388 SKETCHES OF THE
This charge, however, had not deprived Mr. Henry of the confidence of his country; for in the session of the legislature which followed the date of his letter, he was for the third time, elected the governor of the state. The letter by which he declined the acceptance of that office is as follows:
" To the honourable, the speaker of the house of
delegates.
« Charlotte County, Nov. 29th, 1796,
'^ Sir,
" I have just received the honour of yours, inform- ing me of my appointment to the chief magistracy of the commonwealth. And I have to beg the favour of you sir, to convey to the general assembly, my best acknowledgments, and warmest gratitude for the signal honour they have conferred on me. I should be happy if I could persuade myself, that my abilities were com- mensurate to the duties of that office; but my declining years warn me of my inability.
" I beg leave therefore, to decline the appointment, and to hope and trust that the general assembly will be pleased to excuse me for doing so; as no doubt can be entertained that many of my fellow-citizens possess the requisite abilities for this high trust.
" With the highest regard, I am, sir, your most obe- dient servant,
" P. Henry/'
This was the last testimonial of public confidence which Mr. Henry received from his native state. The rumours of his pohtical apostacy became strong and
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