ALS signed “P. Henry,” one page, 6.5 x 7.5, July 9, 1777. Letter to Richard Caswell, governor of North Carolina. In full: “I beg leave to mention the case of W.V. Delaporte a French gentleman to your Excellency. He was given to understand that several French men might be recruited in your state, & set out from hence on that Business. I am sorry to hear he is so unlucky as to get into a quarrel, the consequences of which I hear are serious. I shall esteem it a favor if you’ll please to take notice of him, & render him every proper assistance.” Henry also addressed the letter to Caswell on the reverse of the adjoined sheet in his own hand. Professional inlaid in an 8 x 9.5 sheet that allows viewing of both sides. Intersecting folds with old tape reinforcement to the back to prevent separation, one of the vertical folds passing through a single letter of the signature, and an overall shade of toning, with darker toning to taped areas, otherwise fine condition. The signature remains extremely bold, as does the letter.
After his accomplishments in the Virginia House of Burgesses and his participation in the first Continental Congress, the outspoken Patrick Henry was elected as the first governor of Virginia. A vital leader in the Revolution, he welcomed French soldiers to his numbers and also referred them to other militias in need of assistance. The French, anxious to fight against the British, proved to be an enormous asset to the American ranks; Lafayette, who landed in Philadelphia just three weeks after this letter was written, became one of Washington’s most trusted aides. Here Henry writes to North Carolina’s first governor regarding a Frenchman who left his company and was involved in a fight, “the consequences of which…are serious” before arriving to join the ranks there. Henry requests as a favor that Caswell “please take notice of him, & render him every proper assistance.” A mild-mannered and kind request from the reputably aggressive patriot, this is a wonderful war-dated letter penned in the hand of Virginia’s first governor. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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