Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1891-08-15
Written for the Alexand,i. Gszst-e.l
Sketches of Colonial Days
BELVOIR

Aihcugn moch has been said end written
about ths old estate, there are msny points
of interest Ia connection with 1t not general
ly krowp. In tie Hfst place, 1t Ia about the
only one of the old Co onial estates 10 this
part Of ths country that remains intact.
l. now belongs to the estate of the late
Philip Oaerbsck, aud has changed hands
but about three timss since possessed by
Ferdiuapdo Fairfax, and is nearly all In
wood, some $500 acres forming the penin-
Potomac river and Pohlck bay and Acco-
tink bay and or ek-having land line
of but LITTLE more than one mile in length
During the political troubles 10 England
in 1896 Sir John Sinclair, the founder and
first President OF the British Board of Agri-
culture, thinking of emgrstiug to this
country, wrote to Gen. Washington for In.
formation, and 10 his repg OCCURS the fol-
lawiag description Of this historic place.
within full view of Mt. Vernon, sep.
| arated tbereffcm by wster only, is one ofthe
most beautiful seats on the river for sale,
but OF greater magnitude than you seem to
have contemplated. 1t is called BelVoir,
and did belong TO George William FairfaJ,
! ESQ who, was be living. would be Baron of
Cameron, a5 bis younger brother in this
country George William dying without if-
sue) at present is, though he does no take on
himself the ,itle This seat was the resi-
| dence of the above named gentleman before
he went TO Eogland, and was accommo
dated with very coed buildings, which were
! burned 5000 after he left them. There are
nearly 1000 acres of land belonging to the
tract, surrounded Ia manner by water.
The mansion house stood on high and COM
msnding ground. The soil is not OF the
| 6fst quality, but q considerable part
management be proftably cultivated. :.
There are some small tenemenss on the es-
tate, but the greater part Of 1t ls 10 wood /.
At present 1t belongs to Ferdinando Fairfax,
son Of Bryan Fairfax, the gentleman who
will not, az I said before, take upon himself
the title OF Baron OF Cameron. A year or
two ago the price he fixed on the land, was
| las have been informed) $333 per acre.
Whether not getting that sum or whether he
| is no longer disposed to sell It., am unable
to say, for have heard nothing concerning
his intentions lately. With respect to the
tenement have offered to let sppertainipg
| to my Mount Vernon estate, ] can give no
better description OF them and OF their appur-
tenances than what is contained in the
| printed advertisement herewith enclosed,
but that you may have more distinct view
| of the farms ard their relative situation 10
| the mansion house, sketch from actual
survey is also enclosed. annexed to which
have given you from memory, the relative
| situation and form OF ths seat at Belvoir."
| Near the ruins OF the mansion houss on
the river bluff, there was standing al the
3 limo nf ho fs 6rnt v,tc1 m ho nj
nearly forty years ego, large walnut tree
with shot hole through the trunk some
! four feet from the prouad, made no doubt by
ball thrown from the Britiah haet at the
battery on the bluff at that point on their
passage to the capital. There was also at
the same time gray slab lying ip the woods
near the ruins, which had evidently been
thu covering to vault with the following
Inscription :
rre1 the remains of Debora
this troublesome life on the 14th day
In the 37th year of her age
daughter Of Francis Clarke. eeq, of
New England, and late the wife of William Fai
esq. collector Of his msjesty's customs in the
South Potomac, one Of the king honorable coun-
Gil in Virginia.
In every station of life worthy of imitation.
A faithful and loving wife;
The best OF stepmothers
sincere and amiable friend.
In all religious duties
Well instructed and observant
| And is gone where only
| Such piety can be rewarded.
| The two upper corners were broken eff as
shown, 30 that part of the Inscription WISE
gone. The walnut tree and the slab have
both long sincs disappeared, the tree was
burned down by some one who built fire
at the root OF 1t soon after the late war ard
the stone has been carried away piece.meal.
supposa, by relic hunters. q
AocoHnk. Va.