Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/167

 LIFE OF HENRY. 14S

in the defence of this colony. It is agreed, that in case the next convention shall determine that any part of the said money ought to be returned to his majesty^s said receiver general, that the same shall be done accordingly.

" Patrick Henry, jun. " Test,

" Samuel Meredith, Parke Goodall.^^

The march of the marines from the Fowey had, however, produced the most violent commotion both in York* and Williamsburg. Mr. Henry himself, seem-

��* " The town of York being somewhat alarmed by a letter from capt. Mon- tague, commander of his majesty's ship the Fowey, addressed to the hon. Thomas Nelson, esquire, president of his majesty's council in Virginia : and a copy of said letter being procured, a motion was made, that the copy- should be laid before the committee, and considered. The copy was read, and is as follows :

'Sir,
 * Fowey, May 4, 1775.

the lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, is threatened with an attack at day- break this morning, at his palace in Wilhamsburg, and have thought proper to send a detacliment from his majesty's ship under my command, to sup- port his excellency; therefore strongly pray you to make use of every endea- vour to prevent the party from being molested and attacked, as in that case, I must be under a necessity to fire upon this town. From
 * I have this morning received certain information that his excellency


 * GEORGE MoKTAGtTE.'


 * To the hon. Thomas Nelson.*

sideration the time of its being sent, Avhich was too late to permit the presi- dent to use his influence, had the inhabitants been disposed to molest and c^^ac/." the detachment ; and further considering that col. Nelson, who, had this threat been carried into execution, must have been a principal sufferer, was at that very moment exertinghis utmost endeavours in behalf of govern- ment, and the safety of his excellency's person, unanimously come to the following resolutions :
 * ' The committee, together with capt. Montague's letter taking into con-

" Resolved, That capt. Montague in threatening to fire upon a defenceless t,own,incase of an attack upon the detachment, in which said town mightnot be

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