Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/270

 £46 SKETCHES OF THE

The same session afforded Mr. Henry a double op- portunity of gratifying, in the most exquisite manner, that naturally bland and courteous spirit, which so emi- nently distinguished his character. General Washington and the marquis la Fayette, both of them objects of the warmest love and gratitude to this country, visited Rich- mond in November. They arrived on different days. The general entered the city on the 15th, and the journal of the next morning exhibits the following order: " The house being informed of the arrival of general Washington in this city. Resolved, nemine contradicente, that as a mark of their reverence for his character and affection for his person, a committee of five members be appointed to wait upon him, with the respectful regard of this house, to express to him the satisfaction they feel in the opportunity afforded by his presence, of offering this tribute to his merits; and to assure him, that as they not only retain the most lasting impressions of the transcendent services rendered in his late public character, but have, since his return to private Hfe, experienced proofs, that no change of situa- tion can turn his thoughts from the welfare of his country, so his happiness can never cease to be an object of their most devout wishes and fervent suppli- cations.^^

" And a committee was appointed of Mr. Heniy, Mr. Jones, (of King George,) Mr. Madison, Mr. Carter H. Harrison, and Mr. Carrington.^'

To this spontaneous and unanimous burst of feeling, general Washington returned an answer marked with his characteristic modesty, and full of the most touch- ing sensibihty. It is worthy of insertion, as showing in a soft and winning light, a character, with which we are apt to associate only the images of a dignity and resen^e,

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