Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/219

 LIFE OF HENRY.

��manifested by the following paragraph from Purdie's paper of the 17th of May, which immediately succeeds the annunciation of the resolutions.

'' In consequence of the above resolutions, univer- sally regarded as the only door which will lead to safety and prosperity, some gentlemen made a handsome col- lection for the purpose of treating the soldiery, who next day w^ere paraded in Waller's grove^ before briga- dier-general Lewis, attended by the gentlemen of the committee of safety, the members of the general con- vention, the inhabitants of this city, &c. &c. The resolutions being read aloud to the army, the following toasts were given, each of them accompanied by a dis- charge of the artillery and small arms, and the acclama- tions of all present: —

" 1. The American Independent States.

" 2. The grand Congress of the United States, and their respective legislatures.

" 3. General Washington, and victory to the Ameri- can arms.

" The Union Flag of the American states waved upon the capitol during the whole of this ceremony; which being ended, the soldiers partook of the refreshments prepared for them by the affection of their countrymen, and the evening concluded with illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy; every one seeming pleased that the domination of Great Britain was now at an end, so wickedly and tyrannically exercised for these twelve or thirteen years past, notwithstanding our repeated prayers and remonstrances for redress.^'

The committee appointed to prepare the declaration and plan of government, called for by the last resolution, were the following: Mr. Archibald Gary, Mr. Meriwe-

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