Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-08-13
ALEXANDRIA:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUG l3, 1884
INTERESTING LETTER.

We have been favored with the original copy
Of the following interesting letter, never before
published, written by George Mason, OF 'irgl-
MIA. one OF the purest patriots and most saga
cious men of his times 1t is chiefly valuable a.
containing brief, but well drawn, sketch o:
the character Of Patrick Henry, another OF The
great men of Virginia From the date OF the
letter (l774) ii will be seen, that even at that
early period. before Mr.. Henry had become Sc
distinguished and popular, his abilities and eo-
quence had been Ioted by MIR. Mason, who die
not hesitate 10 consider him the first man up
on the continent" The letter was written BIZ
Mr.. Mason to neghbor of his, Mr.. Cockbura,
and has been carefully preserved until this time
WILLIAMSBURG. Nav 26th IVA
Dpar Sir arrived here on Sunday morn
ing last; but found every bodys attention so en-.
tirely engrossed by the Boston Affair, that
have as vet done nothing respecting my Char.
ter Rights, and am afraid shall not this week
A dissolution Of the House Of Burgcsses is ge
nerally expected, but think will not happen
before the House has gone through the public
business which will be late in June.
Whatever resolves or measures are intended
! for the preservation Of our rights and Liberties
| will be reserved for the conclusion of the SrS
sion. Matters of that sort here are conducted
! and prepared with good deal of privacy, ami
| bv very few members of whom Patrick Henry i
| the principal. At the request OF the gentlemen
! concerned, I have spent an evening with them
upon the subject-when ] had an opportunity
| oe conversing with Mr. Henry and knowing his
sentiments. as well as hearing him speak in the
House since on different occasions. He is by
far the most powerful speaker ever heard: eve
nv word he says not only engages, but com
mands attention; and your passions are no long
or your own when he addresses them. But his
eoouence is the smallest part of his merit. He
is. in my opinion, the first man upon this cont
nent, as well in abilities as public virtue: and
had he lived at Rome about the time of the first
Punic War, when the Roman people had arrv
ed at their meridian glory, and their virtue not
vet furnished, Mr. Henry's talents must have
placed him at the mead of that glorious Com
monwealth.
Enclosed you have the Boston TRADE Act, ami
a resolve Of our House of Burgesses. You vii!
observe it is confined to the members OF their
own House; but they would wish to see the cX-
ample followed through the cOnntry-for which
purpose the members are, at their own private
expense sending expresses with the resolve to
their respective counties. Mr.. Massey will re-
ceive a copy of the resolve from Col. Washing
ton; and should day Of prayer and fasting be
appointed in our county, please to tell my dear
little family that charge them to pay strict at.
tention TO il. and that | desire my three eldest
sons and nv two eldest daughters may attend
the Church in mourning, if they have it. as |
believe they have.
I begin to grow heartily tired Of this town,
and hope to be able to leave il some time next
week; but Of this can't yet be certain
beg to be tenderly remembered to my chill
dren. and am, with my compliments to my cou'
sins and YOURSELF
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate and ob'dt serr''
G. MASON.