lled to the bar in the Middle Temple, studied for some time
in the Low Countries, visited the Court of France, and was chosen
Fellow of the Royal Society. Thus eminently fitted for the service and
ornament of his country, he was made receiver-general of his Majesty's
revenues here, was then appointed public agent to the Court and
Ministry of England, being thirty-seven years a member, at last became
president, of the Council of this Colony.

"To all this were added a great elegancy of taste and life, the
well-bred gentleman, and polite companion, the splendid economist and
prudent father of a family, with the constant enemy of all exorbitant
power, and hearty friend to the liberties of his country. Nat. Mar.
28, 1674. Mort. Aug. 26, 1744. An. aetat. 70."

His daughter Evelyn was famous both in England and Virginia for her
beauty, wit, and accomplishments. She died at the age of thirty,
1737.--See Century Magazine, 1891, Vol. 20, p. 163.

WORKS.

Westover Manuscripts:
(1) History of the Dividing Line [the survey to settle the line
between Virginia and North Carolina, 1728.]
(2) A Journey to the Land of Eden [North Carolina, of which
Charles Eden was governor 1713-19.]
(3) A Progress to the Mines [Iron mines in Virginia which
Ex-Governor Alexander Spotswood and others were beginning
to open and work.]

[Illustration: ~Evelyn Byrd.~
Considered one of the most beautiful women in Virginia, or of her
time.
[FROM AN OLD PAINTING.]]

His writings are among the most interesting that we have, being
remarkable for their wit and culture, a certain poetic vein, a keen
interest in nature, a simple religious faith, a fund of cheerful
courage and good sense, and a fine consideration for others.

SELECTING THE SITE OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG, SEPT., 1733.

(_From A Journey to the Land of Eden._)

When we got home, we laid the foundations of two large Citys. One at
Shacco's, to be called Richmond, and the other at the Point of
Appamattuck River, to be nam'd Petersburgh. These Major Mayo offered
to lay out into Lots without Fee or Reward. The Truth of it is, these
two places being the uppermost Landing of James and Appamattux Rivers,
are naturally intended for Marts, where the Traffick of the Outer
Inhabitants must Center. Thus we did not build Castles only, but also
Citys in the Air.

A VISIT TO EX-GOVERNOR SPOTSWOOD, 1732.

(_From A Prog