Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) to County Lieutenant of Berkeley
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00370 Author/Creator: Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) Place Written: Williamsburg, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 12 April 1778 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Printed circular letter signed by Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley telling him to keep his militia prepared for duty. Says the Continental Army may be forced to retreat and that Virginia might be called on for help. Says "As the volunteer scheme does not promise to succeed, the militia will be our only resource, and from that must we draw so many men as the exigency of things may require." Claims Virginia might be invaded from all sides and that they must be prepared to resist. Says one third of his men need to be ready to march at a "moment's warning." Wants powder horns and shot bags to be provided where cartridge boxes cannot. Wants a report on the numbers and conditions of arms of his unit. Expects a "punctual discharge" of his duty.
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