), and that you should not prefer spending the evening of
your life among them, rather than close the sublunary scenes in a
foreign country, numerous as your acquaintances may be, and sincere,
the friendships you may have formed.

A century hence, if this country keeps united (and it is surely its
policy and interest to do it), will produce a city--though not as
large as London--yet of a magnitude inferior to few others in Europe,
on the banks of the Potomack, where one is now establishing for the
permanent seat of Government of the United States (between Alexandria
& Georgetown, on the Maryland side of the River) a situation not
excelled, for commanding prospect, good water, salubrious air, and
safe harbour, by any in the world; & where elegant buildings are
erecting & in forwardness for the reception of Congress in the year
1800.

Alexandria, within the last seven years (since the establishment of
the General Government), has increased in buildings, in population,
in the improvement of its streets by well-executed pavements, and in
the extension of its wharves, in a manner of which you can have very
little idea. This shew of prosperity, you will readily conceive, is
owing to its commerce. The extension of that trade is occasioned, in
a great degree, by opening of the Inland navigation of the Potomac
River, now cleared to Fort Cumberland, upwards of two hundred miles,
and by a similar attempt to accomplish the like up the Shenandoah,
one hundred and eighty miles more. In a word, if this country can
steer clear of European politics, stand firm on its bottom, and be
wise and temperate in its government, it bids fair to be one of the
greatest and happiest nations in the world.

Knowing that Mrs. Washington is about to give an account of the
changes, which have happened in the neighborhood and in our own
family, I shall not trouble you with a repetition of them.

I am

G^o WASHINGTON[91]

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Chapter 5

The George William Fairfax House

[207 Prince Street. Owners: Colonel and Mrs. Charles B. Moore.]

The 200 block of Prince Street is probably the finest left in Old
Alexandria, in that it has suffered less change. No less than seven
brick eighteenth century town dwellings remain in almost pristine
condition. A small and fine Classical Revival building, and Mordecai
Miller'