1To John Adams from Patrick Henry, 20 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor with the pamphlet came safe to hand. I am Exceedingly obliged to you for it, and I’m not without Hopes it may produce Good here, where there is among most of our opulent Familys, a strong Byass to Aristocrasy. I tell my Friends you are the Author. Upon that Supposition I have two Reasons for liking the Book. The Sentiments are precisely the same I have long since taken up, and they...
2To John Adams from Patrick Henry, 5 March 1778 (Adams Papers)
Capt. Le Maire the Bearer tells me he saw you in Paris. In Hopes this may find you there, I write, not so much to tell you any thing of public Importance (for we have not much News) as to revive that Correspondence which Time, Distance of Situation and important Avocations have almost worn out. The Marquiss Fayette, Genl. Conway and many other french officers are gone to Canada Report says,...
3To John Adams from Patrick Henry, 16 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 26th ultimo did not reach me till two days ago. I have been confined for several weeks by a severe indisposition, and am still so sick as scarcely to be able to write this. My advanced age and increasing debility compel me to abandon every idea of serving my country, where the scene of operation is so far distant, and her interests call for incessant and long-continued...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Henry, 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain Lemaire the Gentleman whom you were pleased to recommend to his Excellency General Washington will have the honor to deliver you this. He called here in his Way to the Camp, and fell into Conversation with Mr. Loyaute our Inspector general of Artillery and Military Stores on the Subject of his Department, in which are many capital Deficiencies....
5To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 17 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Introduces Benjamin Ellery of Rhode Island, who “wishes to visit your Camp.” ALS , MiU-C : Thomas Gage Papers. The document’s location indicates that the British intercepted it before it reached GW. Patrick Henry (1736–1799) of Hanover County, Va., served with GW in the First Continental Congress and was a member of the Second Continental Congress until early August 1775, at which time he was...
6To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 31 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Recommends “the Bearer Mr Frazer,” who “means to enter the American Camp, & there to gain that Experience, of which the general Cause may be avail’d. It is my earnest wish that many Virginians might see Service. It is not unlikely that in the Fluctuation of things our Country may have occasion for great military Exertions.” ALS , DLC:GW . The bearer was apparently John Grizzage Frazer, a...
7To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 20 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
After a long & Severe Illness, I am now but just able to come hither in Order to discharge as I may be able, the Dutys of my public Station. Will you pardon me for asking the Favor of a Correspondence with you? Besides the pleasure it will give me, I shall be taught by your Ideas, to form more correct Opinions, of those Movements that may be proposed for the general Defence in this Quarter. It...
8To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to inform you that the recruitting Business of late goes on so badly, that there remains but little prospect of filling the six new Battalions from this State voted by the Assembly. the Board of Council see this with great Concern; and after much Reflection on the Subject, are of Opinion, that the Deficiency in our Regulars, can no Way be supply’d so properly, as by inlisting...
9To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Edmund Randolph Esqr. communicated to me that part of your last Letter to him, in which you are pleased to take Notice of your Ladys Reception at this place. I beg you to be assured that every Expression of Regard, falls short of that which I feel, & shall retain thro’ Life, for such distinguished Merit. You are pleased also to observe that you have not recd any Answer from me to your two...
10To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 8 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Defence of this Country now rests upon the Militia, our regular Troops being absent. As the Enemy may possibly visit us unexpectedly, & the Militia cannot be long kept embodyed, the Necessity of having the earliest Notice of the Enemys Embarkation, is apparent. In order to be furnished with that Intelligence upon which the Safety of the State depends, I have directed Capt. peirce to wait...