Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-09-03

Mr.. Henry was followed by speaker
afterwards noted in our national history
| mean John Randolph, of Roanoke but
the aged orator did not remain To witness
the debut of his young opponent. Ran
doIph began by saying that he had admir-
ed that man more than any on whom the
sun had shone, but that now he was con-
strained to differ with him toto c@io. But
Randolph was suffering with the hoarse-
ness of cold, and could scarcely utter an
audible sentence. All that is alleged in
the Encyclopedia, about Henry's return,
ing to the platform, and replying with ex-
traordnary effect, is pure fabrication. The
fact is as above stated. Henry returned
10 his house, as if unwilling to listen, and
requested a friend TO report TO him any
thing which might require an answer.
But he made no reply, nor did again pre-
sent himself 10 the people. was amidst
the crowd, standing near to Greed Taylor,
then an eminent LAWYER, and afterwards a
Judge; who made remarks to those around
him during the speech, declaring, among
other things, that the old man was in his
dotage. 1t is much TO be regretted that a
statement so untrue should be perpetuated
in work of such value and celebrity.
Patrick Henry had several sisters, with
one of whom, the wife uf Col. Meredith.
of New Glasgow. was acquainted. Mrs.
Meredith was not only a woman Of un-
ieigned piety, but was in my judgment as
eloquent as her'brolher; nor have ever
met with a lady who equalled her in pow
ers Of conversation.
At an early period of my ministry, it
became my duty to preach the funeral ser
mon of Mr.. James Hunt, of Montgomery
county, Maryland. The death occurred
at the house of son who lived on Stanton
river; Mr.. Elenry's residence, Red hill,
was a few miles distant, on the same river.
Having been long a friend of the deceased,
Mr.. Henry attended the funeral, and re-
NAMED to dine with the company. on
which occasion | was introduced To hlD
by Captain William Craghead, who had
been an elder in President Davies church.
These gentlemen had been friends IN Han
over, but had not met for many years.
The two old gentlemen mel with great
cordially, and seemed TO have high Ell
ioyment in talking of old times.
On the retrospect of so many years, |
may be permitted to express my views OF
the extraordinary effects of Henry elo-
quence. The remark is obvious, IN ap-
plica,on not only TO him but TO all grea
orators, that we cannot a'crIbe these Ell
fects merely to their intellectual conceP-
tons, or their cogent .easOnlngs, however
great; these conceptions ana reasons
when put on paper, often fall dead. 1hry
are often inferior to Tie arrangements "i
men whose utterancrs have lNic Impr"s'
sion. 1t has indeed been often said, hoth
of Whilcficld and Of Henry, that their dis
courses, when reduced TO writing, show
poorly bv the side of men who are no or
ators. Let me illustrate thlN, by The teH
,imonv Of one whom | remember as a
friend of my youth. General Posey was
4 revolutionary officer. who was second
IN command, under WAYNE, in the eXpe,
di;ion against the Indians man OF OBJ
Serya,ion and cool Judgment lie was IN
attendance on the debates OF that conven-
lion in which there were so many dis
pIays of deliberate el0qUencr. lIca,sur-
ed me that alter the hearing ot Patrick
IIenry's mos, celebrated speech in that
body. he felt himself as fully persuaded
,hat the constitution as adopted would be
our ruin. as of his own existence. Yet.
subsequent reflection restored his former
Judgment, aud his well-cons!dered opinion
resumed lis place.
The power of Henry's cloqnencc was
due. first, to the greatness of his emotion
and passion, accompanied with vcrsatlI-
itv which enabled him to assume at once
any emotion OF passion which was suited
10 his ends. Not less indispensable. Sec
oudIy. was malchless perfection of rhe
ORGANS of expression, including the entire
apparatus of voice, mlonauon. pause, geS-
,urc. attitude, and indeScrIbahe play ct
counIruarce. III ne instance dId he ever
indulge in an expression that was not IN
s,aniIv recognized as nature Itself, YET
some ofhi> penetrating aud snhdn'ng tones
were absolutely pecnlar, and as lnmlla'
bic as they were indescribable. These
were felt Ivy every hearer in all their force.
His mighie>t feelings were sometimes
indicated and communicated by long
pause. aided by an eloquent aspect, and
some significant use of his finger. The
sympathy between mind and mind is mex
nlrabIe. Where the channels of commn-
nication are open, the faculty revealing
inward passion great. and the expression
of !, sudden aud visible. the effects are a
,raordinarv. Let these shocks of inlln-
ence he repeated again and again, and all
...:.... ND iAans ..ra fnr - IN