Every one encouraged me, and was disposed to promote my success in life.

To name all those from whom I received offers of service would be to name all the most distinguished residents at that time in Richmond." In the spring of 1785, fortified with a certificate from Governor Patrick Henry, commending him to the county surveyor, and intrusted by Henry with the duty of locating two thousand acres of lands in the western country for a third party, he set out from Richmond, on March 31, alone, on horseback.

Following the course of the James River he crossed the Blue Ridge at the Peaks of Otter, and reached Greenbrier Court House on April 18.

On the 29th he arrived at Clare's, on George's Creek, where he was joined by Savary.

Their surveying operations were soon begun, each taking a separate course.