He subsequently was promoted to the management of a plantation and enjoyed Washington's confidence and esteem.

It was with a sad heart that Washington penned in his diary for 1785: "Last night Jno.

Alton an Overseer of mine in the Neck--an old & faithful Servant who has lived with me 30 odd years died--and this evening the wife of Thos.

Bishop, another old Servant who had lived with me an equal number of years also died." The adoption of Mrs.Washington's two youngest grandchildren, Nelly Custis and George Washington Custis, made necessary the employment of a tutor.

One applicant was Noah Webster, who visited Mount Vernon in 1785, but for some reason did not engage.