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 invigorated the already robust frame, but it educated his eye, and
accustomed him to judge respecting distances, and advantages of
position. By making him an able civil engineer, it laid the foundation
of his future eminence in a military capacity. It was more immediately
advantageous to him by procuring for him the acquaintance of the
principal landholders of the State, and by making known to them his
remarkable judgment, good-sense, and ability in the conduct of affairs.
The effect of this last circumstance was seen in his appointment, at the
age of nineteen, to the office of adjutant-general, with the rank of
major. This gave him the charge of a district, with the duty of
exercising the militia, inspecting their