1To 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...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 23 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Militia from Culpepper County were promised by their Colo., that they should be releived by the last of this Month; and as it is impossible to march a like Number from Virginia in Time to comply with that Engagement, I trouble you with this requesting that you will be pleased to discharge them at the Time they were promised Releif, unless they chuze to serve longer. With the highest...
8To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 29 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Charles Harrison, is yet in this State. They have been detained here under leave of Congress to do Duty at Portsmouth and York, near which Plaice the Enemy’s Ships of War have been long hovering. At present, seven Men of War & three large Transports or provision Vessels, are in and near Hampton Road. The Troops of the State are so few, that the...
9To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 30 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
My great Anxiety for the Success of the american Arms under your Command, induces me to trouble you with this. Accounts from the Camp are so various & contradictory, that I know not what to rely on. If the Weight of public Affairs, under which you hav so long labor’d will permit, a few Lines will be most welcome to me. Altho’ it seems impossible to inlist continental Recruits here, yet the...
10To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
It was with equal Surprize & Concern that I received Dispatches from Congress, informing me that the Army under your Excellency’s Command, was in so great Want of Necessarys. In order to give the most effectual Releif in the power of this State, Application has been made to several Merchants by our Commissary of Stores, & an Agent sent Southwardly, to purchase Goods. About 3,000 yards blue...