The Property of
A WEST COAST COLLECTOR
HENRY, PATRICK, Virginia Patriot. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry Jr.") as Governor of Virginia, TO RICHARD HENRY LEE in Congress at Baltimore; Williamsburgh, Va., 9 January 1777. 2 pages, 4to, top edge browned and a bit ragged [with] Autograph panel from the folded cover sheet addressed in Henry's hand, trimmed to the panel. (2)
Details
HENRY, PATRICK, Virginia Patriot. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry Jr.") as Governor of Virginia, TO RICHARD HENRY LEE in Congress at Baltimore; Williamsburgh, Va., 9 January 1777. 2 pages, 4to, top edge browned and a bit ragged [with] Autograph panel from the folded cover sheet addressed in Henry's hand, trimmed to the panel. (2)
HENRY REGRETS "THAT SPIRIT OF INDECISION...THAT HAS EXPOSED OUR COUNTRY TO SO MUCH PERIL"
A very fine war-date letter of Henry to Lee, a Virginia delegate in Congress, saluting Washington's recent victory at Trenton (26 December 1776), discussing the American military situation, problems in arming and equipping recruits and expressing sympathy with Lee for his difficulties in Congress. "I congratulate you, Dear Sir, on our well timed success at Trenton. I trust the Honor of our Arms will be retrieved. Our Levys [calls for troops] go on pretty well in many places. In some the great Want of necessary Clothing & Blankets, retards them. Orders issue this day for the Officers to hold themselves & soldiers ready to march...& in a little time they'll go off, but in Want of every thing. I observe our People (a few excepted) are firm & not to be shaken. A great Number of Volunteers may be had. I hope all the Inlistments may be filled, but doubt if it can Soon be done.
"I am endeavouring at rigorous measures. Lango[u]r seems to have diffused thru the naval Department. However I hope [it] will mend. The Cherokees are humbled. But I fear Hostility about Pittsburgh in the Spring & have provided Ammunition & provisions in that Quarter & shall be able to muster a formidible militia there-abouts. The Powder is not is not yet sent, but I await only for the Result of a council of War where to deposit it. Our Sea Coasts are defenceless almost. Arms & Woolens are wanted here most extremely. We are making efforts to provide them.
"I do indeed pity your Situation. I guess at the many perplexitys & Difficultys that attend you. I know how much the vigorous Counsels of America are indebted to you for their support. I know how much you detest that Spirit of Indecision & Lukewarmness that has exposed our Country to so much peril. Let me tell you that altho y[ou]r Fatigue is almost too much to bear, yet you must hold out a little longer. Many People pretend they perceive Errors in Congress & some wicked ones are greatly pleased at the Hope of seeing the Respect due to that Assembly succeeded by contempt...." In a postscript, Henry inquires: "I beg you'll tell me what is the best method for doing justice to Genl. [Adam] Stephen as to his Rank. I think he ought to be raised above his present Rank." (2)
HENRY REGRETS "THAT SPIRIT OF INDECISION...THAT HAS EXPOSED OUR COUNTRY TO SO MUCH PERIL"
A very fine war-date letter of Henry to Lee, a Virginia delegate in Congress, saluting Washington's recent victory at Trenton (26 December 1776), discussing the American military situation, problems in arming and equipping recruits and expressing sympathy with Lee for his difficulties in Congress. "I congratulate you, Dear Sir, on our well timed success at Trenton. I trust the Honor of our Arms will be retrieved. Our Levys [calls for troops] go on pretty well in many places. In some the great Want of necessary Clothing & Blankets, retards them. Orders issue this day for the Officers to hold themselves & soldiers ready to march...& in a little time they'll go off, but in Want of every thing. I observe our People (a few excepted) are firm & not to be shaken. A great Number of Volunteers may be had. I hope all the Inlistments may be filled, but doubt if it can Soon be done.
"I am endeavouring at rigorous measures. Lango[u]r seems to have diffused thru the naval Department. However I hope [it] will mend. The Cherokees are humbled. But I fear Hostility about Pittsburgh in the Spring & have provided Ammunition & provisions in that Quarter & shall be able to muster a formidible militia there-abouts. The Powder is not is not yet sent, but I await only for the Result of a council of War where to deposit it. Our Sea Coasts are defenceless almost. Arms & Woolens are wanted here most extremely. We are making efforts to provide them.
"I do indeed pity your Situation. I guess at the many perplexitys & Difficultys that attend you. I know how much the vigorous Counsels of America are indebted to you for their support. I know how much you detest that Spirit of Indecision & Lukewarmness that has exposed our Country to so much peril. Let me tell you that altho y[ou]r Fatigue is almost too much to bear, yet you must hold out a little longer. Many People pretend they perceive Errors in Congress & some wicked ones are greatly pleased at the Hope of seeing the Respect due to that Assembly succeeded by contempt...." In a postscript, Henry inquires: "I beg you'll tell me what is the best method for doing justice to Genl. [Adam] Stephen as to his Rank. I think he ought to be raised above his present Rank." (2)