They have been called even by Virginia writers as we have seen, 'butterflies of aristocracy,' who had no influence in affairs or in giving its coloring to Virginia society.

The facts entirely contradict the view.

They and their descendants were the leaders in public affairs, and exercised a controlling influence upon the community.

Washington was the greatgrandson of a royalist, who took refuge in Virginia during the commonwealth.

George Mason was the descendant of a colonel, who fought for Charles II.