Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/243

 those wretches from us, and thereby estabhsh peace and security to ourselves and families. I am, with great respect, honourable sir, your most obedient humble servant,

" John Wilson/'

" May 24.

" A company of about 50 men are now come from Nansemond; but I am informed by the captain, that they will not be kept above two days, five having de- serted already.

" Jno. Wilson."

The governor immediately enclosed this letter to the house of delegates, with the following communica- tion:

" The honourable Benjamin Hanison, esq. speaker of the house of delegates.

« Williamsburg, May 27, 1778.

-Sir,

" I was always unwilling to trouble the general assembly with any thing, that seemed of too little conse- quence for their deliberation. In that view, I have for some time, considered the insurrection in Princess Anne and Norfolk. I have from time to time, given orders to the commanding officers of those counties, to draw from the mihtia a force sufficient to quell it. These officers have often complained of the difficulty of the business, arising partly from the local circum- stances attending it, but chiefly from the backwardness and even disaffection of the people. In order to remove the latter obstacle, I gave orders for one hundred men

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