IV 
PREFACE. 
Col. William Byrd died where he had long lived, at his then beautifully 
decorated and princely mansion, Westover, on the north bank of James 
river; and which even at ‘this late day exhibits admirable remains of his 
taste, and his magnificent scale of expenditure for its gratification. His body 
was buried in the garden, and his grave is covered by a monument of white 
marble, on which is the following inscription : 
[on the north side.] 
Here lieth 
The Honorable William Byrd, Esq., 
Being born to one of the amplest fortunes in this country. 
He was sent early to England for his education ; 
Where, under the care and direction of Sir Robert Southwell, 
And ever favoured with his particular instructions. 
He made a happy proficiency in polite and various learning. 
By the means of the same noble friend. 
He was introduced to the acquaintance of many of the first persons of that age 
For knowledge, wit, virtue, birth, or high station, 
And particularly contracted a most intimate and bosom friendship 
With the learned and illustrious Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery. 
He was called to the bar in the Middle Temple, 
Studied for some time in the Low Countries, 
Visited the court of France, 
And was chosen Fellow of the Royal Society, 
[on the south side.] 
Thus eminently fitted for the service and ornament of his country, 
He was made receiver general of his majesty’s revenues here, 
Was thrice appointed public agent to the court and ministry of England, 
And being thirty-seven years a member, 
At last became president of the council of this colony. 
To all this were added a great elegancy of taste and life, 
The well-bred gentleman and polite companion. 
The splendid economist and prudent father of a family, 
With the constant enemy of all exorbitant power. 
And hearty friend to the liberties of his country. 
Nat. Mar. 28, 1674. Mort. Aug. 26, 1744. An. setat. 70. 
I 
