Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/244

 220 SKETCHES OF THE

to be drawn out into this service, from Nansemond county; but I am soriy to say, the ahuost total want of discipHne in that and too many other mihtias in the state, seems to forbid the hope of their doing much to effect.

" Col. Wilson, whose letter I inclose, has several times given me to understand, that in his opinion, the removal of such families as are in league with the insurgents, was a step absolutely necessary, and has desired me to give orders accordingly. But thinking that the executive power is not competent to such a purpose, I must beg leave to submit the whole matter to the assembly, who are the only judges how far the methods of proceeding directed by law are to be dis- pensed with on this occasion.

"A company of regulars drawn from the several stations, will be ordered to co-operate with the militia, though indeed their scanty numbers will not permit it to be done without hazard. But I cannot help think- ing this ought to be encountered; for an apparent dispo- sition to disturb the peace of this state has been mani- fested by these people during the whole course of the present war. It seems, therefore, that no effort to crush these desperadoes should be spared.

My duty would no longer suffer me to withhold these several hiiatters from the view of the general assembly, to whom I beg leave to refer them through you. With great regard, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

"P. Henry.'^

This letter was communicated to the house on the day of its date, and was immediately referred to a committee of the whole house, on the state of the commonwealth.

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