Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/231

 LIFE OF HENRV. 20T

" Gentlemen^

" The signal honour conferred on me by the general assembly in their choice of me to be the gover- nor of this commonwealth, demands my best acknow- ledgments, which I beg the favour of you to convey to them in the most acceptable manner.

" I shall execute the duties of that high station, to which I am again called by the favour of my fellow- citizens, according to the best of my abihties, and I shall rely upon the candour and wisdom of the as- sembly, to excuse and supply my defects. The good of the commonwealth shall be the only object of my pursuit, and I shall measure my happiness according to the success which shall attend my endeavours to establish the public liberty. I beg to be presented to the assembly: and that they and you will be assured, that I am, with every sentiment of the highest regard, their and your most obedient and very humble servant,

" P. Henry/'

It was in the course of this year's administration of the government by Mr. Henry, that that memorable plot which disgraces our history, was formed to sup- plant general Washington. This is said to have pro- ceeded from the glory which general Gates had gained by the capture of Burgoyne and his army at Saratoga, and was believed to have been suggested by general Gates himself The plot is said to have been an ex- tensive one, and to have embraced some of the mem- bers of congress, and many officers of the army. The high estimate which Mr. Heniy had formed of the abilities of general Washington, while that illustrious man was comparatively unknown to his countrymen,

�� �