATHAWES.
1 Lord Dunmore.
2 The next day, June 6th, Gov. Dunmore and family
escaped from Williamsburg to return no more, and took
shelter on board the man of war Fowey.




OF AMERICA.              159
NATHANIEL TUCKER TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
EDINBURGH, 11th Sept'r, 1775.
Dear Sir:
Should Lady Dundas be so obliging as to reremember the offer she made of giving me
letters to some of her friends here, they will
arrive safe under your care if directed to me
at the Reverend D' Blacklocks, Bristo Street
Edinburgh.  I have good lodgings and am
settled much to my satisfaction here in an
agreeable and sober family in the suburbs not
far from College, but sequestered from the noise
and other disagreeable circumstances, that attend a residence in the city.  But alas, my dear
Sir, I do not find that the people here interest
themselves in favor of our unhappy country,
like those in Yorkshire.
Few, very few are the friends we find among
them and I am kept so much in the dark with
regard to transactions abroad that any information in that respect would be a treat to me.
Never since I crossed the Atlantic have I received a line from any of my friends either on
the continent or in Bermuda, a circumstance




160                THE FAIRFAXES
which gives me a great deal of uneasiness and
preys much upon my spirits. But it boots not
to complain.                * *        *      * 
Your very affectionate humb. serv't
NAT TUCKER.1
STEPHEN CROFT TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
YORK, [Eng.] Oct'r ].st 1775.
Dear Sir:
I am  very much  obliged to you for a copy of
the letter from  Bunker Hill,2 and dare say the
1 The second wife of the elder Thomas Nelson of Yorktown was a widow Tucker, whose first husband was from
Bermuda.
Nat and St. George Tucker were brothers, and the latter,
during the revolution, lived in the Bermudas.
Henry St. George Tucker, son of St. George, was born in
1779, and married the mother of John Randolph of Roanoke.
He was sometimes called the Virginia Blackstone, and
was president of the Virginia court of appeals, and a congressman from Virginia from 1815 to 1819. He died at
Winchester, 1828.
2 Reference is made to the following letter of Washington,
which is copied from Sparks:
"CAMP AT CAMBRIDGE, 25 July, 1775.
" Dear Sir: On the other side you will receive a copy of
my last, dated at Philadelphia, the 31st of May, and to
which I refer. I shall say very little in this letter, for two




OF AMERICA.                   161
account is a true one notwithstanding what we
have  heard  to  the  contrary.   Every  man's
natural wish  must be for that man, or body
who is determined to support his liberty rather
then  become an  abject slave, but you and I
have lived to see that venality and corruption
damp that Isle which formerly gloried in being
reasons; first, because I have received no letter from you
since the one dated in June, 1774, and therefore, having
written often, can have nothing to answer; but principally
because I do not know, whether it may ever get to your
hands. If it should, the principal, indeed only design, is to
cover the second of three bills forwarded in my last. You
will, I presume, before this letter gets to hand, hear of my
appointment to the command of the Continental army.  I
arrived at this camp, the 2d inst.
" You must no doubt, also have heard of the engagement
on Bunker's Hill, the 17th ultimo; but as I am persuaded,
you will have a very erroneous account transmitted of the
loss sustained on the side of the Provincials. I do assure you,
upon my word, that our loss as appears by the returns, made
to me, since I came here, amounts to no more than one
hundred and thirty-nine killed, thirty-six missing, and two
hundred and seventy-eight wounded; nor had we, if I can
credit the most solemn assurances of the officers who were
in the action, above one thousand five hundred men engaged
on that day.
"The loss on the side of the Ministerial troops, as I am
informed from  good authority, consisted of one thousand
and forty-three killed and wounded, whereof ninety-two
were officers."
21




162             THE FAIRFAXES
a Protector, and see addresses desiring a Court
and Ministry to go all lengths, who were sufficiently inclined to run every risk, rather than
give up their darling scheme of tyranny, and
orlorn as the situation may be of those who
act upon true Whig principles, yet I trust they
will boldly bear their testimony of their disapprobation of the dire effects of this mad and
wicked project which proceeds from  genuine
Toryism, but it's somewhat hard to bear under
the Brunswick line, and to hear the pretence
of zeal and affection, but I hope in some cool
hour some honest good man may be found to
stop the effusion of blood and treasure which
seems to threaten, and must happen to the
mother and children if carried on much longer.
This is my prayer: Peace with just and equal
liberty, but violence is the word at present.  I
beg but compliments to your Lady.
Your most obliged and
most ob't humble servt
STEPH" CROFT.I
I Stephen Croft, a prominent citizen of Yorkshire, grandfather of Rev. James Croft, archdeacon of Canterbury.




OF AMERICA.               163
NAT. TUCKER TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
EDINBURGH, Oct. 28d, 1775.
Dear Sir:
I thank you for the kind hint for your good
opinion of my prudence in avoiding to make
myself enemies among the sticklers for Party.
I do assure you, my dear Sir, you oblige me
very much by the extract you give me from
the letter of your illustrious correspondent.1 It
afforded me vast satisfaction because it leaves
room to judge what kind of opposition is likely
to be made by the Americans to the British
troops the fame of whose glorious achievments
has been extended throughout the known world.
It likewise shows us how little credit is to be
given to common report which generally receives its complexion from the crooked and foul
channel thro' which it passes.  I have lately
received letters from Bermuda dated 5th August,
and among them one from my brother St George,
who is gone to exercise his profession in our
little Island'till the happy time shall arrive
i See letter of Washington, date Cambridge, July 25,
1775, on page'157.




164                THE FAIRFAXES
when the restoration of peace to the Continent
shall enable him  to return and settle there.  I
am glad to find that the patriotic county of
Middlesex has been exerting itself in opposition
to  the measures of a corrupt Administration.
God grant that its effort may be crowned with
success.
Your obliged & affectionate humble serv't
NAT TUCKER.
HON. ROBERT FAIRFAX TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LEEDS CASTLE, 20' Nov., 1775.
Dear Sir:
Yesterday I received a letter from our friend
Mr John  Randolphl your Attorney General.
1 John Randolph, attorney general, was son of Hon. John
Randolph, speaker of the house of burgesses, who died in
1737, and grandson of William of Turkey island, James
river, who came from England in 1660, and by industry and
intelligence amassed a large estate.
He was also brother of Peyton Randolph, president of the
first Continental congress.  Sympathizing with Lord Dunmore and the tory party, John Randolph went to England,
and died in London in 1784, aged fifty-six.
His son Edmund stayed in Virginia, and was an aid to
General Washington, member of congress, one of the framers
of the constitution of the United States, attorney general of
the United States, and secretary of state.




OF AMERICA.                 165
He wrote from  Rochester in  his way  from
the coast to London, with  his lady and two
daughters.
He informs me that my Brother was extremely
ill and that Col Stephens had no hopes of his
recovery, nature  being  quite  worn  out.l   I
thought proper to let you know this and wish
you would not mention any thing about my
brother, till we hear more.  I am
Yours affectionately
R. FAIRFAX.
EDWARD, LORD HAWKE TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
SUNBURY, MIDDLESEX, 30th NOVbr, 1775.
Dear Sir:
I have received a very fine large Salmon,
which arrived safe, in perfect order, and good
condition.   By the  direction I apprehend it
must come from you, and therefore beg you will
permit me to return you my most hearty thanks
1 Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax, then at Greenway Court
named after an ancestral seat in England.  During the
revolution he adhered to the royal cause, and according to
tradition, mortification from the surrender of Cornwallis at
Yorktown, hastened his death in 1782.  Robert was his
successor to the title.




166             THE FAIRFAXES
for it, as I must confess it is the finest fish I
have seen of a long while.
I was extremely sorry that my time would
not permit me to pay my respects to you and
Mrs Fairfax before I left Yorkshire, for being
an invalid and doubtful of the weather, made
me anxious to get home as soon as possible. I
shall flatter myself, my good Sir, with the hopes
of seeing you with Mrs Fairfax at my house at
Sunbury, and altho' a cottage, the Master will
receive you with a cheerful countenance, and
you will find a hearty welcome.  I cannot expect this favor, unless you should come into the
South (as the distance is so far) but then I
shall hope you will give me that pleasure. I
must beg you will present my respectful compliments with those of Miss Birt to Mrs Fairfax,
and that you will believe me to be with the
highest esteem and regard. My dear Sir
Your most obedient and
most humble servant
E. HAWKE.'
Sir Ed. Hawke's mother was sister of Colonel Martin
Bladen, and thus connected with Mr. Fairfax. In 1765
Hawke was made vice admiral of the Blue, and in 1776
was created Baron Hawke.




OF AMERICA.                   167
REV: JONATHAN BOUCHER TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, Dec. 15th, 1775.
Sir:
I take the liberty by this opportunity by Mr
Clapham,1 the eldest son of your friend of that
name in Annapolis, to enquire after yours and
Mrs Fairfax's  welfare.   I left America that
unhappy scene of trouble and confusion, about
the latter end of September along with the Rev
Mr Addison,2 his  son, and  my wife who all
request to be affectionately remembered to you.
This young man who is himself very worthy,
and for whose father, I have long had the greatest
regard, is somewhat embarrassed how to dispose
of himself.  Mr Hanbury to whom he was more
particularly recommended, and who has taken
i The son of Jo. Clapham  of Annapolis, clerk of the
revenue board of the province.
2 Rev. Henry Addison, A.M., was the son of Thomas
Addison, a member of the council, and grandson of Col.
John Addison, surveyor general of the province of Maryland, who built Oxon Hall below Washington city on the
Potomac, which atill stands. He was educated at Queen's
College, Oxford, and in 1751, married Rachel, daughter of
the celebrated lawyer, Daniel Dulany of Annapolis.  He
was rector of St. John's parish, Prince George county, Md.
A'tory in sentiment, he went to England at the commence



168                THE FAIRFAXES
very obliging and friendly notice of him, could
he says, he believes with no very great trouble
get him  into a Counting House here.  But the
wages of such an appointment are so inconsiderable, and the prospect of his hereafter getting
forward with advantage in the world, in this
way, so very little encouraging that he seems
to think it can be eligible only to those who
can do nothing else.  Now  this young gentleman, has already  got some share of classical
learning, and is said to have an exceedingly fine
capacity for making a proficiency in the Classics.
Mr Hanbury is therefore talking with me on the
subject, appeals to me whether there was not
a greater probability of his doing well by pursuing his studies in that way than by attempting
ment of the revolution, but in 1780 returned to New York
city, and wrote to General Washington for permission to go
to Maryland, but the request was not granted. After peace
was declared, he came to the home of his ancestors, and
died in 1789, aged about seventy-two years. In 1786, the
legislature of Maryland allowed his son to hold certain
lands that had  been confiscated.   He owned the tract
opposite the Washington Navy Yard, at the junction of the
Anacostan; the Indian name of the eastern branch, with
the Potomac, upon a portion of which the writer resides.
In the mansion of my neighbor, Mr. Anthony Addison, is a
fine portrait of Rev. Henry Addison and wife.




OF AMERICA.                  169
the mercantile department. To the accomplishment of this however, money will be necessary,
and I am fearful the little sum his father was
on the instant able to give him may be quite
inadequate to the expense of going thro' even a
school education.
He has an  Aunt in  Tadcaster, where it is
said there is a good school and as she is at least
convenient, I would fain flatter myself it may
be in her power to accommodate him for a year
or two, till haply the dark cloud now hanging
over America, may be dispersed, and his father
have it in his power to make him some remittances.     t                      
Your most obl'gd & most h'ble servt
JONAN BOUCHER.1
Rev. Jonathan Boucher, born in 1738, was one of the
ablest divines of the church of England in America. He
came to Virginia at an early age, taught school in Port
Royal, and was rector of Hanover parish, King George.
From thence he went to St. Mary's parish in Caroline county.
His next charge was at Annapolis, Maryland, and there John
Parke Custis, step-son of General Washington, was his pupil.
His last parish was Queen Anne's, in Prince George
county. He had been opposed to the stamp act, but at length
sustained the cause of the mother country, and became very
unpopular.  In his farewell sermon, he says: " It was my
misfortune to be first known to you in these unsettled times.
22




170                THE FAIRFAXES
JOHN NORTON TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, the 6ti January, 1776.
Dear Sir:
I wish I could give you any agreeable news
from Virginia, but every thing seems to be
growing worse and worse.  Mr Benj. Johnston
that formerly lived in Fredericksburg is here,
one of the last from thence; he left Virginia
22"n  Oct.  Mr John Baylor  is likewise arrived
Pains were taken to prejudice you against me even before
you saw me. Many of you must remember, as I for ever
shall, how on coming to take possession of my living the
doors were shut *  *  *  *  nor can you have forgotten
how near I was, on that memorable day, experiencing the fate
of Stephen."  Ejected from his parish he went back to England.
In 1795, while vicar of Epsom, he published thirteen discourses preached in America, between 1763 and 1775, and
dedicated the work to George Washington. He devoted the
latter years of his life in preparing a Glossary of Provincial and Archeeological Words.
His wife was Miss Addison of Addison's Manor, near the
present site of Washington city. Descendants still live on
the original tract.
1 John Baylor, the first of the name in Virginia arrived
in 1650, and settled in Gloucester county.
John, the third of the name, married Lucy Walker at
Yorktown, January 2, 1744, and a sister of Lucy Walker
married John Norton of London, England, the writer of the
above letter.
The fourth John Baylor was born at New Market, Caro



OF AMERICA.                 171
in Scotland but not yet come to London, I have
had a letter from  him.  Mr John Randolph,
his lady and two daughters have been at our
next door neighbour's Campbell's when Mrs
Necks took lodgings for them. The ladies have
gone thro' the small pox and are now removed
to the other end of the town. The Philadelphia
papers speak of a skirmish that has happened
between Capt Squires of one of the tenders at
Hampton, and some of the Militia commanded
by Capt Nicholas (suppose our friend's son) and
Capt Lyne in which they beat off the men of
war's people, and killed several of their hands
without loss to themselves.l It is said tho' I
know not with what truth that Commissioners
are to go with the intended Army which is to
consist of 50,000 men. God send that peace
and tranquillity may once more ensue, tho' I
line county, Sept. 4, 1750, at twelve years of age was sent
to Putney grammer school, England. He married in England his cousin Fanny, daughter of John Norton of London,
and returned to Virginia.
Mrs. Baylor's brother John H. Norton, also resided in
Virginia.
I Dunmore threatened to burn Hampton in retaliation,
but he was at length driven off, by a party sent from Williamsburg.




172            THE FAIRFAXES
must own there is but a poor prospect of that
event happening soon.  The thoughts of it
depresses my spirits as well as those of my
family who join in me best wishes to yourself
and lady.
Your very obed't servant
JOHN NORTON.
GEO. W. FAIRFAX TO JOHN NORTON.
Dear Sir:
I was very soon informed of Mr Randolph's
arrival and must own I was never more astonished, but did not hear of Mr Baylors until the
receipt of yours. I presume the latter is come
over on acc't of his health, or some business of
consequence, but I am afraid the former's coming forbodes no good to his country, and I shall
not be surprised if I should see in the papers
his appointment to some lucrative place here. I
really pity and sympathize with those that
were here before these unhappy disputes commenced, and now  reside in England whose




OF AMERICA.             173
chief dependence was in having regular remittances from that once happy country Virginia,
that will shortly become one of the principal
seats of war.
I cannot believe that the Ministry will be
able to get 50,000 men landed in America, or
that the  Commissioners will do any thing
effectual, unless they are allowed to treat with
the Continental Congress. They may indeed
protract matters, and enrich themselves with
the overflowing of your T-y, but I expect very
little national advantage from their negotiations.
However I do sincerely and most heartily wish,
that I may be disappointed, and that the Commissioners may obtain peace and tranquillity
throughout the British Dominions, tho' from
letters lately received from G. W   1 I must
agree with you, there is but very little prospect
of so happy an event.  Sad reflections for me,
my good Sir, whose chief resources are now cut
off, and forced to contract his living to the small
income he has here    8   
Your most obedient and very humble servant
G. W. FAIRFAX.
1 G. W. George Washington.




174              THE FAIRFAXES
SAMUEL ATHAWES TO GEO. W. FAIRFAX.
LONDON, 9th Feb'y, 1776.
Dear Sir:
It has often been reported that Quebec is
taken but I do not believe it; however I saw a
gentleman who was just come to town from New
York, and  he says it was correctly reported
that Lord Dunmore had given directions (for it
is said he was not in the action himself) for the
negroes, indentured servants, and about 80
Grenadiers in all about 600, to attack about 1000
Virginians and North Carolinians in their intrenchments, and that the assailants were not
only repulsed, but in a manner cut to pieces.
It is said his Lordship I think was induced to
this by  some information  in  which  he was
deceived.1 The preparations making here are
surely sufficient to make a humane man shudder,
1 At an early hour, before sunrise on Dec. 9, 1775, Capt.
Fordyce'marched the British troops over the causeway, on
the north side of the Elizabeth River, at the Great Bridge,
and assaulted the Americans. Fordyce and every Grenadier was killed. Lord Dunmore was induced to make the
attack by the false representations from a servant lad, who
had deserted from the American camp.




OF AMERICA.            175
and under these circumstances would it not be
more becoming us as a Nation by fasting and
prayer to the Almighty to omit the impending
calamity than by dissipating at masquerades,
regattas, etc.
I am with truth Dear Sir
Your affectionate & obliged serv't
SAML ATHAWES.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF REV. BRYAN, EIGHTH LORD
FAIRFAX.
Bryan Fairfax was the eldest child of Hon.
Wm. Fairfax, by his last wife. During the
French and Indian war he was in the military
service of Virginia, and the following extract
from  his writings seems to indicate that he
became a religious man at that period:
From twelve at night till two it was my
turn to stand sentinel at a dangerous post. I
had a fellow sentinel, but I desired him to go
away which he willingly did. As soon as I
was alone, I kneeled down, and determined not
to rise, but to continue crying and wrestling
with God, till he had mercy on me."
He married Miss Cary, a sister of his brother




176            THE FAIRFAXES
George's wife. In 1765 he went to England,
and while there the troubles began in Virginia
arising from the Stamp Act. Daniel McCarty
an old friend wrote to him on April 27, 1766,
relative to a debtor.
" We have had no law to compel him, or any
other person to pay any thing, since the first
day of last November, all of our Courts from
that time being shut up on account of the
Stamp Acts."
In a few months he returned to Virginia, and
in 1774 in a letter to Washington expressed
himself as unfavorable to the resolutions of
Fairfax county, relative to the British Government. Lossing says:' Just at the close of a
mild April day while he [Washington] and his
neighbor, Bryan Fairfax, with Major Gates
were discussing the stirring events at Williamsburg connected with the seizure of powder belonging to the colony, by the. royal governor,
and the bold stand taken by Patrick Henry, a
messenger came in haste from  Alexandria,
bearing intelligence of bloodshed at Lexington
and Concord." 
I Mount Vernon and its Associations. p. 98.




OF AMERICA.                 177
Although  Mr. Fairfax disapproved of the
measures of Parliament, he was opposed to forcible resistance, and in the year 1777 having
obtained a passport went to New York to embark for England, but the oath prescribed by
the British commander there, was so strict, that
he could not conscientiously take it. On his
return to Virginia, he again visited Washington,
then at Valley Forge, and was received by him
with his wonted kindness.l
In the year 1789 he became a minister of the
Protestant Episcopal church, and was probably
ordained by Bishop White.  While decided in
his preferences for his own branch, he was free
from bigotry, and accepted the moderate Calvinistic interpretation of the thirty-nine articles.
As a preacher while not eloquent, he was
logical and practical.
An extract from a Sermon occasioned by the
death of Rev. David Griffithl of Fairfax parish,
l In Sparks's Correspondence of Washington, vol. 5, p. 246
is a letter of Fairfax, expressing his appreciation of Washington's courtesy, and the reply of the general thereto.
Rev. David Griffith of New York, received orders in
England in 1770, and upon his return to America, preached
for a short period at Gloucester, New Jersey. Having
23




178               THE FAIRFAXES
and delivered at Fall's church August 16, 1789,
and at Alexandria on the succeeding Sunday,
from  the  text "So teach  us to number our
days,  that  we  may  apply  our hearts unto
wisdom,  Ps. 90th. 12 v., will give some idea
of his directness in the pulpit.'"But the loss of our friends or relatives or
acquaintance will often prove a more powerful
means to remind us of our own departure, and
so teach us to number our days.
"The Lord  gives us many occasions, and
many more than we rightly improve. The late
mournful occasion may teach us the uncertainty
of this life, and how needful it is to be always
prepared to die. We have lost our worthy minister of this Parish, and what could be more
unexpected?  What a loss to his friends!  But
how great a loss to his family, none but they
who are acquainted with it can rightly know.
removed to Virginia, he was elected in July, 1776, chaplain
of 3d Va. Battalion. In 1786 he was chosen Bishop of the
Virginia diocese of the Protestant Episcopal church, but
owing to his pecuniary circumstances was not able to go
to England for consecration. In 1789 he resigned, and
Bishop Madison became his successor. On August 3d he
died at the residence of Bishop White in Philadelphia, Pa.




OF AMERICA.            179'Tis true they who sympathize with the distressed may conceive in general the situation of
a family deprived of its head, and truly pity it.
But a loving and well ordered family sustains
more than a common loss under its peculiar
circumstances. When the head of a family is
taken from it at such a time, so far from home
and so unexpectedly, so useful and so beloved,
(for it is hard to say whether the wife, or
children, or father loved most) what shall we
say as to the dispensation of Providence, but
that his ways are past finding out.
But as the living know they must die, you
should draw a lesson from the sad occasion, and
reflect that you know not how soon your time
may come. If you know not the time of your
departure you should the sooner and more
diligently apply your hearts into wisdom.
" If he is to render an account of his ministry,
you also are to give an account how you have
heard, and what improvement you have made
from  it.  You know he was diligent in his
ministry as well as prudent in his deportment.
And if any have been too slack in giving that
support which they had promised'tis to be




180             THE FAIRFAXES
hoped that they will remember their defects,
and join the benevolent in their designed relief.'Tis indeed a duty in the people, to support
their minister, for the Lord hath ordained that
they which preach the Gospel should live of the
Gospel.  I need not insist on it, for it is so
plain a duty and so reasonable that every one
must acknowledge it. But the faults of a congregation must be pointed out or how  shall
they seek after wisdom?"
The  vestry of Fairfax parish, chose Mr.
Fairfax to succeed Mr. Griffith, and he continued
to be their minister until 1792, when to the
regret of the parishioners he resigned.l
Washington in a letter to Sir John Sinclair,
written on Dec. 11, 1796, makes an interesting
statement relative to the old Fairfax plantation,
and the family.  He says:
"Within full view of Mount Vernon, separated therefrom by water only, is one of the most
beautiful seats on the river for sale, but of
greater magnitude than you seem to have contemplated.
I Rev. Bernard Page, before the war, a minister of the
church of England in New York, became his successor.




OF AMERICA.             181
" It is called Belvoir, and belonged to George
William Fairfax, who, were he living would
now  be Baron of Cameron, as his younger
brother in this country (George William dying
without issue) at present is, though he does not
take upon himself the title. The seat was the
abovenamed gentleman's before he went to England, and was accommodated with very good
buildings, which were burnt soon after he left
them.  There are near two thousand acres of
land belonging to the tract, surrounded in a
manner by water.  The mansion-house stood
on high and commanding ground; the soil is
not of the best quality, but a considerable
part of it, lying level, may with proper management be properly cultivated. At present it bebelongs to Thomas Fairfax son of Bryan Fairfax
the gentleman who as I said before, will not take
upon himself the title of Baron of Cameron."
In 1798 the Rev Mr. Fairfax visited England,
and proceedings were instituted to determine the
validity of his title as Baron of Cameron. He returned to America in 1799, in time to be one of
the sincerest mourners at the funeral of his lifelong friend and neighbor, George Washington.




182           THE FAIRFAXES
The following are the names of the chief
mourners and the order in which they followed
the remains of the great good man from the
mansion to the tomb at Mount Vernon.
The printed order of procession states the
"Principal mourners, namely:
Mrs Stuart and Mrs Law
Miss Nancy and Sally Stuart
Miss Fairfax and Miss Dennison
Mr Law and Mr Peter,
Mr Lear and Dr Craik,
Lord Fairfax and Ferdinando Fairfax."
Washington in his will did not forget his
friend, but says " to the Reverend, now Bryan
Lord Fairfax I give a Bible in three large folio
volumes, with notes, presented to me, by the
Right Reverend Thomas Wilson, Bishop of
Sodor and Man."
On May 6, 1800, Lord Walsingham made a
report to the House of Lords from the committee
c appointed to consider the petition of the Rev.
Bryan Fairfax to his Majesty, claiming the
title and dignity of Lord Fairfax of Cameron,"
after which it was




OF AMERICA.               183
" Resolved and adjudged by the Lords spiritual and temporal in Parliament assembled,
that the claimant, the Reverend Bryan Fairfax,
hath  made  out his claim  to the title and
dignity of Lord Fairfax of Cameron."
Mr. Fairfax never assumed the empty title,
and in 1802 died at Mount Eagle, near Alexandria, Va.
JOSIAS CLAPHAM TO REV. BRYAN FAIRFAX.
Jan. 7, 21d, 1789.
Sir:
With this you will receive a few lines from
Mr Johnsonl respecting the Falls etc.  For my
part I have long had an inclination to have
water works at the Falls, and notwithstanding
the fall in value of lumber, with the great
increase of the number of mills in the country
I still retain a fondness for that situation and
I am of opinion that Mr Lee2 on due consideration will never possess it, except he can draw
1 Gov. Johnson of Maryland.' General Harry Lee of the revolution was a graduate of
Princeton. After the war he was in 1786 a delegate to




184               THE FAIRFAXES
you into a more advantageous bargain than the
old lease.  I am fully satisfied that to bring iron
ore down from Kitockton to blow there will not
answer, the heavy sum  due you and the large
annual rent etc.  When all these things are
duly considered I am of opinion Col. Lee will
give it up, but if it should fall out otherwise I
doubt not that we shall settle our matter with
you on reasonable terms. I am Sir
Your most obed't servant
JOSIAS CLAPHAM.
Congress, and in 1791 was governor of Virginia. In 1799
he was a member of congress and delivered the Eulogy on
Washington, and was the author of the sentence " First in
peace, first in war, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Land speculations about the Falls of the Potomac and other
localities impoverished him. He died at Cumberland island,
near St Mary's, Georgia, in 1818. Robert E. Lee, president of Washington College, Lexington, Va., is his son.




OF AMERICA.               185
BISHOP MADISON1 TO REV. BRYAN FAIRFAX.
Rev'd Sir:
The importance of the office of a visitor in our
Church, and the necessity which exists particularly in its present state for the most strict and
zealous discharge of the duties required, must
I am  persuaded be fully known to you.  But
the neglect of too many of the visitors hitherto
has determined  me  to forward to each an
earnest request to be no longer inattentive to
the duties prescribed to them by the Canons.
Let me then hope that your best and warmest
exertions will not be wanting in your District
to stimulate both by word and example the
laity  and clergy to a  diligent attention to
those duties upon which the interest of religion
and the prosperity of our Church so much depends.  Let me hope and intreat that you will
be particularly attentive to the conduct of the
clergy, and that you will hold it as a sacred
duty to which every other consideration must
1Bishop Madison was born in Pockbridge county, Va.,
1749, and graduated at William and Mary in 1772. President of the college in 1777, consecrated bishop of Virginia
in 1790, by the archbishop of Canterbury.
24




186               THE FAIRFAXES
yield to enforce the Canons wherever a disregard or the least immorality shall appear.
I flatter myself I shall receive a full and
regular report of the state of each parish in
your district, on or before the meeting of the
next Convention, as I shall then propose, God
willing, that all the reports of visitors be read
by the Secretary.
I am Rev'd Sir with great respect
Y'r serv't and brother
J. MADISON.
July 10, 1792.
BISHOP SEABURY' TO REV. BRYAN FAIRFAX.
NEW LONDON, March 1, 1794.
Rev. and Dear Sir:
The  last evening  Mr Jonathan  Starr presented me with 200 dollars, received by him in
a letter from you. Greatly was I affected by
I Samuel Seabury, D.D., was a native of Groton, Ct., born
in 1729. Graduated at Yale, and in 1751 went to Edinburgh to study medicine. Subsequently he studied theology
and was ordained in 1753 at London, by Bishop Sherlock.
During the war of the revolution he sided with Great Britain and resided in New York. Was elected bishop of
Connecticut in 1783, and consecrated in 1784 at Aberdeen,
Scotland, by Bishop Kilgour.




OF AMERICA.            187
this your liberality; both as it was a testimony
of regard for me, and an instance of the bountiful disposition of your heart, and shews that
it delights in works of benevolence and charity.
Acceptable to God must that heart be, which
imitates the divine goodness in scattering benefits and extending blessings to its fellows. God
only can reward you, and his reward is certain-the comfort and satisfaction which ever
spring from that faith which worketh by love,
and the glorious prospect of that heavenly
kingdom, where nothing but love can dwell,
must be yours by actual possession, and by
sure hope founded in the mediation and through
the ever prevalent intercession of Jesus.
Accept my most unfeigned acknowledgments.
I wish much to know how you are, and how you
get on through this miserable world.  The
longer I live in it, the more I am convinced
that its true worth is only estimated by our holy
religion. It is only a passage to a better life,
to that life which alone is worthy of the name.
God grant we both may find it.
The discourses I formerly mentioned, have
been published. I wish to know whether they




188             THE FAIRFAXES
have reached you. You had a son in Philada,
did I know his direction, it would facilitate my
communications to you.
Commending you, and all your concerns to
the protection and blessing of Almighty God,
I remain your most obliged, and very affectionate, hum. servt.
S. Bp. Connect, & Rho. Isle.
PRESIDENT WASHINGTON TO REV. BRYAN FAIRFAX.
GERMAN TOWN,' Sep. 8tI, 1794.
My dear Sir:
It is not my wish to add to the trouble which
I am  sorry has been thrown upon you (in a
manner unavoidably) in the management of the
suit against the representatives or security of
the deceased Doct'r Savage.  But when I am
written to on this subject by those who are
interested therein, I feel the necessity of making
some response, lest silence should receive an
unfavorable interpretation.
On this ground I give you the trouble of
1 During the sickly season in Philadelphia, the president
and other officers of United States government, resided at
Germantown, six miles distant.




OF AMERICA.              189
perusing the enclosed letter from a Mr Peter
Trener, and my answer; after which let me
pray you to put a wafer in the letter and cause
it to be forwarded, agreeably to the superscription, by the first good conveyance that may present itself to your view.
Who Mr Trener is I know not, nor have I
any recollection of what he says I wrote to him
on the 16th of Nov'r 1786 (having no papers of
that date by me, at this place to recur to). I
have some imperfect remembrance it is true of
an application that was made to me by a person in Virginia about the period he mentions,
with which I was not favorably impressed, but
why I was not so, or whether it came from this
person I am  unable to inform  you with the
least precision, nor is it of much account, as
the authenticity and regularity of the papers
he alludes to must decide his pretensions.
With best respects to Mrs Fairfax, and with
very sincere esteem  and regard for yourself I
remain Dear Sir
Your most affecte &
obedient servant
Go WASHINGTON.
The Rev'd Mr Fairfax.




190             THE FAIRFAXES
PRESIDENT WASHINGTON TO REV. BRYAN FAIRFAX.
PHILADELPHIA, 3d Jan'y, 1796.
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 16th ult'o came safe, but
not in the time which might have been expected
from the date of it.
Mr Davies letter is herewith returned.  I do
not know that more could have been done, than
you have attempted to do; but it is exceedingly
to be regretted, that villainy, chicanery, and
every species of delay should bring justice in
such jeopardy, if it is not entirely defeated by
them.  I shall hope however that as long there
remains a tolerable chance of coming at it, that
the suit will be prosecuted, and that Colo' Simms
and whoever else is employed therein will exert
themselves to the utmost.
I am of opinion that good policy dictates the
propriety of assuring them  a handsome fee, or
rather a certain per-centage if they succeed;
nothing if they do not.
Trifling fees are thrown away upon lawyers
of any eminence, for they excite no exertion;
and it cannot be expected that in a case, which
is, in a manner desperate, and without any




OF AMERICA.               191
appropriate funds, that large fees can be paid
from our private purses. My advances to Mrs
Savage in her life, during the days of her distress was pretty considerable, and the Clerk's
and Sheriffs fees are continually adding to it.
Yours I am  persuaded are equal thereto, and
together shew  the expediency of a vigorous
effort; which I see no other means of making
than the one I have suggested.
My respects and the compliments of the
season, in which Mrs Washington joins me,
are offered to Mrs Fairfax and yourself.  And
with sincere esteem and regard I am Dear Sir
Your most obed't & affect servant
G~ Washington.
The Rev'd Mr Fairfax.
EARL OF BUCHAN1 TO REV. LORD FAIRFAX.
DRYBURGH ABBEY, MELROSE, October 10, 1798.
My good Lord:
Having been at my residence in West Lothian when your Lo'p's letter Sept. 27, came to
1 David Stewart Erskine, Lord Cardross, and Earl of
Buchan, was the second son of Henry 1.0th Earl of that




192               THE FAIRFAXES
this place, and that I did not return hither till
the 6 inst. I could not sooner with deliberation,
give any proper solution to your queries.
With respect to entails in England they can
bind no further than to those in life when the
settlement in trust is made but can be cut off
by fine and recovery, a form or feature of law
to  defeat them, as you will see explained by
Blackstone in his Commentaries on the Laws of
England, and in his Analysis. I do not therefore expect that there can remain any actionable
claim or any succession of the Lords Fairfax
of Cameron.
In  relation  to  my  kinsman  Charles Lord
Fairfax of Emley and Gilling, he was descended
from  William  the 3d son of Thomas the 1st
Viscount.   I from  the  2d whose  name  was
Henry, but Charles married  the daughter and
name and half brother of Thomas Lord Erskine, Lord Chancellor of England. His mother was Frances, daughter of
Henry Fairfax of Hurst. After leaving the university of
Glasgow, he proceeded to London, and was an attach6 of
the Earl of Chatham. He was the chief originator of the
society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Owing to declining
health in 1787, he moved to Dryburgh Abbey. He contributed various papers to scientific and literary journals, and
died in 1829, at an advanced age.




OF AMERICA.               193
heiress of Nicholas, son of the 2d visc't, so that
he had a good title there being no entail in
force to cut him off.  At any rate Charles, lived
so long that he could make a new  settlement
in favor of the Pigots his nephews, who I find
have sold that fine old place of Gilling Castle
Manor, which when you happen to be at York
again, it would be interesting to look at as
a curiosity from its antiquity and beautiful
situation.
With respect to the pedigree of your own
family, it corresponds to my supposition, and
believeing that your Lordship can have no
difficulty in proving it legally, you may think
it reasonably proper to have your right ascertained to vote as a Peer of Scotland, at their
elections, on which I am sure my brother will
be ready to advise you as to the least expensive
and most proper mode of obtaining the right
thereunto, whether by service here in Scotland,
or on exhibition of writs or by petition to his
Majesty, and a consequent reference to a Committee of the House of Peers.l
1 Thomas Lord Erskine was half brother of Earl of Buchan. For four years he was a British midshipman, and
25




194                THE FAIRFAXES
The account your Lo'p gives me of the various disappointments incident to your worthy
life move me greatly to reflect upon the circumstances which form as it were a laboratory of
virtue, there being nothing more certain than
our being profited by difficulties and by sufferings.
In whatever way by my brother's direction,
I can be the means of promoting the expectation  and  establishment of y'r right to  the
Peerage of Cameron, it will give me great satisfaction, and I beg  you will mention  to  our
excellent friend, General Washington, the great
pleasure it affords me to co-operate with him in
friendship towards y'r Lordship and your family.
Being my Good Lord with great regard
Your wellwishing kinsman
and ob. h. serv't
BUCHAN.
then served eight years in the army, but in 1777 became a
law student of Lincoln's Inn, and in 1778, in the case of
Captain Baillie, established his reputation as an eloquent
pleader. After the riots of Lord George Gordon of 1780,
he protested against the doctrine of constructive treason.
In 1783 he became an M. P. In 1792 he defended Thomas
Paine, the author of Common Sense, and in 1794 Home
Tooke charged with treason. In 1806 he was made a peer
by the title of Lord Erskine, and became chancellor of Great
Britain. He died in 1823.




OF AMERICA.              195
LADY ERSKINE TO REV. BRYAN LORD FAIRFAX.
My Good Lord:
Lest your Lordship should mistake the direction which I gave you in haste last night I
send it you in writing, viz: Zion's chapel near
White Chapel church.  When you come to
Zion Chapel, make the coachman draw up to
the door at the back part of the Chapel, and
enquire for Mr Emerson, who will have pleasure
in placing your Lordship in a proper seat.
Since I saw you, I have had an opportunity of
making a full enquiry on the subject of the
pictures, both in water colour or oil, and of the
sizes you mentioned, and I think the information I have to give you will be satisfactory.
I hope you caught no cold last night, and
are better to-day. I am with sincere regard
Your Lordships obliged friend
and humble serv't
A. A. ERSKINE.'
Spa-Fields,
Octobr 27, 1798.
1Lady Ann Agnes Erskine was distinguished for piety,
and was the trustee of Countess of Huntingdon's chapels.
Zion Chapel had been intended for a theatre, but was pur



196             THE FAIRFAXES
E. MIDDLETON TO BRYAN, LORD FAIRFAX.
KENSINGTON PALACE. Novemb'r 7'!.
I shall be very glad of seeing your Lordship
on Friday next, and dinner shall be order'd at
the hour of Five. I hope to have my two old
friends to meet you that day, but poor Sir James
Napier is I fear not well enough in this bad
cold weather to venture out, and Sir William
uncertain. So perhaps you will only find myself, who will be always glad to receive so
worthy a friend and relation.  I am my Lord
Your Lordships obedient serv't
E. MIDDLETON.
EARL OF BUCHAN TO BRYAN, EIGHTH LORD FAIRFAX.
DRYBURGH ABBEY, November 22, 1798.
My good Lord:
It is proper for me to mention that in consequence of a request notified to me by desire of
my Brother of Sergeants Inn that the introductory letter of my truly respectable kinsman,
chased by the countess, and turned into a house of worship.
Lady Erskine died at Spa-Fields October 5, 1804.




OF AMERICA.            197
General Washington, which  your Lordship
handed to me by Lady Anne my sister, should
be sent to him for corroboration of your proof
of propinquity in Virginia, I did on the 7th of
November transmit the said letter to my
Brother of which I am sure he will make the
best use.
It will give me great pleasure to hear of your
health being restored, which the access you
can now have to the best regimen in London
will offer humanly speaking the greatest probability. I am my good Lord, with my cordial
esteem to General Washington when you write
to that excellent person.
Your L'dships most assured friend
and humble servt
BUCHAN.
LADY ERSKINE TO HON. AND REV. LORD FAIRFAX.
My Good Lord:
I feared from my not seeing you that you
was indisposed, and fully intended sending to
enquire after your Lordship, so fully that I had
given directions to my servant to go tho' I was




198              THE FAIRFAXES
myself so much indisposed as to be unable to
write, at least with ease.  I am  thank God
better, but except a few hours on the morning
of my niece's marriage I have not been out of
the house since I saw you. I hope you will on
no account set out for the North till you are
quite recovered. A relapse is in general worse
than a first attack. Remember my good Lord,
that I He that believeth shall not make haste.'
I am sincerely interested for your welfare and
therefore give you this friendly caution. I
received a letter this morning from my brother,
Lord Buchan, which informs me of the safe
arrival of the young couple at Dryburgh Abbey.
My brother Thomas has likewise received an
account of his son's safe arrival in America, I
think at Baltimore.  He was in good health
and spirits, and said he thought of proceeding
in a few days to Philadelphia.l  I hope the
fever is not there, but the Lord can alike preserve in all places. I still hope I shall see you
l David Montagu son of Lord Erskine, married in 1800
Fanny, daughter of General Cadwallader of Philadelphia,
Pa. In 1806 he was a member of parliament, and then
minister to the United States. He returned to England in
1809.




OF AMERICA.              199
before you leave London, but not at the risk of
health.             * * * *     I beg to subscribe myself with sincere regard.
Your Lordships obliged friend
and faithful humble servant
A. A. ERSKINE.
Spa-Fields,
Dec. 3, 1798.
JAMES CHALMER BARRISTER TO BRYAN, LORD
FAIRFAX.
ABINGDON STREET, 11 January, 1799.
My Lord:
I had the honour of your letter of the 7th
instant and in consequence wrote to Dr Fairfax
of Leeds Castle from  whom  I have a return
this day.  He says his sight is very bad, and
he is otherwise ill, his letter scarcely legible
shows it.  He says he knew  your father, and
your brother George, but in what way your
father was connected with the last Lord Fairfax he is perfectly ignorant. His evidence can
therefore serve us very little.  Your eldest
brother having administered to the personal




200            THE FAIRFAXES
estate of your Uncle Henry, is material as
showing he died without issue, and perhaps
more may be made out by it when examined
* *    *  *    matters now I think,
come just to the point, of making out that
William your father, was the second son of
Henry, the second son of Henry Lord Fairfax
who married Miss Barwick.   *    *    *
I am my Lord. Your Lop's
Most obed't servt
JA. CHALMER.
THOMAS, LORD ERSKINE TO BRYAN, LORD FAIRFAX.
My dear Lord:
I saw the Chancellor with Mr Chalmer immediately after I left you, and he manifests the
most liberal disposition towards you and has
no doubt of your right of succession. *  *  *
As to the expense of Council, it is out of the
question, as I will be your Council, and if
either your health and your natural anxieties
lead you to wish to return directly to America,
I will take care that your title shall be secured




OF AMERICA.             201
to you as effectually as if you was on the
spot    *    *    *    I am your Lordship's
very sincere
and obed't serv't
T. ERSKINE.
EARL OF BUCHAN TO BRYAN, LORD FAIRFAX.
DRYBURtGH ABBEY, January 14tt, 1.799.
My Lord:
I have had great satisfaction in considering
your simple and unaffected delineation of that
part of the worthy General Washington's conduct and character, which has been personally
known to your Lordship, and which will remain
among my papers as a very amiable and authentic document. I have greatly revered the
character of our illustrious kinsman ever since
the year 1766 when I became first acquainted
with it, and it gives me pleasure to think that
the congeniality of our sentiments, has procured for me, some little share of his esteem.
Captain Erskine who is here continues to speak
of your Lordship with great respect and interest in your welfare, as connected with your
26




202           THE FAIRFAXES
own merit, and the wishes of our family for
your happiness and desires to be so mentioned
in this letter to your Lordship.
There is a most worthy and respectable
clergyman Mr Wyvill of Burton Hall near
Bedale in Yorkshire to whom as a friend of
mine I have written that your Lo'p and he
were to become acquainted. *   *    *
My nephew David, eldest son of my brother
Thomas would I rather think be at Mount
Vernon, or with the General wherever he
happened then to be, about the middle of November. He had letters from me to the General,
and was to depend upon him for general instructions with regard to his proposed tour in the
United States. It was a happy circumstance
that the malignant fever had ceased before my
nephew's arrival in America, and I am now in
daily expectation of receiving letters from him
relating to the progress he has made, in the
objects of his expedition.
I gave him few letters, but they were all to
good and effective men, better than scores of
those that are usually sought for and obtained
by common travellers.




OF AMERICA.               203
All at this Abbey join in good wishes to
your Lordship and I remain with much esteem,
Your Lordships affectionate kinsman
& obed't humble servt
BUCHAN.
LADY ERSKINE TO BRYAN, LORD FAIRFAX.
My Good Lord:
My young friend Mr Start returned full of
gratitude to your Lordship, for your very kind
attention to him, and waits on you to-day with
much pleasure.  I make him the bearer of this
to ask if you will dine and spend the day with
me to morrow. Doctor Haweis  preaches in
the morning and Doctor Ford in the evening.
Next Wednesday, the meeting of the Missionary Society begins, and your Lordship perhaps
would wish to attend the preachings at the
various places, and if so Mr Start shall attend
you, if it should meet wishes: but of this we
shall have an opportunity of better settling
I Thomas Haweis born in 1734. Graduated at Cambridge.
Chaplain of Countess of Huntington, and in charge of her
Theological Seminary. He died in 1820.




204              THE FAIRFAXES
when I have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow.  I am with much regard
Your Lordships obliged friend
& humble servant
A. A. ERSKINE.
Spa-Fields,
May 4th, 1799.
ISABELLA, COUNTESS GLENCAIRN  TO BRYAN.
LORD FAIRFAX.
My Lord:
Mr Start whom I consider to be avery excellent
and deserving Minister of Truth, having in the
course of mentioning your Lordship's goodness
towards him, conveyed in the flattering distinction of obtaining your countenance in America to
enjoy which his whole mind seems disposed, informed me you were shortly to leave this kingdom.
I have to request that unless you should be
induced to take Margate in the way to embarkation, I shall have no opportunity of assuring
1 Lady Isabella Erskine, sister of Lady Ann, first married
a Mr. Hamilton, and after his death in 1785 became
the wife of John the 15th Earl of Glencairn, who was
first an officer of dragoons, then a minister of the church of
England.




OF AMERICA.            205
you of the respect and consideration which
your character demands. If you should make
such a plan convenient, it would afford me great
satisfaction to make Updown a stage for your
Lordship's accommodation, and I have the
honor to remain My Lord
Your most obed't serv't
I. GLENCAIRN.
UPDOWN, May 29th, 1799.
REV. JOHN NEWTON TO THE RIGHT HON. AND REV.
LORD FAIRFAX.
My dear Lord:
I hear you are about returning to America,
but how near to your departure, I know not.
If you are in London after the 15th September,
I shall hope to express my respects and best
wishes to your Lordship viva voce. I mean to
be in town if the Lord pleases on the 10th or
11h, but after so long an absence, I expect to
be much engaged for a few days but hope to be
at home all day on Saturday the 14.
But for fear I should not have the pleasure
of seeing you before you embark, I must in
this way express my regard; and assure you




206             THE FAIRFAXES
of a place in my frequent remembrance and
prayers.  May the  Lord who brought you
safely across the Atlantic, return you safely to
your family and friends.  The winds and the
waves obey Him, and under his care the sea is
no less safe than the land. May new causes
of praise and thanksgiving meet you on your
arrival. I shall pray, that if it is best for you,
your health may be established; if not that
all your indispositions may be sanctified; so
that if the outward tabernacle droops, your
soul may thrive, grow in grace, peace and
comfort.  A favorite Author of mine (the late
Mr Adaml of Winteringham) has advanced a
maxim, which though it may sound strange, I
believe to be well founded.  He says  Health
is the greatest temporal blessing we can receive, except sickness.' I believe the number
of those who profit by sickness, may be equal
to the number of those who make a due improvement of health and good spirits. If the
I Thomas Adam born at Leeds in 1701, was for fifty-eight
years, Rector of Winteringham, Lincolnshire. No offer of
preferment could induce him to relinquish his charge. He
died in 1784, and was the author of several religious works.




OF AMERICA.             207
Lord afflicts those who love him, it is for their
good. If they are in heaviness He sees there
is a need-be for it. When horses are high-fed
and have little exercise, they soon grow restive.
Thus it is said "when Jeshurun waxed fat he
kicked."  Ah! we knew not, how we should
have kicked, nor whether we should have run,
if the Lord had not in mercy fed us at times
upon the spare diet of affliction!
If I miss you this time, I expect to see you
no more upon earth, but I trust we shall meet
in a better world. There we shall look back
by a clearer light upon all the way by which
the Lord led us in this wilderness, and then I
believe we shall be sensible that some of our
sharpest trials while upon earth, deserve to be
ranked amongst our greatest mercies.
What cause, my Lord have we to be thankful
for a good hope thro' grace. How does it add
to the relish of all our temporal comforts, and
alleviate the burden of our troubles. And it is
a good hope if simply founded upon the person,
love, atonement, and mediation of Jesus. He
is set forth to be the brazen serpent to the
wounded Israelites, and the invitation is gene



208                THE FAIRFAXES
ral, unclogged, with no exceptions or conditions,
it is only Look and live.
May the Lord give you a lively sense of the
truth of his declaration,'Him  that cometh  I
will in no wise cast out,' and that'He is able,
willing, and determined to save to the utterwost,
those who thus come to God by him.'
I trust your Lordship will sometimes think
of me at the throne of Grace.
I am my Lord
Your affectionate and obliged
JOHN NEWTON.
SOUTHAMPTON, the 20 August, 1799,
at Walter Taylor's, Esq.
1 Rev. John Newton was born in London 1725, and after
going to sea at an early age with his father, accompanied
him to York Fort, when he became governor of the Hudson's
Bay Company.
After his father's death in 1750, he was engaged in the
African slave trade. With a change of views as to the
chief end of life, being a fine scholar, he applied for ordination to the ministry, and was ordained in 1766, by the
Bishop of Lincoln, and for sixteen years was curate of Olney
in Buckinghamshire, and there was the friend of the poet
Cowper. In 1779 he removed to London and their died in
1807, at the age of eighty-five years. "One there is above
all others," " Sometimes a light surprises,"' How sweet the
name of Jesus sounds," and many other hymns now incorporated in the hymnology of the church are his compositions.




DESCENDANTS 0..............................................................................................................
GEORGE WiM. FAIRFAX.                                       THIO: IAS FAIRFAX, R. N.: Born  in  124.:: Killed  in  a  naval  fight  wit]
iMarried Sarah Cary.                                    the French in the East
Died at Bath, England, April                                     Indies,  June   26,  1746.
3, 1787.  No issuN                                                            e.
NTo issue............................
GEORGE FAIRFAX LEE............................................................................................
1::         2:                3:               4
ALBERT.                    HENRY.: ORLANDO.
IMaie                           rie                     rried  ed  ied  
Caroline:  Caroline::    Iary R.: Died  J
Snowrden.::     erbert.:                 Cary.........................................................
1                                       2::           3
GEO. WILLIAM.:                    WILSON MILES CARY.: FERDINANDO.
~Married                                Married                               Marriedt
Isabella 
[cNeil l.:        Lney  Griffith.                        1st, Mary Jett..d, M.iss Jett.








lION. WILLIAM FAIRFAX OF BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERTICA.
WILLIAM FAIRFAX.
Born in 1691.
Married Sarah Walker, in the Bahamas, in 1723.
Second wife, Deborah Clarke of Salem, ]New  England.:*~ ~         He died September 3d, 1757, aged 65 years.
~~~~~~~~~ANNE  FAIRFAX..       BRYAN  FAIRFAX, fil'St child
SARAH FAIRFAX.                         by second wife. I                                                              HANNAH FAIRFAX.
Born at Salem, Mass.                                                                Married                       Lieutenant in British army.: Married.:              - Wife of Mr. Carlyle, nler-                                                                                                        Married'~1st, Lawrence Washin-ton.'~           chant of Alexandria,                    1st, Elizabeth Cary.                   Died at Quebec, 1759.
Virginia.                        2d,: 2d, George Lee.                                                                  8th Lord Fairfax.                             o issue.                         of Gen. Washington.
$th Lord Fairfax.
THOMAS FAIRFAX,
9th Lord. Died 1846.            FERDINANDO FAIRFAX.                                                     ANNE FAIRFAX,
ELIZABETHII FAIRFAX.
UNCELOT LEe.                WII.LIAII LEE.                          Married
UNCELOT LEE.:                       LEE.                          M rWILLIAM LEE:. arriM                  ed:By second wife. Married:
1, Mary Aylett.::::   ife of David Griffith.
2, Louisa Washington.:              Elizabeth Cary.                                                      Charles Catlett.
3, Margaret Herbert.
5                     6                   7                   S                   9                  10
EUGENIA.                                  AURELIA..MONIMIA.
Married
ETHELBERT.                               LAVINIA.                               R:  EGINALD.
Married                                 Married:1st, Edgar Mason.:: Died 1827.                               Died 1822.: Died 1862.:2d, Chas. K. Hyde.::Jas. W. Irwin.:: Arch. Cary.
4:      5                   6::           7                   S                9::        10                  11                1                13                14
FARINDA.                                                        ARCHIBALD.                            CHRISTINE.              LOUISA.
EDWIN.:
W  HENR. H:.  OCTAVUS.'            IERBERT.:: WVAShINGTON.:
Married               W.HENRY        MARY MUNRO.                Married                                Married                                                   FLORETTA.
KMarried
Di                                    Married  ~
Perrit:':   Died.':    Did'', Sarah Herbert.                                                                        Died.                             Died.             Died.
Washington.                                                   2, Eliza Norris.:Thos. R:Tgland.:         Mr. Tapscott.
at sea..'.............................,.......................................................








ADDITIONAL NOTES.
Page 17, Marriage Notice.
In Lysons, London, is the following, taken from the parish
register of Hackney:
"Thomas Fairfax, Esq., married to Ann, daughter to
Rt. Hon. Lord Vere, June 20, 1637."
Page 22, Thomas, Third Lord Fairfax.
In the chapel of Bilbrough, erected in the fifteenth
century, is the monument to Thomas, Third Lord Fairfax,
and wife with this inscription:
"Here lye the bodyes of the Right Hon'ble Thomas,
Lord Fairfax of Denton, Btaron of Cameron, who dyed
November, ye xii, 1671, in the 60th yeare of his age.
And of Anne, his wife, daughter and co-heir of Horatio,
Lord Vere, Baron of Tilbury.  They had issue Mary,
Duchess of Buckingham, and Elizabeth.
" The memory of the past is blessed."
Elizabeth died in early youth.
Page 52, Thomas Fairfax, R. N.
The following inscription was prepared by Hon. Win.
Fairfax of Belvoir, Va., a few hours after receiving the
news that his son Thomas had been killed in battle:
27




210               ADDITIONAL NOTES.
" To the memory of Mr. Thomas Fairfax, second son
of William  Fairfax, Esquire, who died fighting in his
country's cause, on board the Harwich ship of war in an
engagement with Monsieur Bourdenaye, commander of a
French squadron on the Indian coast, the 26th day of
June, 1746, and in the twenty-first year of his age; beloved
of his commander Captain Carteret, and highly favored by
his friend, Commodore Barnet, for his politeness of manners.
"He was a comely personage; of undoubted bravery;
skilled in the theory of the profession; excelled by few as a
naval draughtsman; and gave early promises by a pregnant
genius and diligent application of a consummate officer for
the service of his country. But the wisdom of Heaven is
inscrutable, human life is ever in the hands of its author;
and while the good and brave are always ready for death,
resignation becomes their surviving friends.  Convinced
of this duty, yet subdued by the sentiments of a tender
parent. the tablet was inscribed and dedicated by his sorrowful father.
"May Britain, all thy sons like him behave;
Like him be virtuous and like him be brave;
Thy fiercest foes undaunted he withstood,
And perished fighting for his country's good."
Page 79, Thomas Brian Martin, Esq.
" n the year 1751, Thomas Martin Esq., second son of
[Lord Fairfax's] sister Frances, come over to Virginia to
live with his lordship; and a circumstance happened a few
years after his arrival, too characteristic of Lord Fairfax
not to be recorded.  After General Braddock's defeat in
the year 1755, the Indians in the interest of the French,
committed the most dreadful massacres. *           *     *




ADDITIONAL NOTES.                  211
Every planter of name or reputation became an object of
their insidious designs, and as Lord Fairfax had been
pointed out to them as a captain or chief of great renown,
the possession of his scalp, they would have regarded as a
trophy of inestimable value. With this view they made
daily inroads into the vicinage of Greenway Court. * *
Tn this crisis of danger his lordship importuned by his
friends to retire to the inner settlements, is said to have
addressed his nephew in the following manner:
"Colonel Martin, the danger we are exposed to may
possibly excite in your mind anxiety. If so I am ready to
take any step that you may judge expedient for our common
safety. I myself am an old man, and it is of little importance whether I fall by the tomahawk of an Indian or by
disease and old age; but you are young. I will therefore
submit it to you, whether we shall remain where we are. *
*    *    If we remain it is possible that we may both
fall victims; if we retire the whole district will immediately break up, and all the trouble to settle this fine country
will be frustrated, and the occasion perhaps, irrecoverably
lost.
" Col. Martin after a short deliberation determined to
remain, and the danger gradually diminished and at length
entirely disappeared." - Burnaby's Travel.s, p. 165.
Page 92, Hon. William Fairfax.
The Rev. Dr. Burnaby, Archdeacon of Liecester, who in
1760 was a guest of Washington at Mt. Vernon, says:
" Mr. Willliam  Fairfax was a gentleman of very fine
accomplishments, and general good character.  He was a
kind husband, an indulgent parent, a faithful friend, a
sincere Christian, and was eminently distinguished for his




212               ADDITIONAL NOTES.
private and public virtues.  Through the interest of his
relations, Brian and Ferdinando Fairfax who lived in London,
and of whom the former was a commissioner of the excise,
he had been appointed collector of the customs of South
Potomac, and one of his majesty's council, of which, in
process of time, he became president."
Bryan Fairfax was commissioner of customs at London
from 1723 to 1748.
Page 153, George William Fairfax.
" In the year 1773, some estates in Yorkshire having devolved to him by the death of Henry, his father's eldest brother,
he found it necessary to go to England to take possession of
them. So critical was his arrival, that he passed in the River
Thames the ill omened tea, which eventually occasioned the
separation of the American colonies from the mother-country.
During the ten years' contest, the consequences of which
Mr. Fairfax early saw and lamented, his estates in Virginia
were sequestered, and he received no remittances from his
extensive property.  This induced him  to remove out of
Yorkshire, to lay down his carriages, and to retire to Bath,
where he lived in a private but genteel manner, and confined  his expenses so much within the income of his
English estate, that he was able occasionally to lend large
sums to the government agent, for the use and benefit
of the American prisoners.  He died at Bath on the 3d
of April, 1787, in the sixty-third year of his age, and
was buried in Writhlington church, in the county of Somerset, a few miles distant from that city. He left a widow,
a very amiable lady.                     Having no issue,
he bequeathed his Virginian estates to Ferdinando, the




ADDITIONAL NOTES.                  213
second son of his half-brother Brian, the present Lord
Fairfax."- Burnaby's Travels.
In his will General Washington was mentioned as an executor.
Page 165, Lord Fairfax of Greenway Court, Va.
Archdeacon Burnaby says:  " Lord  Fairfax, though
possessed of innumerable good qualities, had some few
singularities of character.    *    *    *    *    Early
in life he had formed an attachment to a young lady of
quality; and matters had proceeded so far, as to induce him
to provide carriages, clothes, servants and other necessary
appendages for such an occasion. Unfortunately; or rather
let me say fortunately, before the contract was sealed, a more
advantageous or dazzling offer was made to the lady, and
she preferred the higher honor of being a duchess, to the
inferior station of a baroness.  This disappointment is
thought to have made a deep impression upon Lord Fairfax's
mind; and to have had no inconsiderable share in determining him to retire from the world and to settle in the wild
and at that time almost uninhabited  forests of North
America.  It is thought also to have excited in him a general dislike of the sex, in whose company, unless he was
particularly acquainted with the parties, it is said he was.
reserved, and under evident constraint and embarassment.
But I was present, when upon a visit of ceremony to Lieutenant Governor Fauquier, who had arrived from England
he was introduced to his lady, and nothing of the kind
appeared to justify the observation. He remained at the
palace three or four days; and during that time his behavior
was courteous, polite and becoming a man of fashion.    *
*    Hle had lived many years retired from  the




214               ADDITIONAL NOTES.
world, in a remote wilderness, sequestered from all polished
society; and perhaps might not feel himself at ease when
he came into large parties of ladies; but he had not forgot
those accomplished manners which he had acquired in his
early youth, at Leeds castle, at the University and in the
army. His motive for settling in America was of the most
noble and heroic kind. It was always as he declared, to
settle and cultivate that beautiful and immense tract of
which he was the proprieter; and in this he succeeded
beyond his most sanguine expectations; for the Northern
Neck was better peopled, better cultivated, and more improved than any other part of the dominion of Virginia.
Lord Fairfax lived to extreme old age at Greenway Court,
universally beloved, and died as universally lamented in
January or February, 1782, in the 92d year of his age.
He was buried, I believe, at Winchester. He bequeathed
Greenway Court to his nephew, Colonel Martin, who has
since constantly resided there; and his barony descended to
his only surviving brother, Robert Fairfax, to whom  he
had before consigned Leeds castle, and his other English
estates."




MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.
APPENDIX  A.
Extract of a singular and very expressive letter from an
officer to his colonel, concerning the late battle where Capt.
Jones lost his life, who commanded a fort on the Mohawk
river with 60 men.
They have used me very ill about the last Battle.
They have condemned me tho' I did better than I
expected. I declare upon my honor that tho' I run
yet it was always in company. I ran three times
which is a proof that I rallied twice which is more
than many others can say, and it is a great thing
for a raw soldier to rally twice that had never been
in fight before.  I wish to have no more of it if this
is all I am  to get.  I declare upon my honor that I
fired that day at least six times when in the afternoon several muskets were pickt up that were never
fired at all. A man I think may speak in his own
praise when he is condemned.  The Battle was in
confusion almost from first to last, owing to several
parties coming in during the time of action.  I'll
tell you Sir how it was.
Early in the morning an Indian was seen from
the Fort, and it was either not believed or not




216               APPENDIX.
minded. About 10 o'clock two Indians were seen
crossing from the East side of the River about half
a mile above the Fort which you know lies on the
West side. Cap. Jones went out immediately with
40 men tho' several looked upon it as a decoy.
He said he would have sent me but he was afraid
I might be too rash and expose his men. Poor man
if he had known my heart at that time he would
not have thought so. I was always afraid in a
thunder Gust when I did not look for more than
one Bullet to fall near me this made me think how
I could stand up against hundreds, and nothing but
the Love of my country could have brought me
into these wild Woods. Between the Fort and
where the two Indians crossed there is a large stream
of water which was then full with the rains. When
we came to the stream for I was with him, we went
up it and found that the Indians by their tracks had
crossed over to our side, which they need not have
done, as their company was lodged on the top of a
mountain on the other side two miles off, which
shows that they tried to draw us into a trap. They
dropt meal to make their track plainer.  Capt.
Jones followed and crossed the River on a large tree
just above a Mill Pond, and went up the mountain;
and near the top we were fired upon from a Heap
of Rocks, and Capt. Jones being foremost was shot
down at the first fire. However his men stood and
fought behind the trees, and tried to shout and
holloo like the Indians, almost immediately a long
string of Indians run down the mountain about 50




APPENDIX.               217
yards above us and got down in the Bottom to cut
us off from the tree across the Iun. So they had
us between two fires. And you may be sure it is
no trifling thing for a man to stand and load his gun
when he sees an Indian about to fire at him.
Now soon after Capt Jones left the Fort the
voluntiers from New York arrived with two Captains and 120 men. And they had just got in when
the action began. Of course they immediately set
off with great eagerness half run, half walk, for it
was a cloudy day and the firing was heard very
plainly. When they got near the place, the two
Captains having Guides divided their men that they
might come the better into Fight. Capt. Harris
was to cross at the tree above, and Capt. Bailey at
the Dam below. But unluckly the Battle was just
then over, we had given way, and run down the
side of the mountain and along the Bottom, and
were all crossing at the mill dam just as Capt.
Bailey came to it. The water was running over
half leg deep, and no man in his sober sense would
have crossed it; but what will not flying troops do?
About this time the Indian Chiefs'tis supposed on
the mountain seeing Capt. Harris and his men coming up to the tree gave three war whoops and called
back their people that pursued.  This enabled
Capt. Bailey to carry over about twenty of his men
with some of ours that had been engaged, for he
said he was bound to go over and support those
that went to cross above —and he went up the
mountain and along the Ridge with five men, the
28




218                APPENDIX.
rest lagged behind, one stopt to cut a new ramrod,
pretending the old one was too light; another sat
down to pick his flint and so on; however, most of
them got on along the side of the mountain so as
to shoot at a distance and keep up the fight on that
side. But this was not all. Ten waggons with an
escort of twenty men arrived also at the Fort about
a quarter of an hour after the New Yorkers were
gone and hearing the shouting and screaming they
were also intent to go; and the waggoners mounted
their horses and with the escort set out to join -
these coming up just as Capt. Harris, who had
crossed the tree and engaged the Indians, was
driven back again with some of his men, tho' others
of them in moving about during the fight had got
so much below it that they could not cross it again,
and therefore they joined Bailey's on the mountain's
side and continued the fight. The foremost waggoner meeting Capt. Harris and his men, called out,
Why   we are coming to help you- Come along,
I'll show you a Ford a little higher up. Several of
these went to the Ford and by that means engaged
on that side; yet a few of these also run away.
There is one thing more which was the finishing
stroke. So many of the runaways had got back to
the Fort that the officer who was left there suffered
his men at last also to go, who had been impatient
to join, and who took with them some of their
brother soldiers that had been in the first action,
and had come down from the dam. These came
in with fresh threats, and were of singular service,




APPENDIX.                219
as the stoutest lungs commonly carry the day when
there is a heart to use them. As soon as they came
in, the Indians seemed discouraged at so many
Reinforcements their fire slackened, and they broke
ground and run and were obliged to cross track that
our people had so often crossed that day. It does
not appear that more than sixty or seventy of our
men were ever engaged at one time, tho' we had
near 240 within hearing.
When the Indians gave way there was a general
shout, and it put new life into all, and engaged us
the more eagerly in the chase. As this letter was
begun for the sake of my own Vindication you will
expect me to tell in a more particular manner how
I was employed that day. And I will tell you the
truth, and defy any man to contradict it. I went.out with Capt. Jones, and fought and retreated with
his men; and when we came to the dam  Capt.
Bailey wanted me to return which I had no mind
to do, f said, "It is unreasonable to expect that a
man just escaped from battle should have as much
heart to return over such a dangerous place and
that in the face of an Enemy as he that is just
entering into it. Do you go over with your men if
you like it and I'll go and join Capt. Harris on
this side." So we parted. He went over with as
many as he could get to follow him and I went
up the Run to the tree with six of my men and
two of the volunteers. I joined Capt. Harris and
retreated when he did and went up to the Ford
with him and the others; and when all who about




220                APPENDIX.
me and near me to the    of twenty ran away,
I ran too, and never joined him  again till the
Indians gave way which was within twenty minutes when they running by us we joined in with
those that pursued them.  This accounts for my
saying that I run three times and rallied twice,
and yet was in at the chase- for I had the conscience to call that a Rally, because the Indians
came running by us and we followed as soon as we
had company-I was at that time with another
Officer sitting on the side of a mountain taking
breath after we had been trying to bring some back
to the field of Battle. We killed or rather found
killed in a dispersed manner eight Indians in all,
and we lost twelve men, besides twenty wounded.
From  first to last, the fight lasted near three hours,
for        was full five miles long and we had a much
greater number in the chase than we ever had collected before. The stragglers came in from all parts.
You will see from this statement that my acquittal
from Blame or not will depend upon what passed
at the Dam, which caused Capt. Bailey to say
such hard things of me as he has. However, I will
do him the justice to say that the success of the
Battle was chiefly owing to him, and that he is
highly to be praised for going along the Ridge with
only five men and trying to coax on the others in
order to support his Brother officer, without this
the Battle would have been totally lost and many
more killed.  The waggoners deserve the next
praise -and Capt. Harris the next and he is not to




APPENDIX.                221
be blamed, or who would be an Officer. Besides
this -I think a man that strives against his natural
fears shows more virtue than he who acts bravely
without fear. I saw an Instance of this in the late
Action: a worthy man whom I know, when we
crossed the Ford and engaged, looked as pale as
ashes, his hands and knees trembled and yet he
tried to fight, did put up the gun to his face and
fired- soon after when some Indians came pressing
in very close and fired, he seemed to fall thro' fear,
for he was close by me, yet he did not run nor
attempt it. I left him sitting when I gave way the
last time. And yet this man was in at the chase
and not among the Hindmost.




222                            APPENDIX.
APPENDIX  B.
Tzthables in  Virginia, October, 1748.
Accomack,.............. 2353   Lunenburg............. 1519
Albemarle,.............. 1725   Middlesex............... 1400
Amelia,........... 2383   Nansemond.............2153
Augusta,............... 1423   New Kent,.............   1610
Brunswick,............. 1765   Norfolk,................. 2190
Caroline,............... 3551   Northampton,...........  1529
Charles City.......... 1506   Northumberland,.......   2176
Elizabeth  City,.......... 1070   Orange,................. 2679
Essex,...............   2610  Princess Ann,.......   1559
Fairfax,................. 1586   Prince George........... 3190
Frederick,..............  1581   Prince William.........  222
Gloucester............... 4307   Richmond............. 1837
G.oochland,....... 2773   Spotsylvania,..........   1782
Hanover............... 3108   Stafford................. 1811
Henrico,................. 2979   Surry,.................. 3367
James City,........... 1543   Warwick,..............   818
Isle of Wight,..........          3244   Westmoreland.......... 2471
King George,...........  1744   York.................... 2054
King & Queen,.........  2899
King  William,.......... 2392                Total in 1748,....... 85919
Lancaster,............ 1538            Total October 1752,. 95000
Louisa,............  1519




APPENDIX.                                 223
APPENDIX C.
Tithables in  Virginia in  1757.
COUNTIES.                  WHITES.         BLACKS.    TOTAL.
Accomack.....................              1506           1135          2641
Amelia......................               1251           1652          2903
Albemarle..................               1344           1747          3091
Augusta....................               2273             40          2303
Brunsvick...................               1299            976          2275
Bedford,..............       357            143            500
Charles City................                537           1058          1595
Caroline.....................             1208           2674          3882
Chesterfield...........        841           1198          2039
Culpepper...................              1221           1217          2438
Cumberland,................                704           1394          2098
Dinwiddie...................               787           1175          1962
Elizabeth City...............               316            812          1128
Essex........................              889           1711          2600
Fairfax......................             1312            921          2233
Frederick,...................      2173            340          2513
Gloucester...................             1137           3284          4421
Goochland..................                 569           935          1504
Henrico.....................               529           898          1427
Hanover.....................               1169           2621          3790
Hampshire,..................                558              12          570
Halifax......................               629            141           770
James City...............                  394           1254          1648
Isle of Wight,...............               810            966          1776
King &  Queen..............                944           2103          3047
King William,..............                702           1834          2536
King George................                702           1068          1788
Lancaster...................               486           1124          1610
Louisa,.....................                655           1452          2107
Lunenburg.................                1209            983          2192
Middlesex...................               371           1056          1427
Norfolk...............1.....              1132           1408          2540
Nansemond................                989          1264          2253
Northampton...............                 609            902          1511
New  Kent,.............                    465           1209          1674
Northumberland............                 980           1434          2414
Orange......................                627           1016          1643
Princess Ann...............                 840            880          1720
Prince George..............               650           1138          1788
Prince William.............              1384           1414          2798
Prince Edward,.............                 416            410           826
Richmond...................               716           1235          1996




224                           APPENDIX.
Tithables in  Virginia  in  1757 - continued.
COUNTIES.                 WHITES.        BLACKS.    TOTAL.
Surry.......................              587          1006          1593
Stafford....................              889          1126         2015
Spotsylvania,...............'.             665          1468         2133
Southampton,..............               973          1036         2009
Sussex,......................              778          1388         2166
Westmoreland...............               944          1588         2532
Warwick...................                 181           665           846
York,.......................               562          1567         2129
Total 50................          44214         58292        103556




APPENDIX.                            225
APPENDIX D.
Tobacco  exported from   Virginia from  1745 until 1750.
EXPORTS.                 1745  1746  1747  1748  1749
Upper District of James River,.... 10991 10799  9355 12489 11509
Lower District of James River,....  1381 1372 1718 3170 3150
York River...................... 11118 11015 12895 11089 10970
Rappahannock,.................. 12332 10745 12132 13052 15012
South Potomac,.................    6659  6311 5704  6983 7346
Hhlds................. 42481 40242 41804 46783 47987
Tobacco exportedfrom  1750 until 1755.
EXPORTS.                 1750  1751  1752  1753  1754
Upper District of James River,....  12974 10858 13530 18830 13900
Lower District of James River,....  2218 2525 1423  2113 1181
York River...................... 13802 12054 12623 15127 14878
Rappahannock,.................. 14331 13553 14299 16815 13512
South Potomac,.................  5242 7713 6505 6959 7332
Accomack......................                               3
Hhds................. 48567 46703 48380 59847 50803
Exports of 1755, 1756.
EXPORTS.                       1755         1756
Upper District of James River,.........        13739         7262
Lower District of James River,.........           918         1096
York River..........................    15344               6918
Rappahannock.......................            11963         8531
South Potomac.....................             5723        4645
Accomack 11 barrels.......
Hhds.,.......................          47687       28452
23








INDEX.
Adam, Rev. Thomas, sketch of, 206.
Addison, Anthony, 167: John, surveyor-general of Maryland, 167:
Rev. Henry, sketch of, 167; portrait of, 168.
Addison's tragedy of Cato, 106, 107.
Alexandria, Va., formerly Bell Haven, 89: Presbyterian minister
of, 139.
Ambler, Edward, 102: H., mantua maker, 124: Richard, 113, 157.
Apple grafts, 99.
Athawes, Edmund, 97, 113: Samuel, 120, 150, 157, 174.
Barwick, Sir Robert, 23, 56: Ursula, 25; letter to her son, 25.
Bassett, William, 136.
Baylis, Mr., 100.
Baylor, John, visits Scotland, 171, 172; sketch of, 171.
Belvoir, seat of G. W. Fairfax, 83, 153; described by Washington,
180.
Bishop of London, 128.
Blacklock, Rev. Dr., 159.
Bladen, Col, Martin, 64, 65, 67; Mary wife of, 71: Nathaniel, barrister, 29.
Boarding school proposed, 152.
Boston Port Bill, 148, 149.
Boucher, Rev. Jonathan, letter of, 167; sketch of, 169.
Braddock, General, 89.
Brodeau, Mrs., school of, 152.
Buchan, Earl, sketch of, 191; admiration of Washington, 201.
Buckskins, nickname of frontiersmen, 134.
Bullitt, Capt., at Fort Duquesne, 105.
Bunker Hill battle, 160.
Burk, error in History of Virginia, 47.
Burnaby, Archdeacon, biographical sketches, 209, 214.
Burwell, Carter, 152.
Byng, Admiral John, 86: Sir G., notice of, 62.




228                        INDEX.
Campbell, error in History of Virginia, 47: Matthew, 139.
Carter family, 113: Charles, 113; Joseph, 99: Robert, 113.
Cary, Colonel, sketch of, 115; objects to daughter's marriage, 102:
Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Bryan Fairfax, 108: Mary, early love
of Washington, 101; letter from  Washington, 103: Sarah,
wife of George W. Fairfax, 81, 95, 119.
Cheeseman, Captain, 85.
Chester, Captain, 84.
Clapham, Dorothy, 86: H., 85: Jo of Annapolis, 121, 167: Josiah
of Leesburg, 121: Rev. Mr., chaplain 4th Lord Fairfax, 37.
Clargis, Sir Thomas, 19.
Clarke, Deborah, 48.
Clubs, Jockey, 144.
Cocke, Captain, 82, 108.
Constable, Sir Wm, 10, 11.
Cooling, Captain, 78.
Corbin family, 136: Frank, educated in England, 137, 144, 147:
Richard, obtains Washington's commission, 136.
Croft, Stephen, on American troubles, 162.
Cromwell, Oliver, 3.
Culpepper, Catharine, marries 5th Lord Fairfax, 39.
Custis family, 147: Jno. Parke, 147; Martha 110.
Danby, Earl of, 29.
Dawson, Rev. Thomas, 127.
Delicia, ship, 69, 74.
Dent, Mr., 117.
Denton Hall, seat of General Lord Fairfax, 37.
Dinwiddie, Governor, 80.
Dulany, Daniel, 167.
Dunbar, Colonel, 80.
Dundas, Lady, 159.
Dunmore, Gov., leaves Williamsburg, 158; threatens Hampton, 171.
Dunton, John, 44.
Duquesne, fort, 104.
Eden, Captain, Thomas, 135; Robert, Governor of Maryland, 135.
Erskine, David, Earl of Buchan, 191, 196: David Montagu, sketch
of, 198; visits U. States, 202; marries, 198: Ann Agnes, Lady,
195, 197, 203; Isabella, Countess of Glencairn, 204: Thomas,
Lord Chancellor, 193.
Everett, Edward, error in article on Washington, 101.
Eyre, Littleton, 91.




INDDX.                           229
Fairfax, Thomas, First Lord, 8; children, 9; death, 8.
Ferdinando, Second Lord, 9; at Marston Moor, 9; writes to
Lady Vere, 14.
Thomas, Third Lord, 9; marriage, 17, 209; hero of Naseby, 9;
visits Charles 2d, 20; sickness and death, 21, 22; inscription on tomb, 209; sketch of, 18.
Henry, Fourth Lord, 28; notice of, 28, 37; letters of, 34, 36.
Thomas, Fifth Lord, 37; notice of, 39; letters of, 41.
Thomas, Sixth Lord, 49; proprietor of Northen Neck, 49;
grandson of L'd Culpeper, 77; in Virginia, 77; death of,
165; notice of, 213; letters of, 77, 78, 79, 83, 84, 91, 98, 99,
111.
Robert, Seventh Lord, 91; visits Virginia, 96; at Greenway
Court, 134; notice of, 214.
Bryan,  ight Lord, 175; a neutral, 176: intimate with Washington, 176; enters the sacred ministry, 177; visits England, 181; at Washington's funeral, 182; donation to Bishop
Seabury, 186.
Fairfax, Ann, wife of Sheriff Henry, 61, 71: Anna wife of Lawrence
Washington, 52: Bryan, cousin of 3d Lord, 19, 28; brother of
Hon William, 63, 69; see Eight Lord Fairfax, 175: Dorothy,
wife of Sir W. Constable, 9; daughter of 4th Lord Fairfax, 72;
sister of Hon. William, 86:' Frances, daughter of 4th Lord
Fairfax, 34: George William, Son of Hon William, 51; travels
with Washington 51; writes to Dinwiddie, 80; visits England
in 1757, 93; declines to be a candidate for House of Burgesses,
98; visits England again, 117; writes to Washington, 123;
sick in England, 122; his mare Moggy, 126; visits Scotland,
131; Burnaby's sketch of, 212: Hannah, wife of Warner
Washington, 52: Henry, Rev., father of 4th Lord, 28; Sheriff
of Yorkshire, 34, 53; notes from his father, 34; note to his wife,
35; notice of, 37: Henry, son of the sheriff, 47; at Lowther
school, 54, Isabella, wife of Nath. Bladen, 28: Mary, wife of
Henry Arthington, 13: Mary, wife of Duke of Buckinghaum, 17,
18: Robert, admiral British navy, 61: Thomas, royal navy, killed in East Indies, 52; obituary notice, 209: William, of Steeton,
killed, 23; letter from, 23: William, Pres. of Va. Council, 47;
attends Lowther school, 48, 54; enters navy, 48, 55, 56; letters to
mother, 62, 64, 69, 74; marriage, 48, 74; judge at the Bahamas,
74; collector of Salem, Mass., 48; wife dies, 48, 74; marries
again, 49; moves to Virginia, 49; daughter wife of L. Washington, 49; Collector for South Potomac, 51; death of, 90, 91
sketch of, 211: William, son of Hon. William, 52; Ensign 28tl]




230                        INDEX.
Fairfax, continued.
British Infantny, 105; fatally wounded at Quebec, 106, 114;
General Wolfe's remark to, 106.
Falls Church, 178.
Falls of the Potomac, 183.
Family of Addison, 167; Baylor, 170; Carter, 113; Cary, 115; Clapham, 121, 167; Corbin, 136; Dawson, 127; Fauntleroy, 144;
Green, 117; Hoge, 84; Hollingsworth, 100; Lee, 111; Lewis,
79; Mercer, 143; Me Carty, 80; Neill, 99; Nelson. 115; Nicholas, 138; Norton, 147; Randolph, 164; Shaw, 157; Tayloe,
143; Tucker, 160; Washington, 60.
Fauntleroys, 144.
Fillmore, Sir Edward, 77.
Flood, Dr William, 144.
Ford, Rev Dr., 203.
Fordyce, Captain, 174.
Fothergill, Dr., 152; quaker preacher, 87.
Gale, Colonel, 75.
Gazette, London, 114.
Germantown, Pa., 188.
George 3d, proposed marriage, 122.
Gift, Washington's horse, 126.
Grant, Major, 104.
Great Bridge, fight at, 174.
Green, Rev. Charles, 117, 123, 125.
Greenway Court, residence of 6th Lord Fairfax, 51, 126, 165, 214.
Griffith, Rev. David, bishop elect of Virginia, 177, 180.
Hanbury, Mr. of London, 140, 167.
Harrison, Anna, wife of Sheriff Fairfax, 37, 47, 55; Eleanora wife
of H'y Washington, 37.
Hawke, Edward Lord, 123, 165.
Hoge family, 84: John, prisoner in France, 87.
Hollingsworth, Abraham, quaker, 100; family, 100.
Hopkins, Governor of Connecticut., 11.
Horse racing, 144.
Hounds, sent to Virginia, 77.
Huntingdon, Countess, 195.
Indian disturbances in Virginia, 83.
Jockey Clubs, 145.
Johnson, Governor of Maryland, 183; G. W. Barrister, 7.




INDEX.                          231
Jones, Captain., killed on Mohawk, 215.
Juba, a character in Addison's Cato, 106.
Land Office of Lord Fairfax, 117, 126.
Latimer, Lord, 30.
Lee family, 111: Arthur, member of Continental congress, 112;
Francis, 112: F. Lightfoot M. C. 112: George, married widow
of L. Washington, 97: Harry, General, 112, 183: Henry, son
of Richard, 112: Philip, son of Richard, 112: Philip, Colonel,
112, 153; son of Thomas, 112: Richard, the emigrant, 111;
Richard, son of emigrant, 111: Richard, grandson of emigrant,
111: Richard Henry, 112: Thomas, son of Richard, 112:
Thomas, grandson of Richard, 112: William, sheriff of London,
112.
Letters of Athawes, Ed., 113; Samuel, 150, 151, 157, 174: Barwick
Ursula, 25: Bladen, Mary, 71; Nathaniel, 29: Boucher, Rev.
Jonathan, 167: Buchan, Earl of, 191, 197, 201: Campbell,
Mathew, 139: Chalmer; James, 199: Clapham, Dorothy, 86;
H., 85; Jo., 121; Josias, 183: Corbin, Richard, 147; Croft,
Stephen, 160; Erskine, Ann, Lady, 195, 197, 203; Isabella,
Lady, 204; Thomas, Lord, 203: Eyre, Littleton, 91: Fairfax,
Bryan, brother of 4th Lord, 33: Ferdinando, 2d Lord, 14:
George W., 80, 93, 95, 115, 116, 119, 120, 122, 125, 126, 132,
135,172: Henry, 4th Lord, 34; Sheriff, 35,53: Robert, 7ht Lord,
134, 164; Admiral 61: Thomas, 5th Lord, 41; 6t, 77, 78, 79,
83, 84, 91,98, 99,111: William, Hon., 56,62,64,66,67,69,74,76;
of Steeton, 23: Hawke, Lord, 165: Hoge, John, 87, 88: Lee
George, 97: Madison, Bishop of Virginia, 185: Mercer, Geo. F.,
146: Middleton, E., 196: Newton, Rev. John, 205: Nicholas,
Robt. Carter, 138: Norton, John, 170; J. H., 145, 149: Seabury,
Bishop of Connecticut, 186: Shaw, Rev. George, 156: Sherard,
Dorothy, 72: Tayloe, John, 143: Thoresby, Ralph, 42: Tucker,
Nathaniel, 159, 163: Vere, Lady, 10, 12: Washington, George,
103, 155, 180, 188, 190; Henry, 38; Richard, 57, 59: Widdrington, Lord, 13: Willis, Francis, 137.
Leeds Castle, old oaken chest at, 7.
Lewis, Major, killed at Fort Duquesne, 104.
Lowther, Sir John, 53; School 53.
Lyne, Captain, 171.
Madison, Bishop of Virginia, 185.
Mantua- maker's bill, 124.
Marcia, Addison's, 106.




232                         INDEX.
Martin, Col. T. B., 79, 92, 98, 108, 119, 126, 127, 210.
Mason, Mr., 111, 154.
Mc Carty, family, 80.
Meade, Bishop, on early love of Washington, 101.
Mercer, George, F., proposed Governor of Vandalia, 139.
Mohawk River, fort on, 215.
Monk, General, 18.
Montague, Ralph, 32.
Mosley, Rev. Mr., 130.
Neill, Irish quaker, 99.
Nelson family, 115, 151.
Newton, Rev. John, letter of, 205; sketch of, 208.
Nicholas, Captain, 171; Robert, Carter, 115, 138,
Northern Neck of Virginia, 128.
Norton, J. H., 146.
Nun Appleton, seat of 3d Lord Fairfax, 21.
Ohio Company, 140.
Page, Rev. Bernard, 180.
Parishes of Virginia elect their pastors, 128.
Pew of Geo. W. Fairfax, 154.
Pohick church, 154.
Potter, Mr., 79.
Randolph, Edmond, 164; John, Attorney General of Virt
Peyton, 164; William, 164.
Rogers, Governor, Woodes, 68, 69, 74.
Rymer, Rev. Mr., 34.
School, boarding proposed, 152.
Sacheverell, Rev. Dr., 58.
Savage, Doctor, 188.
Seabury, Bishop of Connecticut, 186.
Selim, race horse, 145.
Sharpe, Governor, of Maryland, 83.
Shaw, Rev. George on American troubles, 156.
Skirmish at Hampton, 171.
Sparks, Jared, mistake in Washington genealogy, 61,
Squires, Captain, 171.
Start, Rev. Mr., 204.




INDEX.                           233
Stephens, Mr., 99.
Strickland, Sir Walter, 27; Willialm, 27.
Taite, Robert, servant of the Lord Fairfax, 40.
Tayloe family, 143.
Thoresby, Ralph, antiquarian, 44; describes old Fairfax Hall, 44;
describes funeral of 4th Lord Fairfax, 37.
Thornton family, 127.
Tithables in Virginia, 222, 223.
Tobacco exported from Virginia, 225.
Tom, Rev. Mr., of Alexandria, 139.
Tucker, Nathaniel, 159, 163; St. George, 163; Henry St. George,
160.
Vandalia, province of proposed, 141.
Vere, Ann, wife of 3d Lord Fairfax, 9; Lady, letters of, 10, 16.
Virginia, assembly dissolved, 148; associators, 149; convention,
149; delegates to Congress, 149.
Walker, Sarah, wife of Hon. W. Fairfax, 48, 71.
Walpole grant, 140.
Washington, genealogy, 60.
George, on a surveying tour, 51; names an Indian chief, 51;
Commissioned as a Colonel, 80; election to the legislature,
98; attachment to Mary Cary, 101; at Fort Duquesne, 110;
marries Martha Custis, 110; agent for G. W. Fairfax,
118; contemplated visit to England, 123; letters to, 122,
124; ill health of, 125; his stallion, Gift, 126; confers
with Gov. Eden, 135; his first military commission, 137;
final money statement to G. W. Fairfax, 155; on Bunker
Hill battle, 160; funeral of, 182; letters of, 103, 160, 188,
190.
Henry, letters of, 37, 38.
Lawrence, marries Ann Fairfax, 49.
Martha, 122, 126.
Richard of London, 55, 57, 60, 123, 125, 131, 132, 133.
Warner, 52.
Watson, Leonard, 128; Joseph, 139.
West, John, 78, 83.
Widdrington, Lord, 13; Lady, 9.
Williamsburg magazine, 158.
Willis, Francis Jr., 137.
Winthrop, Gov. of Mass., 11.
24




234                        INDEX.
Wolfe, General, speech to young Fairfax, 106.
Wood, early settler at Winchester, 100.
Wright, Lawrence, of Charter House, London, 1; letter of 12.
Wyvill, Rev. Mr., 202.
Yorick, race horse, 144.
ERRATA.
On Page 16, Lord W'Viddrington should read Lord Fcirfax.,,, 21, New Appleton,,,,,  Naun Appleton.,,,  90, August 30,,,,,   September 3d.