Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/281

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��were driven from those councils, by that wretched poHcy which has ahvays regidated the salaries of offi- cers in Virginia. The letters of resignation, during the years 1784, 1785 and 1786, which now stand on the public files, afford the best comment on this pohcy. Virginia lost, during those years, the services of such men as have rarely existed in this or any other country; and such as she can never hope to see again in her councils, until the system of penurj^ shall yield to that of liberality. At the close of the war indeed, there was some apology for this penury; the country was wretch- edly poor, and in debt. But this cause has long since ceased, and with it also, should cease the effect. Vir- ginia is now rich, and may fill her offices with the flower of her sons; but can it be expected that men who wish to live free from debt, and to leave their families inde- pendent at their deaths, will relinquish the pursuits by which they are able to effect these objects, and enter upon a service full of care, responsibility, and anxiety; a service whose certain fruits (if it be their only depend- ence) must be a hfe of pecuniary embarrassment; and (what is still worse) their wives and children after their deaths, must be cast on the charity of a cold and un- feeling world? Ought such a sacrifice to be expected? and yet must it not be the inevitable consequence of an exclusive dependence on the salary of any office in Virginia, which requires talents of the highest order?*

��* How affecting is that spectacle, which we have seen of a public officer, who, having worn out the prime and vigour of life in the service of his coun- try, instead of being enabled to retire, in old age, to the repose and peace which he has so justly deserved, is compelled to toil on for subsistence, though trembling, perhaps, under the weight of eight v winters, oppressed by

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