Thomson F. could have begun Huntley at any time after January 1, 1817. On the 29th of January 1818, he paid Alexander Baggett $37.79-1/2 for, among other things: 40 Ft. Double Architrave 18 Ft. Jamb lining 1 Carpet strip 2 pr hinges put on 1 mortice lock put on 2 Flush Bolts 135 Ft 4/4 clear boards locks, hinges, bolts, nails, and Springs....[23] Also included is one item labeled "folding doors" (double doors). No double doors have been located at Huntley, although Mason is not known to have been building elsewhere at this period. During the latter part of 1819 he was still building and paid $28.00 for: Sept 20--20 bushels plaster Sept 22--20 bushels plaster Oct 10--10 bushels plaster....[24] There was probably a structure at Huntley by 1823, for in February of that year Mason sent "to his farm by surry ten bushels shoots and six bran...."[25] By 1826 the house must have been substantially finished, for in that year Mason's Grandmother Chichester wanted: to spend a few days at Mr. T.F. Mason's farm, but was deterred from doing so by the apprehension that, as Mr. Mason resided in Town, and there was no other white person on the farm but the overseer ... she would not be secure.[26] By implication there was a dwelling at Huntley ready for her occupancy. Another letter written to Mason on August 18, 1827, now incomplete and in poor condition, suggests finishing some construction work and notes that the writer, whose name is missing: ... had understood you had only rented the place by the month, tho the man has a little crop on the land growing and if the season proves good at the end of the year may be worth ... [the rest is missing][27] Almost a year later the _Alexandria Gazette_, on Thursday morning August 5, 1828, had an advertisement offering: $25 Reward/ran away from the farm of Thompson F. Mason/Fairfax County on the night of 2d instant negro/BOB. He is about 6 feet high, stout made, very black/and about 45 years of age; has a stammering in his/speech; his right leg sore. Had on when he eloped,/brown linen shirt and trowsers and took with him/blue coat, white linsey trowsers, and black fur hat-/I will give $10 for taking him so I get him again if in the County. If taken out of the County/or District of Columbia, $25./Slighter Smith, Agent for Thompson F. Mason/Fairfax County, State of Virginia/August 5. Mr. Smith had been replaced as Overseer at Huntley by 1832 for in that year Price Skinner wrote: