Lot 220
[Washington, George] Lord Fairfax - Land Grant From A Survey Made By Washington. Manuscript document signed ("Fairfax"), 1 page, vellum, 11½ x 13 in., County of Fairfax, Va., May 4, 1754. Granting land to an early Shenandoah Valley settler. The document actually mentions George Washington as the surveyor: " The right Honorable Thomas, Lord Fairfax - Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia….Know ye that for good causes, and in consideration of the Composition to me paid and for the annual rent hereafter reserved I have given, granted and confirmed…unto Hugh Hughes of Frederick County a certain tract…in the County of Great Cacapechon and bounded as followeth by a Survey thereof made by Mr. George Washington…Containing 480 acres together with all rights, members and apapurtenances thereunto belonging, Royal Mines excepted. And a full third part of all lead, copper, tin coal…and ore that shall be found there. The fee of one shilling sterling money for every 50 acres of land hereby granted ….Given at my office in the County of Fairfax with my said Proprietary under my Hand and Seal…." Document is worn and yellowed; small holes in vellum and heavy fold wear affect a few words of text. Fairfax' seal is intact at upper left.
In 1748, Lord Fairfax had hired sixteen-year-old George Washington to survey the Northern Neck of Virginia. Fairfax became Washington's mentor and friend, as well as his employer, and he played an important role in Washington's rise to political and social prominence. The friendship and affection between the two men did not suffer during the Revolution, even though Fairfax was a Loyalist. Washington kept an eye on his old friend and was probably the reason Fairfax' lands were not expropriated.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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| Realized $2,125 |
