r
half-brother] from an impression that my husband's Mother was a black
woman, if my Fairfax had not come over to see his Uncle and convinced
him he was not a negroe's son."[85]

While in England on this or other equally private affairs relating to
his inheritance, George William wrote his wife from London on December
12, 1757:

Dear Sally:

I am sorry to say I have not succeeded and that it is uncertain
whether I shall. But be as it may, I find it was necessary to be
here, and I should not have excused myself if I had not. Mr. Fairfax
went down to Leeds Castle yesterday and left me to push my own way,
and then to follow to spend my Xmas and to prepare for his embarking
with me in March. Therefore I beseech you'll employ Old Tom, or get
some person to put the garden in good order, and call upon Mr.
Carlyle for his assistance in getting other necessary things done
about the house in order to receive so fine a gentleman. And I must
further recommend, and desire that you'll endeavor to provide the
best provision for his nice stomach, altho I suppose he will spend
chief of his time with his brother.

However to make his and other company more agreeable I shall
endeavour to engage a butler to go over with me at least for one
year.

My Dear, I have often wished for your company to enjoy the amusements
of this Metropolis, for I can with truth say, they are not much so to
me in my present situation and that I now and then go to a play only
to kill time. But I please myself with my country visits imagining
the time there will pass more agreeable.

Permit me Sally to advise a steady and constant application to those
things directed for your welfare, which may afford me the greatest
satisfaction upon my arrival.

Your affect. and loving husband

GO. WM. FAIRFAX[86]

Back in America within the year, at a court held for Fairfax County on
August 19, 1758, George William Fairfax "presents a commission from his
honor the Governor appointing me Lt. Colonel of Militia" of the county
and at the same court he took the oaths according to law as a vestryman
for Truro Parish.[87] In 1760 he went back to England again and remained
nearly two years. On this occasion Sally accompanied him.

All the while, George William Fairfax was occupied with his English
inheritance, he was gradually losing interest in his Virginia life.
Although he is credited wi