Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/169

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their destination. With great regard^ I am^ sir^ your most humble servant,

"Patrick Henry, jun.^^

To this letter, an answer was received from Mr. Nicho- las, importing that he had no apprehension of the necessity, or projmety of the proffered service: and Mr. Henry understanding also, that the private citizens of Wilhamsburg, were in a great measure quieted from their late fears for their persons and propert}^, judged it proper to proceed no farther. Their expedition hav- ing been crowned with success, the volunteers return- ed in triumph to their respective homes. Tl^e commit- tee of Hanover again met; gave them their warmest thanks for the vigour and propriety with which they had conducted the enteri3rise; and returned their ac- knowledgments, in suitable terms, to the many volun- teers of the different counties, who joined and were marching, and ready to co-operate with the volunteer company of Hanover.

Two days after the return of the volunteers, and when all was again quiet, the governor thundered the following anathema from the palace:

"By his excellency, the right hon. John Earl of Dunmore, his majesty^s lieutenant and governor gene- ral of the colony and dominion of Virginia, and vice admiral of the same:

"a proclamation.

"Virginia, to wit:

" Whereas, I have been informed, from undoubt- ed authority, that a certain Patrick Henry, of the county of Hanover, and a number of deluded followers, have taken up arms, chosen their officers, and styling them-

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