Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/223

 formed, and which is so wisely calculated to secure equal liberty, and advance human happiness. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,

" P. Henry, jun.''

Mr. Heniy was also immediately greeted with the following affectionate address, from the two regiments which he had recently commanded:

•'' To his excellency Patrick Henry, jun. esq. governor of the commonwealth of Virginia: — The humble address of the first and second Virginia regiments:

''- May it please your excellency,

'' Permit us, with the sincerest sentiments of respect and joy, to congratulate your excellency upon your un- solicited promotion to the highest honours a grateful people can bestow.

" Uninfluenced by private ambition, regardless of sordid interest, you have uniformly pursued the general good of your country; and have taught the w^orld, that an ingenuous love of the rights of mankind, an inflexible resolution, and a steady perseverance in the practice of every private and public virtue, lead directly to pre- ferment, and give the best title to the honours of our uncorrupted and vigorous state.

" Once happy under your military command, we hope for more extensive blessings from your civil admi- nistration.

" Intrusted as your excellency is, in some measure, with the support of a young empire, our hearts are willing, and arms ready, to maintain your authority as chief magistrate; happy that we have lived to see the

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