Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/253

 1776. Virginia had nbt hitherto, been the theatre of hostile operations of a very serious character ; her sufferings had been rather those of sympathy with her northern and soutliern sisters; but in this year, the cala- mities of war were brought home to her own bosom. Arnold^s invasion took place in January: having carried his ravages as high up as Richmond and Westham, he retired to Portsmouth, where he rested till April, when general Philips succeeded to the command, and paid another visit of desolation to Manchester. In. the next month, came lord Cornwallis, with his victorious army from the south, driving every thing before him, and striking terror into whatsoever quarter he approached. Having formed a junction between his forces and those under the command of general Philips, there was no longer a military force in the state which had the power to resist him. The inferior body of republican troops, under the marquis la Fayette, moved before him, with- out the ability to stiike a blow; and Cornwallis roamed at pleasure, and without any apprehension, through the interior of the state.

The sevendi of May was the day appointed by law^ for the meeting of the assembly at Richmond. A few^ members met and took the oaths prescribed by law; but the number not being sufficient to proceed to business, the house was adjourned from day to day until the 10th; when, upon information of the approach of the enemy, they adjourned to the 24th, to meet at Charlottesville. It was not until the 28th, that a house was formed to proceed to business at this place; when Mr. Renjamin Harrison was elected speaker, and after making the usual acknowledgments for that honour, proceeded to address the following remarks to the house; which I quote, not because they are a very favourable specimen

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