Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/287

 LIFE- OP HENRY. 26S

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The convention met in Richmond on the 2d of June, 1 788, and exhibited such an array of variegated talents, as had never been collected before within the limits of the state, and such an one as it may well be feared we shall never see again. A few of the most eminent of these statesmen, are still alive ; of whom, therefore, delicacy forbids us to speak as they deserve. Their powers however, and the peculiar characters of their intellectual excellence are so well known, that their names will be sufficient to speak their respective eulo- gies. We may mention, therefore, Mr. Madison, the late president of the United States; Mr. Marshall, the chief justice; and Mr. Monroe, now the president. What will the reader think of a body, in which meli like these were only among their equals! Yet such is the fact; for there, were those sages of other days, Pendleton and W^lhe; there was seen displayed, the Spartan vigour and compactness of George Nicholas; and there shone the radiant genius and sensibility of Gi^ayson; the Roman energy and the Attic wit of George Mason was there; and there, also, the classic taste and harmony of Edmund Randolph; " the splendid conflagration'' of the high minded Innis; and the matchless eloquence of the immortal Heniy 1^

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��* The debates and proceedings of this convention, by Mr. David Robeil- son of Petersburg, have passed through two editions ; yet it is believed, that their circulation has been principally confined to Virginia ; and even in this state, from the rapid progress of our popidation, that book is supposed to be in, comparatively, few hands. Hence it has been thought proper to give £<

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