George Washington to William Fairfax, April 23, 1755
[Mount Vernon, 23 April 1755]
To The Honble Wm Fairfax Esqr. prest at Williamsburgh 1 Dear Sir,
I cannot think of quitting Fairfax 2 without embracing this last oppertunity of bidding you farewell.
I shall this day set out for Wills Creek, where I expect to meet the Genl, 3 and to stay–I fear too long, as our March must be regulated by the slow movements of the Train, which I am sorry to say, I think, will be tedious in advancing –very tedeous indeed–a nswerable to the expectation s I have long conceivd predicted , tho– few believ–d. 4
Alexandria has been honourd with 5 Governours in Consultation 5 –A happy favorable presage I hope, not only of the success of th is e Expedition, but for our little Town of the future greatness of this Town ; for surely, such honours must have arisen from a meeting must have been occasioned by the Commodious, and pleasant situation of th is e place, the best constitutional qualitys for Popularity, which prognosticates population and the encrease of a (now) flourishing Trade.
I have had the Honour to be introduced to the several Governours; and of being well receiv–d by them all; especially Mr Shirley, whose Character and appearance has perfectly charmd me, as I think his every word, and every Action discovers something of in him the fine Gentn, and great Politician. 6 I heartily wish the same such unanimity may prevail amongst us, as appeard to Reign exist between him and his Assembly; when they, to expidate the Business, and to forward his journey here hither , sat till eleven, and twelve o–clock at every Night s . 7
It will be needless as I know your punctuality requires no repetition–s stimulus , to remind you of an Affair abt which I wrote sometime ago–therefore, I shall only beg my compliments to Mr Nicholas and his Lady, 8 and to all Friends who think me worthy of their enquirys. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obedient Servt
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