The diary concluded with a brief but perfectly effective description of Barbadoes, touching on its resources and scenery, its government and condition, and the manners and customs of its inhabitants.

All through these notes we find the keenly observant spirit, and the evidence of a mind constantly alert to learn.

We see also a pleasant, happy temperament, enjoying with hearty zest all the pleasures that youth and life could furnish.

He who wrote these lines was evidently a vigorous, good-humored young fellow, with a quick eye for the world opening before him, and for the delights as well as the instruction which it offered.
From the sunshine and ease of this tropical winter Washington passed to a long season of trial and responsibility at home and abroad.

In July, 1752, his much-loved brother Lawrence died, leaving George guardian of his daughter, and heir to his estates in the event of that daughter's death.