[80] In the basement of the church is a memorial tablet inscribed as follows: “In memory of Deacon George W. Garnett, the faithful, efficient and beloved Superintendent of the Fredericksburg Baptist Sunday School for thirty consecutive years, who died July 9, 1876, aged 54 years. ‘He was a faithful man, and feared God above many.’ Erected by the school.”
[81] Mrs. V. M. F. prepared this article.
[82] Appleton’s Encyclopedia, Volume 9.
[83] Mayor Robert Lewis, a nephew of Washington, delivered the welcome address to Lafayette when he visited Fredericksburg in 1824, in which he said: “The presence of the friend of Washington excites the tenderest emotions and associations among a people, whose town enjoys the distinguished honor of having been the residence of the Father of His Country during the days of his childhood and youth.”—Pamphlet of Reception of Lafayette at Fredericksburg, page 4.
“At this place, sir, which calls to our recollection several among the most honored names of the Revolutionary war, I did, many years ago, salute the first residence of our paternal chief, received the blessing of his venerated mother, and of his dear sister, your own respected parent.”—Extract of General Lafayette’s reply to the above.
“The city of Fredericksburg—first residence of Washington—may she more and more attain all the prosperity which independence, republicanism and industry cannot fail to procure.” Sentiment offered by Lafayette at a banquet on the above occasion.
[84] Manly’s Southern Literature.
[85] A son of Jonathan Clarke, who lived at Newmarket, in Spotsylvania county, and afterwards moved to Fredericksburg. For many years he was clerk of the county court of Spotsylvania. George Rodgers Clarke is said to have been born while his father lived at Newmarket.—A letter from a descendant.
[86] Jones’s U. S. History.
[87] Capt. Wm. Clarke was a Fredericksburg man. He was a son of Jonathan Clarke, of Fredericksburg, who was clerk of Spotsylvania county court. He was, therefore, a brother of General Geo. Rodgers Clarke, who conquered the great northwest territory.—A letter from a descendant of Wm. Clarke. See also Maury’s History of Virginia, page 158.