To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 6 February 1786
From Patrick Henry
Council Chamber [Richmond] feby 6th 1786
Gentlemen
There are six men in the public Goal who are pardoned for capital Crimes on Condition of laboring for Years more or less. I beg to know whether the Company over which you preside will accept of these people to labor in accomplishing the purposes of your Institution. It will be expected that their Labor shall be considered as a Compensation for all the Expences of supporting them in the Condition of Laborers & of providing the necessary Means of preventing Escapes.
I beg to hear from you on this Subject soon as possible1 & am Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant
P. Henry
ALS, DLC:GW. Henry’s letter was directed to “President & Directors of the Patowmack &c.,” and it was endorsed by GW.
1. GW wrote from Mount Vernon on 5 Mar.: “Sir, Your Excellency’s favor of the 6th ulto came duly to hand, but I had no opportunity before the 2d instt of laying it before the Directors of the Potomack Company. By the board, I am desired to inform your Excelly, that they decline taking the Six felons in the public goal, at the sametime that they feel themselves obliged by the offer. I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser. Go: Washington” (ALS, NbO; LB, DLC:GW).