Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/198

 174 SKETCHES OF THE

troops with ours, which I presume you have received. By your letter yesterday to the president, I find you agree with me. I very cordially congratulate you on the success at the Bridge and the reduction of the fort, which will give our troops the benefit of better and more wholesome ground. Your letter came to the convention just time enough to read it before we broke up, as it was nearly dark; it was however proposed, and agi'eed that the President should transmit you the approbation of your conduct in treating with kindness and humanity the unfortunate prisoners; and that your readiness to avoid dispute about rank with colonel Howe, they consider as a further mark of your attach- ment to the service of your country. I have had it in contemplation paying you a visit, but have not been able to leave the convention, as many of our members are absent, and seem to be in continual rotation, some going, others returning. We shall raise many more battalions, and as soon as practicable, arm some vessels. A com^ or general, I suppose, will be sent us by the congress, as it is expected our troops will be upon con- tinental pay. I pray God to protect you, and prosper all your endeavours.^^

But the letter from the chairman of the committee, which enclosed the resolution, is a master-piece of address, so far as relates to the feelings of col. Wood- ford; though certainly not well judged to promote the permanent harmony of those officers, by inspiring sen- timents of respect and subordination for the superior. The letter bears date on the 24th December, 1775: it is written in a strain of the most frank and conciliatory friendship — full of deserved eulogy on col. Woodford's conduct — and very far from complimentary to the colonel of the first regiment. In relation to this gen-

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