Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/117

 LIFE OF HENRY. 9S

whole human race was one family, equal in their rights and their birth-right liberty.

The elements of his character were most happily mingled for the great struggle which was now coming on. His views were not less steady than they were bold. His vision pierced deeply into futurity; and long before a whisper of independence had been heard in this land, he had looked through the whole of the approach- ing contest, and saw, with the eye and the rapture of a prophet, his country seated aloft among the nations of the earth. A striking proof of this prescience, is given in an anecdote communicated to me by Mr. Pope. These are his words: " I am informed by col. John Overton, that before one drop of blood was shed in our contest with Great Britain, he was at col. Samuel Overtones, in com- pany with Mr. Henry, col. Morris, John Hawkins, and col. Samuel Overton, when the last mentioned gentle- man asked Mr. Henry, ' whether he supposed Great Britain would drive her colonies to extremities? And if she should, what he thought would be the issue of the war?^ When Mr. Henry, after looking round to see who were present, expressed himself confidentially to the company in the following manner. ' She ivill drive us to extremities — no accommodation wiU take place — hostilities will soon commence — and a despe- rate and bloody touch it will be.^ ^ But," said col. Samuel Overton, ' do you think, Mr. Henry, that an infant nation as we are, without discipline, arms, am- munition, ships of war, or money to procure them — do you think it possible, thus circumstanced, to oppose successfully the fleets and armies of Great Britain?' ' I will be candid with you,^ replied Mr. Heniy. ' I doubt whether we shall be able, alo7ie, to cope with so power- ful a nation. But,"* continued he, (rising from his chair

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