says Woodrow Wilson in his biography.  “He loved mastery and he relished acquiring the most effective means of mastery in all practical affairs.  His very exercise books, used at school, gave proof of it.”  As he did these things with care and industry, so he followed with zest the spirited diversions of the hunt and the life in fields and forests.  Very early he put his knowledge of the surveyor’s art to practical test, and applied the chain and logarithm to the reaches of the family lands.  His skill came to the notice of Lord Fairfax, who wished to know the extent of the lands he had inherited in the New World.  Washington, though but sixteen, was equal to the task; in a month’s time, after fording swollen streams and penetrating the forests, he presented to Lord Fairfax maps and figures which showed him the extent and boundaries of his estate.  For three years Washington followed this fascinating yet perilous work, and then, being strongly recommended by Lord Fairfax, and himself being able to show in clear, round style his mastery of the art and science of surveying, he received in 1748 from the President of William and Mary College the appointment as official surveyor for Culpeper County; such a certificate was equivalent to a degree of civil engineer in those days.

Thus from an institution of higher learning, George Washington received the first public recognition of service, and of merit.  It was the turning point in his life; it opened up fully the path to those experiences which equipped him for that efficient service in the French and Indian War, and the Revolution.

The honorable position of Chancellor had been held by the Bishops of London from the foundation of the College in 1693 to the Revolution.  The old statute defining the duties of the office is interesting:  “The Chancellor is to be the Maecenas, or patron of the College; such a one as by his favor with the King and by his interest with all other persons in England may be enabled to help in all the College affairs.  His advice is to be taken, especially in such arduous and momentous affairs as the College shall have to do in England.  If the College has any petitions at any time to the King, let them be presented by the Chancellor.”  We can imagine a grim smile on Washington’s countenance as he read the provisions made concerning the functions of his office, especially that of conferring with the King.

In his letter to Samuel Griffin, Esq., Rector of the College, accepting his appointment, he says:  “Influenced by a heartfelt desire to promote the cause of science in general and the prosperity of the College of William and Mary in particular, I accept the office of Chancellor in the same, and request you will be pleased to give official notice thereof to the learned body who have thought proper to honor me with the appointment.  I confide fully in their strenuous endeavors for placing the system of education on such a basis as will render it most beneficial to the State, and the Republic of letters, as well as to the more extensive interests of humanity and religion.”  This call to the leadership of education in his own State antedated his election to the Presidency of the new Republic by a year, and he continued in that service to the College of William and Mary until the close of his life.