1From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 15 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
At the threshold of this letter, I ought to make an apology for its contents; but if you will give me credit for my motives, I will contend for no more, however erroneous my sentiments may appear to you. It would be a waste of time, to attempt to bring to the view of a person of your observation & discernment, the endeavors of a certain party among us, to disquiet the Public mind with...
2To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 12 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear sir Charlotte [County] feby 12th 1799 Your Favor of the 15th ulto reached me a few Days since. I sincerely thank you for it, & for the flattering Sentiments you entertain for me—But most highly do I thank & honor you for your unremitting Care of the public Welfare—Think not Sir that I mean to flatter when I say that the wise Caution which avoided an Increase of Connection with the...
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...