Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/240

 216 SKETCHES OF THE

second part in the cabal; and general Conway, I know, was a very active and malignant partisan; but I have good reason to believe, that their machinations have recoiled most sensibly upon themselves. I am, dear sir, &c.

" Geo. Washington. ^^ " His excellency Patrick Henry, esq. governor of Virginia."

The plot did recoil on its contrivers, and left general Washington more firmly established than ever in the confidence of his countrymen.

At the spring session of 1778, Mr. Henry was again unanimously re-elected to the office of governor. Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Dandridge, and Mr. Page, the committee appointed to announce to him that event, received and reported the following answer:

^^ Gentlemen,

" The general assembly, in again electing me governor of this commonwealth, have done me very sig- nal honour. I trust that their confidence thus continued in me, will not be misplaced.

" I beg you will be pleased gentlemen, to present me to the general assembly, in terms of grateful ac- knowledgment for this fresh instance of their favour towards me; and to assure them, that my best endea- vours shall be used to promote the public good, in that station to which they have once more been pleased to call me.^^

At this same session, an act was passed, on account of which both Mr. Henry and the legislature, have been it is thouglit. improperly censured. T mean the act to

�� �