Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1920-02-27

he became acquainted with Lord Fair
fax an old bachelor who owned in
tho north western part of Virginia
tract of land that extended across the
Blue Ridge mountains through the
Shenandoah Valley into the present
state of West Virginia, vast terri
tory from which twenty one counties
have been formed. Lord Fairfax was
greatly pleased with Washington, and
employed him TO survey these wild
lands. His experience as n surveyor
in these back woods taught him u
great dead about the Indians. This
years when he had them to fight.
knowledge came III good in after
At this time the thirteen English
Colonies were confined to the Allan
tic Coast. France owned Canada, and
claimd the Ohio valley. The English
also claimed the land along the Ohio
River. The French built fort in the
Ohio Valley with the determination
to hold that territory. Governor Din
widdie of Virginia sent Washington
in 1853 with message to the French
asking why they were taking posses
sion of land belonging to the English.
The French refused to leave, this
caused war between the French and
English in which the indians took
part. This is known as the French and
Indian War.
The English government sent TROOPS
to aid the Americans in their at
tempt to drive the French from tho
Ohio valley. These were under the
command of General Braddock, n
brave general but one who knew lit
tie of Indian warfare. Had it ct been
for Washington the army would have
been dstroyed.
Shortly after this, Washington met
Charming young widow" at the
home of Major Chambcrlayne in New
| Kent county, Virginia. The story
goes that once while on his way to
Williamsburg on important business
he stopped to take dinner with Major
Chambcrlayne. AS he was anxious to
be in Williamsburg by the next morn.
ing, he ordered his servant to have
his horse ready after dinner. Accord
ingly when the noon meal was over
Bishop wns seen at the gate holding
conversation with Mrs. GUSTS. He
was so chptivated by Mrs. GUSTS, he
forgot his urgent business, spent the
night, and was late next day before
Il start was made for williamsburg.
AS he came back he stopped to see
Mrs. Custes in her home and before
he left she had promised to be his
wife. Soon afterwards they were mar
ricd Mt old st. Peters Church in New
Kent County. In few months after
his marriage he went to live at Mount
Vernon fine estate which he in
hcrited from his brother. He enjoyed
the free and easy life of planter,
and when not engaged in the service
of his country, he took great de-
light in looking after his plantation.
He was frequently visitor at the
home of George Mason, who wrote
the famous Virginia Bill of Rights.
Washing was living thus when Eng
lish oppression brought on the war
OF Independence. He felt his coun-
try needed him so he left his pleasant
home to take part in the public af-
fairs. He was member of the Con-
, tinental Congress (1774) which pro
tested against the oppressive laws Of
the English. The Congress met again
in May (1775) but before it came to-
gether the people of Massachusetts
had fought the first bnttle of the
Revolution at Lexington and Concord.
Congress decided war should be CARR
ed on by all the colonies, provided for