Even before the ownership of the unappropriated lands in the Northern Neck had been definitely determined, Lord Fairfax had made known his desire to open, to settle, and to develop them. As the first surveying party sent out for these purposes had experienced no mishaps or unusual adventures, young Washington was allowed to accompany the party going beyond the mountains in the spring of 1748. This party was in charge of James Genn, the county surveyor of Prince William County and a man of many adventures in the wilderness. Accompanied by young Washington, rodmen, chainmen, and other attendants, Genn set out March 11. Going by way of Ashby's Gap and Greenway Court he made his first important stop on the South Branch of the Potomac where that stream intersected the "Fairfax Boundary" which had been determined two years previously. [George] Washington kept a diary of his experiences and adventures.
