When his surveying was finished, he returned home to make his report. Lord Fairfax was delighted with his careful work and fine maps. In fact, to-day the surveys Washington made when a boy, stand unquestioned; they are so perfect. Roughing it in the Shenandoah Valley was not the last of Washington’s adventures in the Wilderness. He was appointed public surveyor. For the next three years, he spent a great deal of time in the wilds, with settlers, frontiersmen, trappers, and Indians. He grew to be over six feet tall, and remarkably strong and rugged. He overcame difficulties and faced dangers through pluck and perseverance. He became a Colonel of a Virginia regiment. He acquired military training and widened his knowledge of handling all sorts of men. What he learned about Indian warfare and life in the forests and in the Wilderness, taught him the caution and knowledge which he showed while guarding the retreat of what was left of Braddock’s troops. So his adventures while a boy in the Valley, and his experiences as a young man roughing it on the frontier, fighting with Indians, carrying messages through the Wilderness, and serving as a soldier,--all prepared Washington to become the Liberator of our Country. WASHINGTON’S MOTHER Molly Ball of Virginia, Molly Ball with hair like flax and cheeks like mayblossoms,--as she is described in the fragment of a quaint old letter,--married Augustine Washington of Virginia, and became the mother of George Washington. Washington was like his mother in qualities of character. He had her strength of will, love of truth, firm purpose, high sense of duty, dignity, and reverence. All these noble qualities were strengthened and made practical by her careful education and discipline. When he became great, she was quietly proud of him. And when people spoke warmly of his glory and success, she would say:-- “But, my good sirs, here is too much flattery. Still, George will not forget the lessons I early taught him. He will not forget himself, though he is the subject of so much praise.” When she was informed by special messenger that Cornwallis had surrendered, she exclaimed: “Thank God! war will now be ended, and peace, Independence, and happiness, bless our Country!” After the surrender of Cornwallis, Washington visited his mother at Fredericksburg, where she was living in her own little house. She was about seventy-five years old. He reached Fredericksburg surrounded by his numerous and brilliant suite. He dismounted, and sent to inquire when it would be her pleasure to receive him. Afoot and alone, he walked to her house. She was by herself, employed in a household task, when she was told that the victor-chief was waiting at her door. She bade him welcome by a warm embrace, calling him “George,” the dear familiar name of his childhood. She spoke to him of old times and old friends, but of his glory, not one word.