ALS signed “P. Henry,” one page, 6.5 x 7, August 13, 1790. Letter to Judge St. George Tucker, in part: “Finding Mr. Francisco going down I trouble you with this on the Subject of your Land in Cumberland. Its particular Situation in the Hands of Tenants who seem determin'd to ruin it if possible, induces me to conjecture you might wish to exchange it for other Lands that are free from any disagreeable Engagement or Incumbrance—I have therefore prevailed on Mr. Francisco to be so good as to wait on you with this & to know your Sentiments on the Subject—I propose to have your Land valued by men of Integrity & Judgemt., & in Exchange to give you Lands of equal Value, which Value I propose shall be ascertained by men of the Same Description, & agreeable to both of us—The lands I offer are as follows viz: 3—to 4000 Acres in Norfolk—about 1200 Acres near Cape Henry including the Woods at the Cape—1700 Acres in P. Edward tolerably improved—5—or 6300 at Leatherwood—5000 at Kentucky—a large Quantity in No. Carolina low down—8000 of it finely timbered on Navigation on the little Pedee.” Also addressed on the reverse of the second integral page in Henry’s hand. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and a trimmed top edge.
Judge Tucker was in attendance at the Second Virginia Convention when Henry gave the address that featured his immortal quote, ‘Give me liberty or give me death!’ No transcripts or stenographer's records of the proceedings were kept, and Judge Tucker’s recollections of the speech were the chief source for its reconstruction in William Wirt’s 1817 biography of Henry. Such lengthy handwritten letters by Henry are scarce, and the importance of his correspondent in shaping America’s memory of the founding father elevates this piece to the upper echelon of desirability. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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