that even blindness itself should
hesitate in the choice.... Tell Marshall I love him, because
he felt and acted as a republican, as an American.... I am
too old and infirm ever again to undertake public concerns.
I live much retired, amidst a multiplicity of blessings from
that Gracious Ruler of all things, to whom I owe unceasing
acknowledgments for his unmerited goodness to me; and if I
was permitted to add to the catalogue one other blessing, it
should be, that my countrymen should learn wisdom and
virtue, and in this their day to know the things that
pertain to their peace. Farewell.

I am, dear Sir, yours,
PATRICK HENRY.[466]

The appeal from Archibald Blair, which evoked this impressive letter,
had suggested to the old statesman no effort which could not be made
in his retirement. Before, however, he was to pass beyond the reach of
all human appeals, two others were to be addressed to him, the one by
John Adams, the other by Washington, both asking him to come forth
into the world again; the former calling for his help in averting war
with France, the latter for his help in averting the triumph of
violent and dangerous counsels at home.

On the 25th of February, 1799, John Adams, shaking himself free of
his partisan counsellors,--all hot for war with France,--suddenly
changed the course of history by sending to the Senate the names of
these three citizens, Oliver Ellsworth, Patrick Henry, and William
Vans Murray, "to be envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary
to the French republic, with full powers to discuss and settle, by a
treaty, all controversies between the United States and France." In
his letter of the 16th of April declining the appointment, Patrick
Henry spoke of himself as having been "confined for several weeks by a
severe indisposition," and as being "still so sick as to be scarcely
able to write this." "My advanced age," he added, "and increasing
debility compel me to abandon every idea of serving my country, where
the scene of operation is far distant, and her interests call for
incessant and long continued exertion.... I cannot, however, forbear
expressing, on this occasion, the high sense I entertain of the honor
done me by the President and Senate in the appointment. And I beg you,
sir, to present me to them in terms of the most dutiful regard,
assuring them that t