Mr. Everett says: "He soon became distinguished for the accuracy of his surveys, and obtained the appointment of a public surveyor, which enabled him to enter his plans as legally valid in the county offices. The imperfect manner in which land surveys at that time were generally executed led in the sequel to constant litigation; but an experienced practitioner in the Western courts pronounced in after years that, of all the surveys which had come within his knowledge, those of Washington could alone be depended upon." Mr. Weems mentions George's connection with the family of Widow Stevenson, with whom he made headquarters while surveying Frederick County, which was then very large, embracing what is now Berkeley, Jefferson, and Shenandoah Counties. She had seven sons, William, Valentine, John, Hugh, Dick, James, and Mark, all stalwart fellows. These seven young men, in Herculean size and strength, were equal, perhaps, to any seven sons of any one mother in Christendom. This was a family exactly to George's mind, because promising him an abundance of that manly exercise in which he delighted. "Come," said Valentine, "let us go out to the Green, and see who the best man is." The "Green" was an extended level field in front of the house, a nice spot for jumping, wrestling, and other sports. By a trial to see which was "the best man," Valentine meant to see who would excel in these athletic exercises. "Agreed," responded George, "I am tired enough to go to bed, but it always rests me to test my strength." It was just at night, and George had just come in from a trip of several days. He came around to Mrs. Stevenson's as often as he could, though he camped in the woods at night most of the time. "That is so with me," said Dick. "I sleep better after an _Indian hug_, or a few long leaps, or a hard run." "Provided you beat," suggested John. "I don't believe that it contributes much to your sleep when you are worsted." "Don't sleep so soundly, perhaps," replied Dick, humorously. "It would give me a pretty long nap to lay George on his back." "Yes, I think it would," retorted George. "Perhaps you would never wake up, you would be so happy and that would be a great pity." "Well, come," urged William, who had been a close listener, "let us see what we can do. It will get to be dark while we are talking." And so they hurried away to the "Green" for sport. This was done again and again during his stay with the Stevensons. Mr. Weems says: