Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/199

 tienian, (after having mentioned the resolution of raising other regiments,) he says, " The field officers to each regiment will be named here, and recommended to con- giess; in case our army is taken into continental pay, they will send commissions. A general officer will be chosen there, I doubt not, and sent us; ivith that mat- ter, I hope, ive shall not intermeddle, lest it should be thought propriety requires our calling w fattier recommending our present first officer to that station. Believe me sir, the unlucky step of caUing that gentle- man from our councils, where he was useful, into the field, in an important station, the duties of which he must in the nature of things, be an entire stranger to, has given me many an anxious and uneasy moment. In consequence of this mistaken step, which can^t now be retracted or remedied, for he has done nothing v^ orthy of degradation, and must keep his rank, we must be deprived of the service of some able officers, whose honour and former ranks will not suffer them to act under him in this juncture, when we so much need their services; however, I am told, that Mercer, Buck- ner, Dangerfield, and Weedon, will serve, and are all thought of I am also told, that 'Mr. Thurston and Mr. Millikin are candidates for regiments: the latter, I believe, will raise and have a German one. In the course of these reflections, my great concern is on your account. The pleasure I have enjoyed in finding your army conducted with wisdom and success, and your conduct meet with the general approbation of the con- vention and country, makes me more uneasy at a thought that the country should be deprived of your services, or you made uneasy in it, by any untoward circumstances. I had seen your letter to our friend Mr. Jones, (now a member of the committee of safetv.) and

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