The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-02-06
OF THE COUNTY OF ILLINOIS"
Aud What Patrick Henry Had to do
WIFE H.

Chicago. Feb. 5-Among the many
quaint and curious manuscripts docketed
in the safe archives of the Chicago His
torical society, none is more odd or more
closely interviewer with the beginnings of
the present state of Illinois than the cor
'respondence between .ohn Todd and Pa
trick Henry. The later settler Of Chicago
will arch his eyebrows at this mention of
the name of the man whose oratory in
spired the American revolutiontsts to
deeds of valor away back in l776, and will
ask: "NVhat had Patrick Henry to do
with the west? Was he not Virginian
whose labors were confined to the thir-
teen original colonies along the Atlantic
shoe?"
The questions are answered, and the
wider scope of Patrick Henrys work
shown by the Chicago Historical societys
original manuscripts, the authenticity of
which no one has reason to doubt.
In a book entitled EARLY Chicago and
Illinois," volume ", of the Chicago His
torical society's collection, appears a bio
graphical sketch of John Todd and cor
respondence between that dignitary and
Patrick Henry This interesting book
was compiled by Edward G. Mason, pres
idelt of the society.
In October 177S. the general assembly
of Virginia, passed IAN act for establish
ing the county Of Illinois and the more eff
fectual protection and defense thereof"
1t provides that all the citizens of Viz
einia settled on the western side of the
Ohio shall be included in q distinct coun-
~. to be called Illinois county. This
practically included the whole region af-
terward known as the Northwest Terri
tory. OF this county the governor of the
state was authorized tao appoint coun-
ty lieutenant, or commandant, who
could appoint and commission deputy
commandments. militia officers and COM
missarios. and pardon all offenses except
murder and treason.
On December II. IT'S. Patrick Henry. os
governor of Virginia, by virtue of the
aforesaid act. appointed John Todd conn
t. lieutenant. or commandant of the
r county of Illinois.
The original record book kept by Colo
mel Todd during his residence IN the coun-
~ of Illinois has been preserved to our
time by the merest chance. Colonel
foods record book. subsequently by the
vote of the commissioners of Randolph
county. was deposited with the Chicago
Historical society for safe keeping. The
soctet, also possesses such letters Of Col
onel John Todd and those associated with
HIM as could be found in the Canadian
and NirEi;sian archives.
Governor Een-ys letter 20 Todd sp-
roint!nC him county lieutenant follows in
full Those who may have imagined Pa
trick Henry a good speller and writer Of
literary accuracy must brace themselves
for q slight shock:
WIN. Burg. Deer I2th. us
TO JOHN Todd. EsQr
BY virtue q the act Of Genl Assembly
no!s you are appointed County Lieut.. or
Commando there. and for the general
te3nou- OF your Conduct 7 refur you g
the law.
The Grand Objects which are d.sclos-
sd to the View Of your countrymen will
prove Beneficial Or otherwise according 70
the Value and Abilities OF these who are
called 70 Direct the affairs % that re-
raote Country. The present crisis render
ed 50 favorable by the Good Disposition
q. he French and Indians nay ne In
provo by Great purposes. bCt Il IN
happily it should be lost rsturae o.
tt4a same EtiACtl@4tFll-S ~ " f-ics s-cN ~
h2ppcn. Considering therefore that ear
lev Proiudices are so hard 20 weare On;
you WI! Take Care 20 Cultivate and con-
csliate the affections % the French AID
Indians
Although Great reliance Is placed on
YOU prudence :n managing the people
vou arc 70 reside an1ouny. vet consider
YOU rs acquainted in some Degree with
Their Genius. usages and Maners. as well
J, as The Geography Of the Country. / re-
1 commend you 70 consult and advise VIII
sia most tntelisahie and upright persons
who nav fan in you- way. You are =
80 ra--ioilar Attention to Colo Clark
and his Corps, to whom the state has