細節
HENRY, Patrick, Governor of Virginia. Autograph letter signed ("P Henry," with flourish), possibly to Governor Henry Lee, Red Hill, Charlotte [Virginia], 14 February 1795. 1 full page, 4to, clean fold separation neatly mended from verso.
A deferential letter to "Your Excellency," declining to take on a law case involving the influential Fairfax family: "...I am very sorry your favor of the 24th Decr. Did not reach me, because by its miscarriage I am prevented from making my acknowledgements for your Excellency's Attention...I am very sensible of the Distinction of your Excellency has shown me in the business refer'd to, in which the Commonwealth [Virginia] is so deeply interested. But having declined the Practice of Law, & for some time past having remitted in my Attention to the Objects which form the Grounds of the Contest with the Fairfax Family I must beg to decline embarking in it. At the same Time I entreat your Excellency's acceptance of my Thanks for the favorable Sentiments you have been to manifest towards me..." Henry, an opponent of the new Federal Constitution, had moved to remote Red Hill, 20 miles from Lynchburg, and retired from the bar in 1794. Washington had offered him posts as ambassador to Spain, Jefferson's old job as Secretary of State, and the post of Chief Justice, all of which Henry declined.
A deferential letter to "Your Excellency," declining to take on a law case involving the influential Fairfax family: "...I am very sorry your favor of the 24th Decr. Did not reach me, because by its miscarriage I am prevented from making my acknowledgements for your Excellency's Attention...I am very sensible of the Distinction of your Excellency has shown me in the business refer'd to, in which the Commonwealth [Virginia] is so deeply interested. But having declined the Practice of Law, & for some time past having remitted in my Attention to the Objects which form the Grounds of the Contest with the Fairfax Family I must beg to decline embarking in it. At the same Time I entreat your Excellency's acceptance of my Thanks for the favorable Sentiments you have been to manifest towards me..." Henry, an opponent of the new Federal Constitution, had moved to remote Red Hill, 20 miles from Lynchburg, and retired from the bar in 1794. Washington had offered him posts as ambassador to Spain, Jefferson's old job as Secretary of State, and the post of Chief Justice, all of which Henry declined.