George Washington Papers

From George Washington to William Fauntleroy, 20 May 1752

To William Fauntleroy

May 20th 1752

Sir

I shou’d have been down long before this but my business in Frederick detain’d me somewhat longer than I expected and imediately upon my return from thence I was taken with a Violent Pleurisie which has reduced me very low but purpose as soon as I recover my strength to wait on Miss Betcy,1 in hopes of a revocation of the former, cruel sentence, and see if I can meet with ⟨any alter⟩ation in my favour. I have inclos’d a letter to her which i shou’d be much obligd to you for the dilivery of it. I have nothing to add but my best respects to your good Lady2 and Family and that I am Sir Yr most Obedient Hble Servt

G. Washington

ALS, ViU.

Although GW addressed this letter “to William Fantleroy Senr Esqr. in Richmond,” it is likely that it was sent to the younger William Fauntleroy. William Fauntleroy (1713–1793) was the eldest son of William Fauntleroy (1684–1757) and his wife Apphia Bushrod Fauntleroy. The elder William owned a considerable estate on the Rappahannock River in Richmond County and lived on a 1,000–acre tract called the Old Plantation or Old House Tract. He also owned the Naylors Hole Tract between Doctor’s Creek and Rappahannock Creek and at his death in 1757 left both to his son William. The younger Fauntleroy, who served as a justice of the peace 1737–50, in the Virginia militia, and in the House of Burgesses 1742–50, built an imposing house at Naylors Hole. The house may have been constructed after his father’s death, but he may have been living on the tract in 1752.

1Elizabeth Fauntleroy (1736–1792) was the daughter of William Fauntleroy (1713–1793) and his wife Elizabeth. Betsy later married Bowler Cocke of Bremo, Henrico County, and, after his death, Thomas Adams (1730–1788) of Henrico and Augusta counties.

2Fauntleroy’s second wife, whom he married in 1737, was Margaret Murdoch Fauntleroy, daughter of Jeremiah Murdoch of King George County. By 1752, 7 of the 12 children of this marriage were born.

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