During colonial American days it was common for aspiring young men of means to bid for a commission as an officer in the British army. For example, one fellow tried repeatedly to buy a commission, but was turned down because of the prevailing attitude of the British. He was a colonial citizen and there was a definite prejudice against colonials as being too provincial. Finally the young man gave up that ambition and went on to other things. He was George Washington. Imagine the history of this plot of real estate if one of his bids had been accepted.
