The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-12-06
mr. or PATRTCK HENRY.
An Interesting Keminiscsnco of His Profes-
sionai Career.

hu AetninIbcenCe OF Ills PrOfes-
sionai Career.
Tor The Iimosl
The biography Of Patrick Henry by Writ
Henry is a work of distinguished merit. In
many respects II is an improvement upon tbe
sketches of Mr.. William Writ published in
the early part OF this century. Wlrt's hook
chiefly charms by the elegance of It's literary
finish. and dlsapp0lnts IN the meagreness of
tho information impaired Writ Henrv's
style Is equally good, and he gives us nearly
every incident IN the life of the orator that is
worthy OF being recorded. lie might per
haps have made his work more acceptable by
philosophical analysis of the character of a
man OF genius and by using tho lights of the
war between the States rather than the lights
of the Revolution.
Few students of history have failed 10 see
certain resemblances between Oliver Crom-
well and Patrick Henry. Both were obscure
III their youth and both were brought into
prominence 10y radical changes in political
thought Both became leaders of parties bv
showing greater abilities and courage than
their associates. Cromwell refused TO give
mp his military Office To take seat in the Par
Lament. while Henry resigned his commits
SION 10 act as Governor of Virginia. Here the
parallel stops and it would DO interesting TO
discuss why Henry preferred civil TO military
life. The abortlve efforts TO make him
dictator may furnish a key TO the mystery.
the subject, Why did his brother-in- law
make theatrical display Of republican fury2
Why did Henry DO So much To keen Washing
ton in command Of the army. while Others
were plotting TO put General Gates in his
place?
These are interesting inquiries but do not
purpose discussion III this paper. Ny main
object Is 10 narrnte an Incident IN the life of
Henry too briefly mentioned by lis bio
graphers.
In 1874 King n merchant of Fincnstle. was
assasslnated by Holland. a schoolmaster. The
two young men were friends until desire 10
WIN girl made them rival. There was no
open breach-they continued TO associate
and neither had beon heard 10 sneak mali
ciously Of tho other. One night some men
were passing by the store Of King. which WAS
closed. but u light shone through the window
OF The cOuntlng-rOOm. This caused them To
halt. and while standing still they heard a
cry OF anguish. then heavy fall upon the
noor ana then a man was seen r. rush ont and
hurry away. Upon entering the room the
witnesses were horrihed 10 SEQ King stretched
upon the floor, ms head split with a toIna-
hawk and the instrument OF death Iyins near
by. Holland was found in his bed. and when
arrested exhibited much excitement. Ue AZ
SeIteu entire innocence ind swOTe that Le had |
been IN bed since o'clock. il was about ~ |
oSiocA When the murder was committed.
latrck Henry appeared Tor the defense /
and john Breckinrdge acted AZ r,rossc,tar
As ,he witnesses testified the case crew darn /
anu CAREER Tor the accused When i. WAS
proposed by tho prosecution 10 exhibit tIe
D;io"5y garments Of King. Henry stoutlv re.
e,Sees hen the clothes were brought into
court, tne gha5ty sight affected many 70
Tears While others were ipdmlgin@ the ~
emotions Henry searched the pockets ami in
one i9und note rom the girl which lis
G T KING Henry argued from this that
nm IN mo more reason % kill Holland thsn
Holland bad to kill him. and tbat tna LIED
ehent invited the schoolmaster 10 his roo,o
aot leloh,Sus purpose. ana that in the alter
ca',on Holland overpowered his adye 49,.
S waa Killed HIM N selt-defense The reen;t
that th ssf"ie' Oh not guilty. Time proved
sas t1e glrl was cOquette and Rsd W.
sShhoognt OF marrying either of these la" m. no
, nne unlteo WIN gentleman who sttainad
prominence IN the councils Of the ns,; ssa'sied d
died upon the field Of honor. AA''on ana
JAMES 7. BOWEN.