envy. But I
please myself with the hope that the same fortitude and
greatness of mind, which have hitherto braved all the
difficulties and dangers inseparable from your station, will
rise superior to every attempt of the envious partisan. I
really cannot tell who is the writer of this letter, which
not a little perplexes me. The handwriting is altogether
strange to me.

To give you the trouble of this gives me pain. It would suit
my inclination better to give you some assistance in the
great business of the war. But I will not conceal anything
from you, by which you may be affected; for I really think
your personal welfare and the happiness of America are
intimately connected. I beg you will be assured of that high
regard and esteem with which I ever am, dear sir, your
affectionate friend and very humble servant.

Fifteen days passed after the dispatch of that letter, when, having as
yet no answer, but with a heart still full of anxiety respecting this
mysterious and ill-boding cabal against his old friend, Governor
Henry wrote again:--

PATRICK HENRY TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

WILLIAMSBURG, 5 March, 1778.

DEAR SIR,--By an express, which Colonel Finnie sent to camp,
I enclosed to you an anonymous letter which I hope got safe
to hand. I am anxious to hear something that will serve to
explain the strange affair, which I am now informed is taken
up respecting you. Mr. Custis has just paid us a visit, and
by him I learn sundry particulars concerning General
Mifflin, that much surprised me. It is very hard to trace
the schemes and windings of the enemies to America. I really
thought that man its friend; however, I am too far from him
to judge of his present temper.

While you face the armed enemies of our liberty in the
field, and by the favor of God have been kept unhurt, I
trust your country will never harbor in her bosom the
miscreant, who would ruin her best supporter. I wish not to
flatter; but when arts, unworthy honest men, are used to
defame and traduce you, I think it not amiss, but a duty, to
assure you of that estimation in which the public hold you.
Not that I think any testimony I can bear is necessary for
your support, or private satisfaction; for a bare
recollection of what is past must giv