The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

112 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1759-1764.
of Gunston Hall, a man possessing remarkable intellectual powers, deeply conversant with political science,
and thoroughly versed in the topics of dispute then
existing between England and America.' Lord Fairfax was also a constant guest at Mount Vernon, who,
although eccentric in his habits, possessed a cultivated
mind, social qualities, and a perfect knowledge of the
world. To these may be added a large circle of' relatives and acquaintances, who sought his society, and
to whom his house was always open.
Washington had a relish for amusements. In his
earlier years, as we have seen, he was fond of athletic
sports, and the feats of agility and strength. When
he was at Williamsburg or Annapolis, he commonly
attended the theatrical exhibitions, such as were presented on the American boards at that day. But his
chief diversion was the chase. At the proper season,
it was not unusual for him to go out two or three times
in a week with horses, dogs, and horns, in pursuit of
foxes, accompanied by a small party of gentlemen, either
his neighbours, or such visiters as happened to be at
Mount Vernon. If we may judge by his own account,
however, he could seldom boast of brilliant success
in these excursions.' He was not disheartened by disappointment, and when the foxes eluded his pursuit,
he consoled himself with the reflection, that the main
end in view, excitement and recreation, had been
gained.
Another favorite exercise was fowling. His youthful rambles in the woods, on his surveying expeditions,
had made him familiar with the use of his gun. Game
of various kinds abounded on his plantations, particularly the species of wild duck, which at certain seasons
resorts in great numbers to the waters of the Chesapeake, and is so much esteemed for its superior qual