Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/177

 liorts them to return within the pale of their constitu- tional power; to redress the many grievances which existed; to open the courts of justice; to disarm the independent companies; and what was not less essen- tial^ by their own example, and every means in their power, to abolish the spirit of persecution which pursued with menaces and acts of oppression, all his majesty's loyal and orderly subjects. For the accomplishment of which ends, he invited them to adjourn to the town of York, opposite to which the Fowey lay, where he promis- ed to meet and remain with them till their business should be finished. But with respect to their entreaty that he would return to the palace, he represents to them that unless they closed in with the conciliatory proposition now offered to them by the British parliament, his return to Williamsburg would be as fruitless to the people, as possibly it might be dangerous to himself. So that he places the event of his returning, on their acceptance of lord North's offer of conciliation.

The house of burgesses now took up that propo- sition; and having examined it in every light, with the utmost attentoin, they conclude with a firm and dignified rejection of it, and an appeal " to the even- handed justice of that Being who doth no wrong; earnestly beseeching him to illuminate the councils, and prosper the endeavours, of those to whom America had confided her hopes, that through their wise direction, we may again see re-united, the blessings of liberty and prosperity, and the most permanent harmony with Great Britain.'^*

��* This vigorous and eloquent production is from the same pen which drew the Declaration of American Independence.

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