Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/207

 to resent, and your resolution led forward to resist. To your extensive popularity, the service also is greatly indebted, for the expedition with w^hich the troops were raised; and, while they were continued under your command, the firmness, candour, and politeness, which formed the complexion of your conduct towards them, obtained the signal approbation of the wise and vir- tuous, and will leave upon our minds the most grateful impression. Although retired from the immediate con- cerns of war, we solicit the continuance of your kindly attention. We know your attachment to the best of causes; we have the fullest confidence in your abilities, and in the rectitude of your views; and however ivilling the envious may be to undermine an established reputa- tion, we trust the day will come, when justice shall prevail, and thereby secure you an honourable and happy return to the glorious employment of conducting our councils, and hazarding your life in the defence of your country.

" With the most grateful sentiments of regard and esteem, we are, sir, very respectfully, your most oblig- ed, and obedient humble servants.^^

If any doubt can be entertained as to the body to which this imputation of enmj pointed, it will be re- moved by the following defence of the committee of safety, extracted from the supplement to Purdie^s paper of the 15th of March, 1776.

-'Mr. Purdie,

" I am informed a report is prevailing through the colony, that the committee of safety were the cause of colonel Henry^s resigning the command of his bat- talion; which it is supposed hath received confirmation

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