WILLIAMSBURG, August 13, 1776.
Gentlemen,
I AM exceedingly obliged to you for your very kind address, and the favourable sentiments you are pleased to entertain respecting my conduct, and the principles which have directed it. My constant endeavour shall be to guard the rights of all my fellow citizens, from every encroachment.
I am happy to find a catholic spirit prevailing in our country, and that those religious distinctions which formerly produced some heats are now forgotten. Happy must every friend to virtue and America feel himself to perceive that the only contest among us, at this most critical and important period, is, who shall be foremost to preserve our religious and civil liberties.
My most earnest wish is, that christian charity, forbearance, and Love, may unite all our different persuasions, as brethren who must perish or triumph together; and I trust that the time is not far distant when we shall greet each other as the peacable possessors of that just and equal system of liberty adopted by the last Convention, and in support of which may GOD crown our arms with success.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
P. HENRY, jun.
Virginia Gazette (Dixon & Hunter) August 24, 1776
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About this entry:
This is the Governor Patrick Henry's response to the congratulations of the Baptist community. Letters such as these must have encouraged the convalescent recovering from malaria at his plantation, Scotchtown, north of Richmond in Hanover County. Henry was well enough to take up his office in Williamsburg by mid-September.
Sources: Mayer, 307-316
