Journal of my journey over the mountains: while surveying for Lord Thomas Fairfax, baron of Cameron, in the northern neck of Virginia, beyond the Blue Ridge, in 1747-8.Washington, George
History
Journal of my journey over the mountains: while surveying for Lord Thomas Fairfax, baron of Cameron, in the northern neck of Virginia, beyond the Blue Ridge, in 1747-8.
Washington, George
Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; Virginia -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Diaries; Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Travel -- Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.)
[Footnote 10: Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord and Baron of Cameron,
born in England in 1691, died at his residence "Greenway Court,"
Frederick county, Virginia, on the 12th of December, 1781. His
remains were interred within the Episcopal church of Winchester,
Va. His residence and other improvements were familiarly called
"Quarters" and "Hunting Lodge," chiefly because he had in
contemplation the erection of a commodious mansion. Lord Fairfax
was the son of Thomas, 5th Lord Fairfax and his wife Catherine,
daughter of Lord Culpeper, once governor of Virginia. He was
educated at Oxford and afterward held a commission in the British
army. He was a fine scholar, and is said to have been a contributor
to _The Spectator_. He succeeded to his father's title and to his
mother's extensive landed estate known as the "Northern Neck of
Virginia," lying between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and
estimated at 5,700,000 acres. For some years after coming into
possession of this property it was left in the hands of agents. He
finally employed his cousin, the Hon. William Fairfax, son of Henry
and Anne (Harrison) Fairfax, as his agent in the management of his
lands. About 1739 Lord Fairfax first visited his estate in America.
For a year he devoted himself to becoming thoroughly acquainted
with his possessions and then returned to England. Four years
later, in 1745, he returned to this country and for a time made his
home at "Belvoir," the seat of his relative and agent.
A branch office for the sale of lands in the valley of Virginia,
had been opened in Frederick county in 1742. The main office and
records, however, were not removed from "Belvoir" until 1761.
Lord Fairfax built for himself a stone lodge with quarters for
his servants, reserving around it a manor of 10,000 acres which
he called "Greenway Court." The lodge was about twelve miles
south-east of Winchester, at which place he purposed to build
a castle, but this was never erected. His lodge was, however,
sufficiently spacious for him to live in comfortably, and exercise
a generous hospitality. He possessed a good library and was
frequently visited by men of note whom he entertained in an elegant
manner. He was fond of the chase and took an active interest in the
management of his estate, as well as in the affairs of the colony,
as his letters fully prove. He identified himself with the people
as far as was practicable, and was deservedly popular. He served
as lieutenant of Frederick county in the militia organizations;
presided as one of the judges in the county courts at Winchester,
and was an overseer of the public roads.
He met at "Belvoir," George Washington, when a youth, and, pleased
with his energy and talents, employed him to survey lands beyond
the Blue Ridge, which were to be sold. This was Washington's first
remunerated employment. The acquaintance thus begun, ripened into
a friendship that was cherished by both through life.
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