and stables sufficient to accommodate 40 horses
and cows; all well built of stone. The estate
extends the whole breadth betwixt the Schuilkill
and Perkiomen. On the former river there is a
Shad Fishery which is of considerable value; and,
if prosecuted with spirit, might supply many fa-
milies with fish for the whole year. The house is
so situated that it commands one of the finest pro-
spects in Pennsylvania, and, being on a rising ground,
is dry and healthy. The whole together forms
one of the most beautiful spots I have seen in the
United States. This estate, with all its appendages,
cost about 3600l. sterling, which is but 12l. per
acre, the buildings included. There is also an ex-
cellent orchard of about 10 acres planted with the
choicest fruit-trees, which are just in their prime.

This plantation was formerly in the possession
of a friend from London, of the name of Vaux,
who built the house and made the improvements
upon it. When he resided there with his family,
during the American war, being in full view of
the great American encampment at Valley Forge

,
and on the opposite side of the river Schuilkill,
he had frequently the company of General Howe,
and the other British Commanders. One day it
happened that he had Howe to breakfast and
Washington to tea; and being a friend who wished
well to all men, he made no distinction between
the contending parties, he left his house open to