The honorable gentleman there can say, that, when I went thither, no man was a stronger friend to such an union than myself. I informed you why I refused to sign.

"I understand not him who wishes to give a full scope to licentiousness and dissipation, who would advise me to reject the proposed plan, and plunge us into anarchy.

[Here his Excellency Governor Randolph read the conclusion of his public letter, (wherein he says, that notwithstanding his objections to the constitution, he would adopt it rather than lose the Union,) and proceeded to prove the consistency of his present opinion with his former conduct, when Mr. Henry arose, and declared that he had no personal intention of offending any one that he did his duty-but that he did not mean to wound the feelings of any gentleman—that he was sorry, if he offended the honorable gentleman without intending it—and that every gentleman had a right to maintain his opinion. His Excellency then said, that he was relieved by what the honorable gentleman said-that were it not for the concession of the gentleman, he would have made some men's hair stand on end by the disclosures of certain facts. Mr. Henry then requested, that if he had any thing to say against him to disclose it. His Excellency then continued-That, as there were some gentlemen there who might not be satisfied by the recantation of the honorable gentleman without being informed, he should give them some information on the subject. That his ambition had ever been to promote the union-that he was no more attached to it now than he always had beenand that he could, in some degree, prove it by the paper which he held in his hand, which was his public letter. He then read a considerable part of his letter, wherein he expressed his friendship to the union. He then informed the committee, that on the day of election of delegates to the convention for the county of Henrico, it being incumbent upon him to give his opinion, he told the respectable freeholders of that county his sentiments: that he wished not to become a member of that convention—that he had not attempted to create a belief that he would vote against the constitution-that he did really unfold to them his actual opinion, which was perfectly reconcileable with the suffrage he was going to give in favor of the constitution. He then read part of a letter which he had written to his constituents on the subject, which was expressive of sentiments amicable to an union with the other States. He then threw down the letter on the clerk's table, and declared that it might lie there for the inspection of the curious and malicious! ]

"He then proceeded thus-I am asked, why I have thought proper to patronize this government? Not because I am one of those illumined, but because the felicity of my country requires it. The highest honors have no allurements to charm If he be as little attached to public places as I am, he

me.

T

must be free from ambition. It is true that I am now in an elevated situation; but I consider it as a far less happy or eligible situation than that of an inconsiderable land-holder. Give me peace-I ask no more. I ask no honor or gratification. Give me public peace, and I will carve the rest for myself. The happiness of my country is my first wish. I think it necessary for that happiness, that this constitution be now adopted; for, in spite of the representation of the honorable gentleman, I see a storm growling over Virginia. No man has more respect for Virginia, or a greater affection for her citizens, than I have; but I cannot flatter you with a kinder or more agreeable representation, while we are surrounded by so many dangers, and when there is so much rancor in the hearts of your citizens."