From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 64
particularly at the close or Indian Hug, he seldom gained much matter of triumphs. But in all trials of agility,
they stood no chance with him."
Mr. Weems continues:
"From these Frederick County gymnastics there followed an effect which shows the very wide difference
between participating in innocent and guilty pleasures. While companions in raking and gambling heartily
despise and hate one another, and when they meet in the streets pass each other with looks cold and shy as
sheep-thieving curs, these virtuous young men, by spending their evenings together in innocent and manly
exercises, contracted a friendship which lasted for life. When George, twenty-five years after this, was called
to lead the American armies, he did not forget his old friends, but gave commissions to all of them who chose
to join the army. William, who was as brave a man as ever shouldered a musket, was advanced as high as the
rank of colonel, when he was burned to death by the Indians at Sandusky. And equally cordial was the love of
these young men for George, of whom they ever spoke as of a brother."
When Washington had attained his highest honors, and the War of Independence was over, the Stevensons
loved to rehearse their runnings and wrestlings with him. Said Hugh exultingly to some friends:
"Brother John and I have often laid the conqueror of England on his back."
"But we were no match for him in running and jumping," honestly retorted John.
It was George's thorough survey and glowing description of a region beyond the Blue Ridge that induced Lord
Fairfax to erect a costly stone mansion there for his trans-Atlantic home. He called it Greenaway Court, and it
became one of the most beautiful and attractive estates in Virginia, where the proprietor lived in an expensive
style, dispensing a generous hospitality. It was at Greenaway Court that George first read the history of
England.
George's success as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax called the attention of the Virginia authorities to him, and he
was appointed public surveyor, as stated by Mr. Everett, whom we have quoted, deriving a discipline
therefrom which was of great service to him in his future public career. The business, also, made him familiar
with the country, particularly the Shenandoah Valley, which means "Shining daughter of the stars," so that he
was able to invest money afterwards to great advantage in real estate.
That George did not forget his "Lowland Beauty," even after his pleasant connection with the Fairfax family,
is quite evident from one of his letters to an old companion, as follows:
DEAR ROBIN:--As it is the greatest mark of affection and esteem which absent friends can show each other
to write and often communicate their thoughts, I shall endeavor from time to time to acquaint you with my
situation and employments in life. And I could wish you would take half the pains to send me a letter by any
opportunity, as you may be well assured of its meeting with a welcome reception. My place at present is at
Lord Fairfax's, where I might, were I disengaged, pass my time very pleasantly, as there is a very agreeable
young lady in the house, Colonel George Fairfax's wife's sister. But that only adds fuel to the fire, as being
often and unavoidably in her company revives my former passion for your Lowland Beauty; whereas, were I
to live more retired from young ladies, I might in some measure alleviate my sorrow, by burying that chaste
and troublesome passion in oblivion; and I am very well assured that this will be the only antidote or remedy.
Providence was sending him to a noble destiny. We can trace the divine discipline all through the privations
and responsibilities of his life as surveyor. God was preparing him for the Revolution of 1776.
Mr. Frost, one of his biographers, says: "The business of practical surveying undoubtedly formed a very
important part of Washington's preparation for the office of military commander. It not only hardened and