tleman that we did from the
first, and still do, most cordially approve and commend his
conduct in that affair. The good people of this county will
never fail to approve and support him to the utmost of their
powers in every action derived from so rich a source as the
love of his country. We heartily thank him for stepping
forth to convince the tools of despotism that freeborn men
are not to be intimidated, by any form of danger, to submit
to the arbitrary acts of their rulers."[192]

On the 10th of July, the county of Fincastle prolonged the strain of
public affection and applause by assuring Patrick Henry that it would
support and justify him at the risk of life and fortune.[193]

In the mean time, the second Continental Congress had already convened
at Philadelphia, beginning its work on the 10th of May. The journal
mentions the presence, on that day, of all the delegates from
Virginia, excepting Patrick Henry, who, of course, had been delayed in
his preparations for the journey by the events which we have just
described. Not until the 11th of May was he able to set out from his
home; and he was then accompanied upon his journey, to a point beyond
the borders of the colony, by a spontaneous escort of armed men,--a
token, not only of the popular love for him, but of the popular
anxiety lest Dunmore should take the occasion of an unprotected
journey to put him under arrest. "Yesterday," says a document dated
at Hanover, May the 12th, 1775, "Patrick Henry, one of the delegates
for this colony, escorted by a number of respectable young gentlemen,
volunteers from this and King William and Caroline counties, set out
to attend the General Congress. They proceeded with him as far as Mrs.
Hooe's ferry, on the Potomac, by whom they were most kindly and
hospitably entertained, and also provided with boats and hands to
cross the river; and after partaking of this lady's beneficence, the
bulk of the company took their leave of Mr. Henry, saluting him with
two platoons and repeated huzzas. A guard accompanied that worthy
gentleman to the Maryland side, who saw him safely landed; and
committing him to the gracious and wise Disposer of all human events,
to guide and protect him whilst contending for a restitution of our
dearest rights and liberties, they wished him a safe journey, and
happy return to his family and friends."[194]

FOOTNOTES:

[165] _Works of John Adams_, ii. 415-417.