Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/164

 140 SKETCHES OF THE

powder should be retrieved, or counterbalanced by a reprisal.

Capt. Samuel Meredith, who had theretofore com- manded the independent company, resigned his com- mission in Mr. Hemy's favour, and the latter gentleman was immediately invested with the chief command of the Hanover volunteers. Mr. Mereditli accepted the commission of lieutenant; and the present col. Parke Goodall, was appointed the ensign of the company. Hav- ing received orders from the committee, correspondent with his own suggestions, capt. Henry forthwith took up his line of march for Williamsburg. Ensign Goodall was detached, with a party of sixteen men, to cross the river into King William county, the residence of Rich- ard Corbin, the king's receiver general; to demand from him three hundred and thirty pounds, the esti- mated value of the powder; and, in the event of his refusal, to malie him a prisoner. He was ordered, in this case, to treat his person with all possible respect and tenderness, and to bring him to Doncastle^s ordi- nary, about sixteen miles above Williamsburg, where the ensign was required, at all events, to rejoin the main body. The detachment, in pursuance of their orders, reached the residence of the receiver general some hours after bedtime, and a guard was stationed around the house until morning. About day-break, however, the ladies of the family made their appearance, and gave to the commanding officer of the detachment the firm and correct assurance, that col. Corbin was not at home; but that the house, nevertheless, was open to search, if it was the pleasure of the officer to make it. The manner of the assurance, however, was too satis- factory to render this necessary, and the detachment

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