Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/414

 S90 SKETCHES OP THE

expediency of these measures, it is equally undeniable, that his sentiments in relation to them, combined with the above causes, by which those sentiments were sus- pected of having been influenced, produced an ex- tremely unpropitious effect on his popularity in Vir- ginia.

The charge of apostacy however, implies a previous commitment to the opposite side: but the evidence that Mr. Henry ever stood committed to the democratic or to any other party, (except the great American party of liberty and republican government,) has not yet been seen by the author of these sketches. At the time of his retirement, it is believed that the post-constitutional parties were not distinctly marked. He had no oppor- tunity after they were so marked, of expressing his opinion publicly in favour of the one side or the other. It is highly probable, that his opinions did not coincide throughout, with those of either side: and it would be rather rash to infer, from his disapprobation of one or more measures of the administration, or from his general love of liberty, that he must of necessity have been attach- ed at first to the democratic side. Nor would it be more correct to infer, from his having resisted the adoption of the federal constitution, that he was therefore opposed to the measures of those who administered it; for the con- verse of this proposition, which must be equally ti'ue, would have thrown many more into the federal ranks than would have been willing to acknowledge the con- nexion. Mr. Henry had moreover declared, as we have seen, in the last speech which he made in the state con- vention, in opposition to the constitution, that if it should be adopted, he would be a peaceable citizen; that he would not go to violence, but that he would seek the correction of whatever he thought amiss, by quiet

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