Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) to Richard Henry Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08973.01 Author/Creator: Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) Place Written: Williamsburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Celebrates the American victory at Saratoga and discusses various operations concerning Virginia, including finances, legislation and military manouvers. Asks Lee's opinion regarding a potential foriegn loan. Written as Governor of Virginia. Signed twice by Henry, once with his initials.
Wmburgh Novr. 14th. 1777
I have to make my best acknowledgements to you my dear Sir, for your many interesting Letters lately recd. The Authority of them served to fix the Belief of our late glorious Successes, when others seemed to doubt them, producing sundry Testimony from the North which had well nigh fell to mourning. Colo. Lane today gave me yours of the 14th. Oct.er. The Matter it contains was highly interesting. Yours to Colo. Richd. of the 5th Novr he has showed me today. I congratulate you on the Events it mentions. Our Assembly has been sitting 4 Weeks & not a Bill passed or any thing done. I have despatched two Agents to [Carolina in] pursuit of Woolens for the Grand Army. They might have been had some time ago, but 'tis uncertain now. I propose to draw on Congress for the Amt. The Goods will be very high tho' I shall stand at a small matter. I have it in contemplation to despatch a messenger to Havanah & Orleans to negotiate a Loan of money to Virginia. Pray what think you of it? Pray keep it [safe] & mention it to no one. Your Sentiments may help me out on the Subject. Our Credit is almost gone. I was fatal to omit taxing when you proposed it. Will you send me a copy of a Letter recd. from Orleans by the Committee (I believe) of secret correspondence? Gibsons Trip may be improved to great purposes. Ive proposed to Establish a post at [2] the mouth of Ohio if the Spaniards will bring the Goods there in their own Bottoms. I've Sent Letters to Havanah & Orleans by an agent, who is to try the experiment of a round by sea. If the Northern Army can arrive at Delaware Howe may possibly be embarrassed, & so a prospect open for that secret [] of [] which yr. incessant & distinguished Labors so richly deserve. I shall tell you of Mr. [] in a Letter to the delegates & that I have so long kept the Express. Adieu my dear Sir. Comend me to Colo. Frank & believe me
yr. affectionate servant
P. Henry
P.S. After keepin of Express 'til the 15th. I send him away at last without the Resolution respecting Mr. []. The lower House has resolved to allow that [] pr. Ann. as director of a military Academy to teach Gunnery & Fortification. The Senate has not yet agreed to it. I think they will in a few Days, & then shall inform the Delegates of it. The Express will stay no longer
yrs &c
P.H.
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