Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/234

 i^lO SKETCHES OF THE

army is no way inferior to the spirit of the northern. A GateS;, a Lee, or a Conway, would in a few weeks, render them an irresistible body of men. The last of the above officers, has accepted of the new office of inspector general of our army, in order to reform abuses; but the remedy is only a palliative one. In one of his letters to a friend he says, ^ a great and good God hath decreed America to be free — or the her long ago.^ You may rest assured of each of the facts related in this letter. The author of it is one of your Philadelphia friends. A hint of his name, if found out by the hand-writing, must not be mentioned to your most intimate friend. Even the letter must be thrown in the fire. But some of its contents ought to be made public, in order to awaken, enlighten, and alarm our country. I rely upon your prudence, and am, dear sir, with my usual attachment to you, and to our beloved independence, yours sincerely.^^ " His excellency P. Henry /^
 * "*********** and weak counsellors, would have ruined

Mr. Henry did not hesitate a moment as to the course which it was proper for him to take with this perfidious letter: he enclosed it forthwith, to general Washington, in the following frank and high minded communica- tion:

^' Dear sir,

"You will, no doubt, be suiprised at seeing the enclosed letter, in which the encomiums bestowed on me are as undeserved, as the censures aimed at you are unjust. I am sorry there should be one man who counts himself my friend, who is not yours.

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