The Virginia Gazette

Mr. PURDIE,

Envy will merit, as its shade pursue;
But, like the shadow, proves the Substance true.
POPE.

I was not surprised to see, in your last week's Gazette, the resignation of P. Henry, Esq; late commander in chief of all the Virginia forces, and colonel of the first regiment. From that great man's amiable disposition, his invariable perseverance in the cause of liberty, we apprehend that envy strove to bury in obscurity his martial talents. Fettered and confined with only an empty title, the mere echo of authority, his superior abilities lay inactive, nor could be exerted for his honour, or his country's good.

Virginia may truly boast, that in him she finds the able statesman, the soldier's father, the best of citizens, and liberty's dear friend. Clad with innocence, as in a coat of mail, he is proof against every serpentine whisper. The officers and soldiers who know him are rivetted to his bosom; when he speaks, all is silence; when he orders, they cheerfully obey; and in the field, under so sensible, so prudent an officer, though hosts oppose them, with shouts they meet their armed foe, the sure presages of victory and success.

Let us, my countrymen, with grateful hearts, remember that he carried off the standard of liberty, and defeated Grenville in his favourite stamp act.

While many dreaded, till with pleasing eye
Saw tyranny before brave Henry fly.

I am, Mr. Purdie, your friend, and a well-wisher to Virginia.

AN HONEST FARMER.