Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/421

, to contend for its infallibility, while acting under the scourge of the most angry and vindictive passions.

Let it be admitted then, that during the period of which we are speaking, Mr. Henry was guilty of a political aberration; but let all the peculiar circumstances of his case, which have been enumerated, be taken into the account; and let it be farther remembered, that if he did go astray, as the majority of the state believe, he strayed in company with the father of his country—and where is the heart so cold and thankless, as to balance a mistake thus committed, against a long life of such solid, splendid, and glorious utility? Certainly not in Virginia—and it is to Virginians only, that this appeal is made. The sentiments now so universally expressed in relation to Mr. Henry, evince, that the age of party resentment has passed away, and that that of the noblest gratitude has taken its place. But let us return to our narrative.

At the session of the assembly immediately following Mr. Henry's death, before the spirit of party had time to relent, and give way to that generous feeling of grateful veneration for him, which now pervades the state, a federal member of the house moved the following resolution:

"The general assembly of Virginia, as a testimonial of their veneration for the character of their late illustrious fellow-citizen, Patrick Henry, whose unrivalled eloquence and superior talents, were in times of peculiar peril and distress, so uniformly, so powerfully, and so successfully, devoted to the cause of freedom, and of his country—and, in order to invite the present and