Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/273

 will persevere with the same zeal, that once and for ever, has devoted me to her. May her fertile soil ra- pidly increase her wealth — may all the waters which so luxuriantly flow within her limits, be happy channels of the most extensive trade — and may she in her wisdom, and the enjoyment of prosperity, continue to give the world unquestionable proofs of her philanthropy and her regard for the liberties of all mankind.

" La Fayette."^

Time had now brought fonvard several new political characters, who had risen high in the public estima- tion; but Mr. Henry and Mr. Lee still kept their ground, far in the van. A gentleman of great distinc- tion, who began his public career in 1 783, found both these eminent men in the house of delegates, and heard them for the first time in debate: he served through the two sessions of that and those of the following year, and has communicated to me so vivid and interesting a comparison of their merits, as they struck his young and ardent mind, that I cannot consent to withhold it from the reader.

" I met with Patrick Henry in the assembly in May, 1 783 : I also then met with Richard H. Lee. I lodged with Mr. Lee one or two sessions, and was perfectly acquainted with him, while I was yet a stranger to Mr. Henry. These two gentlemen were the great leaders in the house of delegates, and were almost constantly opposed: there were many other great men who be- longed to that body; but, as orators, they cannot be named with Henry or Lee. Mr. Lee was a polished gentleman: he had lost the use of one of his hands, but his manner was perfectly graceful. His language was always chaste, and although somewhat too monotonous,

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