Patrick Henry to Wythe, 31 May 1777

Letter text, May 31, 1777

GOV. HENRY TO GEO. WYTHE, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

(From the Virginia State Archives.)

W^msburg May 31 1777.

Sir,

As there was no Manufactory of Iron in this State which was carried on to such an Extent, and to Purpose of such vast Importance as M^r Hunter’s near Fredericksburg I took the Liberty of promising him the Assistance of the Public in the Prosecution of his Works on a more enlarged Plan. In consequence of this M^r Hunter laid my Letter before M^r John Strode, his Manager, that he might enable him to inform me how far his Works were capable of answering my Expectations. This produced a Letter from Mr. Strode which Mr. Hunter has laid before the Council Board with a Memorial. The Subject of these Papers was of so much Consequence in this State, and Mr. Hunter himself so deserving of his attention of the Public, that I thought it my Duty to lay them before the General Assembly, who alone can enable him to carry on these extensive & valuable Works.

What must strongly recommend M^r Hunter is that he asks for no pecuniary Assistance, but merely for materials to work. He requires only what the Good of the State most evidently points out, which is to open mines within the same, and not to depend on our Neighbours [sic] for so necessary an Article as Iron. With great Regard I have the Honor to be

Sir,

Yr mo. ob^t & very hble Serv^t.

P. HENRY.

To the Hon^ble George Wythe, Esq.

Speaker of the House of Delegates.

[Endorsed:] Inclosing Hunters Memorial with other papers relative thereto.