George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 5, 13th edition.

[175] only the interests of the clergy, and Henry made it

chap. IX.} 1763. Dec.

the cause of the people of America. The jury promptly rendered a verdict of a penny damages. A motion for a new trial was refused: an appeal was granted. But the verdict being received, there was no redress. The vast throng gathered in triumph round their champion, child of the yeomanry, who on that day had taught them to aspire to religious liberty and legislative independence. ‘The crime of which Henry is guilty,’ wrote one of the clergy, ‘is little, if any, inferior to that which brought Simon Lord Lovat to the block.’ For ‘the vindication of the king's injured honor and authority,’ they urged the punishment of the young Virginian, and a list was furnished of witnesses against him. But Patrick Henry knew not fear; nor did his success conquer his aversion to the old black letter of the law books. Though he removed to the county of Louisa, in quest of business, he loved the green wood better even than before, and would hunt deer for days together, taking his only rest under the trees; and as he strolled through the forest, with his ever ready musket in his hand, his serene mind was ripening for duty, he knew not how, by silent communion with nature.

The movement in Virginia was directed against

1764, Jan.

the prerogative. Vague rumors prevailed of new commercial and fiscal regulations, to be made by act of parliament;¹ and yet Americans refused to believe it possible that the British legislature would wilfully subvert their liberty. No remonstrance was prepared