ion laid out in gunpowder for the colony's use,
and to be stored as they shall direct, until the next colony
convention or General Assembly; unless it shall be
necessary, in the mean time, to use the same in defence of
this colony. It is agreed, that in case the next convention
shall determine that any part of the said money ought to be
returned to his majesty's receiver-general, that the same
shall be done accordingly.

PATRICK HENRY, JUNIOR.[181]

The chief object for which Patrick Henry and his soldiers had taken
the trouble to come to that place having been thus suddenly
accomplished, there was but one thing left for them to do before they
should return to their homes. Robert Carter Nicholas, the treasurer of
the colony, was at Williamsburg; and to him Patrick Henry at once
despatched a letter informing him of the arrangement that had been
made, and offering to him any protection that he might in consequence
require:--

May 4, 1775.

SIR,--The affair of the powder is now settled, so as to
produce satisfaction in me, and I earnestly wish to the
colony in general. The people here have it in charge from
the Hanover committee, to tender their services to you as a
public officer, for the purpose of escorting the public
treasury to any place in this colony where the money would
be judged more safe than in the city of Williamsburg. The
reprisal now made by the Hanover volunteers, though
accomplished in a manner least liable to the imputation of
violent extremity, may possibly be the cause of future
injury to the treasury. If, therefore, you apprehend the
least danger, a sufficient guard is at your service. I beg
the return of the bearer may be instant, because the men
wish to know their destination.

With great regard, I am, sir,
Your most humble servant,
PATRICK HENRY, JUNIOR.

TO ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esq., Treasurer.[182]

Patrick Henry's desire for an immediate answer from the respectable
Mr. Nicholas was gratified, although it came in the form of a
dignified rebuff: Mr. Nicholas "had no apprehension of the necessity
or propriety of the proffered service."[183]

No direct communication seems to have bee