![HENRY, Patrick (1736-1799), Virginia patriot. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry") to an unidentified correspondent [Phil. Payne]. N.p., 31 March 1799. 1 full page, small 4to, integral blank. In fine condition. A very attractive example.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01587_0242_000(112557).jpg?w=1)
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR
HENRY, Patrick (1736-1799), Virginia patriot. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry") to an unidentified correspondent [Phil. Payne]. N.p., 31 March 1799. 1 full page, small 4to, integral blank. In fine condition. A very attractive example.
Details
HENRY, Patrick (1736-1799), Virginia patriot. Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry") to an unidentified correspondent [Phil. Payne]. N.p., 31 March 1799. 1 full page, small 4to, integral blank. In fine condition. A very attractive example.
PATRICK HENRY, REAL ESTATE SPECULATOR. In one of his last letters, the aging patriot, retired to farming, considers a real-estate investment: "One Mr. Smith, a very sensible man, who lives in sight of John Nelson told me 4 days ago that Mr. N. wanted to sell his Land very much, & that just now he was much pressed for money & would sell a good Bargain. He says a fine plantation or two of the best low Grounds may be had--& the best, he thinks, anywhere near. I think it may be of Service to you to view it."
"I would be glad to get my Lynchburg Tobaco [sic] sent down to Richmond, and if you can hear of a careful Waterman please to let me know it, & the price of Carriage. As I am to send down to Genl. [Charles] Lee in a Day or two about getting deeds...I shall mention to him to let me know whether any other share of the Land can be had & the Terms. Our love to all..."
In his retirement the first Governor of Virginia bought and sold a number of tracts of lands and farms, most in the western counties of Virginia. This included "Long Island," a plantation near Lynchburg (tobacco grown there was shipped down the James River to Richmond for sale) and a farm, "Red Hill," in Charlotte County, where he resided from 1794 with his large family (11 children). In 1799 Henry was elected to represent the county in the General Assembly, the last elective office he would hold. The renowned orator's last public address was delivered at the county Courthouse on March 4, a few weeks before this letter. Not long afterwards, Henry traveled to Richmond for the opening of the Assembly, but died on 6 June.
PATRICK HENRY, REAL ESTATE SPECULATOR. In one of his last letters, the aging patriot, retired to farming, considers a real-estate investment: "One Mr. Smith, a very sensible man, who lives in sight of John Nelson told me 4 days ago that Mr. N. wanted to sell his Land very much, & that just now he was much pressed for money & would sell a good Bargain. He says a fine plantation or two of the best low Grounds may be had--& the best, he thinks, anywhere near. I think it may be of Service to you to view it."
"I would be glad to get my Lynchburg Tobaco [sic] sent down to Richmond, and if you can hear of a careful Waterman please to let me know it, & the price of Carriage. As I am to send down to Genl. [Charles] Lee in a Day or two about getting deeds...I shall mention to him to let me know whether any other share of the Land can be had & the Terms. Our love to all..."
In his retirement the first Governor of Virginia bought and sold a number of tracts of lands and farms, most in the western counties of Virginia. This included "Long Island," a plantation near Lynchburg (tobacco grown there was shipped down the James River to Richmond for sale) and a farm, "Red Hill," in Charlotte County, where he resided from 1794 with his large family (11 children). In 1799 Henry was elected to represent the county in the General Assembly, the last elective office he would hold. The renowned orator's last public address was delivered at the county Courthouse on March 4, a few weeks before this letter. Not long afterwards, Henry traveled to Richmond for the opening of the Assembly, but died on 6 June.