ing to Murry, to Dr. James Craik
for L1,500. Allowing for the additional lot, for which Murry had paid
L71 10_s._ 1_d._ in 1787, and on which Dr. Craik's stable stood, for
inflation and increase in value of property in Alexandria following the
Revolution, this price of approximately $7,500 indicates beyond question
that John Murry made very substantial improvements upon this property.
It was subject to a ground rent of L11 forever, and it is only within
the last few years that the present owners have satisfied this rent.

[Illustration: Rear of house and courtyard built by John B. Murray and
bought by Dr. James Craik. The leanto at right replaces the frame
building of Joseph Robinson, sailmaker]

The house is a typical Alexandria town mansion. With three stories,
dormer widows, of salmon brick, laid in Flemish bond, it faces the
street as sturdily as when first built.

All the chimneys in Dr. Craik's house are handsomely paneled, as well as
the window frames. Cornices, chair rails, stairway, six-panel doors, old
pine floors, H&L hinges are part of its attractions. It is believed that
Dr. Craik used the front rooms on the first floor of his house as his
office. Washington was a visitor in this house. He frequently mentions
in his journal dining or supping with his friend. The last time seems to
have been in July 1798, when he "went up to Alexa. with Mrs. W. and Miss
Cus[tis] dined at Doct^r Craik's, ret^d in y^e aft^n."

One of the Craik boys was named after George Washington. In September
1785, Washington makes this entry in his diary: "Wed. 31st.... This day
I told Dr. Craik that I would contribute one hundred dollars pr. ann. as
long as it was necessary towards the education of his son, George
Washington, either in this country or in Scotland."

* * * * *

George Washington Craik studied medicine, and was, for a time during
Washington's second administration, his private secretary. He was one of
the young people of the town who was a constant visitor at Mount Vernon
up to Washington's death. In 1807 and 1808 he was postmaster at
Alexandria. He married Maria D. Tucker, daughter of Captain John Tucker,
and their son, James Craik, was an Episcopal clergyman. Another son,
William, married the daughter of William Fitzhugh and became the
brother-in-law to George Washington Parke Custis. William Craik was a
member of Congress, judge of the District Court of the United States,
and chief ju