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细节
HENRY, Patrick (1736-1799), American Founder. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry," postscript signed with initials), to Richard Henry Lee, Williamsburgh, 14 November 1777. 2 pages, folio, integral address leaf with panel in Henry's hand, 2nd leaf neatly inlaid.
CELEBRATING THE VICTORY AT SARATOGA
A warm personal letter between two noted Virginia patriots. In September, General John Burgoyne's powerful expeditionary army had been confronted and fought to a standstill near Saratoga, New York by American forces under command of Horatio Gates. In mid-October the entire British and Hessian army surrendered. The news of this remarkable victory was greeted with skepticism in many quarters, as Governor Henry relates: "I have to make my best acknowledgments to you my dear Sir, for your many interesting Letters lately recd. The authority of them served to fix the Belief of our late glorious Successes, when others seemed to doubt them...." The state assemblye, he adds, "has been sitting 4 weeks & not a Bill passed or anything done. I have dispatched two Agents to Carolina in pursuit of Woolens for the grand Army. They might have been had some time ago, but 'tis uncertain now. I propose to draw on Congress for the am[oun]t.... The goods will be high....I have it in contemplation to dispatch a messenger to Havanah and [New] Orleans to negotiate a Loan of Money to Virginia. Pray what think you of it? Pray keep it safe & mention it to no one. Your sentiments may help me out on the subject. Our credit is almost gone.... Will you send me copy of a Letter recd. from Orleans by the Committeeof Secret Correspondence? Gibson's trip may be improved to great purposes. I've proposed to establish a post at the mouth of Ohio [River] if the Spaniards will bring the goods there in their own bottoms [ships]. I've sent Letters to Havanah & Orleans by an Agent who is to try the experiment of a Vessel round by Sea. If the Northern Army can arrive at Delaware [British General] Howe may possibly be embarrassed, & so a prospect open for that sweet Enjoyment of the praise which yr. incessant & distinguished labors so richly deserve...." In a postscript, he adds that the assembly has voted funds for a certain Mr. Loyeaute as "director of a military Academy to teach Gunnery & Fortification," but "the Senate has not yet agreed to it...."
CELEBRATING THE VICTORY AT SARATOGA
A warm personal letter between two noted Virginia patriots. In September, General John Burgoyne's powerful expeditionary army had been confronted and fought to a standstill near Saratoga, New York by American forces under command of Horatio Gates. In mid-October the entire British and Hessian army surrendered. The news of this remarkable victory was greeted with skepticism in many quarters, as Governor Henry relates: "I have to make my best acknowledgments to you my dear Sir, for your many interesting Letters lately recd. The authority of them served to fix the Belief of our late glorious Successes, when others seemed to doubt them...." The state assemblye, he adds, "has been sitting 4 weeks & not a Bill passed or anything done. I have dispatched two Agents to Carolina in pursuit of Woolens for the grand Army. They might have been had some time ago, but 'tis uncertain now. I propose to draw on Congress for the am[oun]t.... The goods will be high....I have it in contemplation to dispatch a messenger to Havanah and [New] Orleans to negotiate a Loan of Money to Virginia. Pray what think you of it? Pray keep it safe & mention it to no one. Your sentiments may help me out on the subject. Our credit is almost gone.... Will you send me copy of a Letter recd. from Orleans by the Committeeof Secret Correspondence? Gibson's trip may be improved to great purposes. I've proposed to establish a post at the mouth of Ohio [River] if the Spaniards will bring the goods there in their own bottoms [ships]. I've sent Letters to Havanah & Orleans by an Agent who is to try the experiment of a Vessel round by Sea. If the Northern Army can arrive at Delaware [British General] Howe may possibly be embarrassed, & so a prospect open for that sweet Enjoyment of the praise which yr. incessant & distinguished labors so richly deserve...." In a postscript, he adds that the assembly has voted funds for a certain Mr. Loyeaute as "director of a military Academy to teach Gunnery & Fortification," but "the Senate has not yet agreed to it...."