THE RAPE OF THE GUNPOWDER
Several of the famous men of the Revolution, whose distinction is now
exclusively that of civilians, are supposed to have cherished very
decided military aspirations; to have been rather envious of the more
vivid renown acquired by some of their political associates who left
the senate for the field; and, indeed, to have made occasional efforts
to secure for themselves the opportunity for glory in the same pungent
and fascinating form. A notable example of this class of Revolutionary
civilians with abortive military desires, is John Hancock. In June,
1775, when Congress had before it the task of selecting one who should
be the military leader of the uprisen colonists, John Hancock, seated
in the president's chair, gave unmistakable signs of thinking that the
choice ought to fall upon himself. While John Adams was speaking in
general terms of the military situation, involving, of course, the
need of a commander-in-chief, Hancock heard him "with visible
pleasure;" but when the orator came to point out Washington as the man
best fitted for the leadership, "a sudden and striking change" came
over the countenance of the president. "Mortification and resentment
were expressed as forcibly as his face could exhibit them;"[165] and
it is probable that, to the end of his days, he was never able
entirely to forgive Washington for having carried off the martial
glory that he had really believed to be within his own reach. But even
John Adams, who so pitilessly unveiled the baffled military desires of
Hancock, was perhaps not altogether unacquainted with similar emotions
in his own soul. Fully three weeks prior to that notable scene in
Congress, in a letter to his wife in which he was speaking of the
amazing military spirit then running through the continent, and of the
military appointments then held by several of his Philadelphia
friends, he exclaimed in his impulsive way, "Oh that I were a soldier!
I will be."[166] And on the very day on which he joined in the escort
of the new generals, Washington, Lee, and Schuyler, on their first
departure from Philadelphia for the American camp, he sent off to his
wife a characteristic letter revealing something of the anguish with
which he, a civilian, viewed the possibility of his being at a
disadvantage with these military men in the race for glory:--
"The three generals were all mounted on horseback,
accompanied by Major Mifflin, who is gone in the character
of aide-de-camp. All the delegates from the Massachusetts,
with their servants and carriages, attended. Many others of
the delegates from the Congress; a large troop of light
horse in their uniforms; many officers of militia, besides,
in theirs; music playing, etc., etc. Such is the pride and
pomp of war. I, poor creature, worn out with scribbling for
my bread and my liberty, low in spirits and weak in health,
must leave to others to wear the laurels which I have sown;
others to eat the bread which I have earned."[167]
Of Patrick Henry, however, it may be said that his permanent fame as
an orator and a statesman has almost effaced the memory of the fact
that, in the first year of the war, he had considerable prominence as
a soldier; that it was then believed by many, and very likely by
himself, that, having done as much as any man to bring on the war, he
was next to do as much as any man in the actual conduct of it, and was
thus destined to add to a civil renown of almost unapproached
brilliance, a similar renown for splendid talents in the field. At any
rate, the "first overt act of war" in Virginia, as Jefferson
testifies,[168] was committed by Patrick Henry. The first physical
resistance to a royal governor, which in Massachusetts was made by the
embattled farmers at Lexington and Concord, was made in Virginia
almost as early, under the direction and inspiration of Patrick
Henry's leadership. In the first organization of the Revolutionary
army in Virginia, the chief command was given to Patrick Henry.
Finally, that he never had the opportunity of proving in battle
whether or not he had military talents, and that, after some months of
nominal command, he was driven by a series of official slights into an
abandonment of his military career, may have been occasioned solely by
a proper distrust of his military capacity on the part of the Virginia
Committee of Safety, or it may have been due in some measure to the
unslumbering jealousy of him which was at the time attributed to the
leading members of that committee. The purpose of this chapter, and of
the next, will be to present a rapid grouping of these incidents in
his life,--incidents which now have the appearance of a mere episode,
but which once seemed the possible beginnings of a deliberate and
conspicuous military career.
Within the city of Williamsburg, at the period now spoken of, had long
been kept the public storehouse for gunpowder and arms. In the dead of
the night[169] preceding the 21st of April, 1775,--a little less than
a month, therefore, after the convention of Virginia had proclaimed
the inevitable approach of a war with Great Britain,--a detachment of
marines from the armed schooner Magdalen, then lying in the James
River, stealthily visited this storehouse, and, taking thence fifteen
half-barrels of gunpowder,[170] carried them off in Lord Dunmore's
wagon to Burwell's Ferry, and put them on board their vessel. Of
course, the news of this exploit flew fast through the colony, and
everywhere awoke alarm and exasperation. Soon some thousands of armed
men made ready to march to the capital to demand the restoration of
the gunpowder. On Tuesday, the 25th of April, the independent company
of Fredericksburg notified their colonel, George Washington, that,
with his approbation, they would be prepared to start for Williamsburg
on the following Saturday, "properly accoutred as light-horsemen," and
in conjunction with "any other bodies of armed men who" might be
"willing to appear in support of the honor of Virginia."[171]
Similar messages were promptly sent to Washington from the independent
companies of Prince William[172] and Albemarle counties.[173] On
Wednesday, the 26th of April, the men in arms who had already arrived
at Fredericksburg sent to the capital a swift messenger "to inquire
whether the gunpowder had been replaced in the public magazine."[174]
On Saturday, the 29th,--being the day already fixed for the march upon
Williamsburg,--one hundred and two gentlemen, representing fourteen
companies of light-horse, met in council at Fredericksburg, and, after
considering a letter from the venerable Peyton Randolph which their
messenger had brought back with him, particularly Randolph's assurance
that the affair of the gunpowder was to be satisfactorily arranged,
came to the resolution that they would proceed no further at that
time; adding, however, this solemn declaration: "We do now pledge
ourselves to each other to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to
reassemble, and by force of arms to defend the law, the liberty, and
rights of this or any sister colony from unjust and wicked
invasion."[175]
It is at this point that Patrick Henry comes upon the scene. Thus far,
during the trouble, he appears to have been watching events from his
home in Hanover County. As soon, however, as word was brought to him
of the tame conclusion thus reached by the assembled warriors at
Fredericksburg, his soul took fire at the lamentable mistake which he
thought they had made. To him it seemed on every account the part of
wisdom that the blow, which would have to be "struck sooner or later,
should be struck at once, before an overwhelming force should enter
the colony;" that the spell by which the people were held in a sort of
superstitious awe of the governor should be broken; "that the military
resources of the country should be developed;" that the people should
be made to "see and feel their strength by being brought out together;
that the revolution should be set in actual motion in the colony; that
the martial prowess of the country should be awakened, and the
soldiery animated by that proud and resolute confidence which a
successful enterprise in the commencement of a contest never fails to
inspire."[176]
Accordingly, he resolved that, as the troops lately rendezvoused at
Fredericksburg had forborne to strike this needful blow, he would
endeavor to repair the mistake by striking it himself. At once,
therefore, he despatched expresses to the officers and men of the
independent company of his own county, "requesting them to meet him in
arms at New Castle on the second of May, on business of the highest
importance to American liberty."[177] He also summoned the county
committee to meet him at the same time and place.
At the place and time appointed his neighbors were duly assembled; and
when he had laid before them, in a speech of wonderful eloquence, his
view of the situation, they instantly resolved to put themselves under
his command, and to march at once to the capital, either to recover
the gunpowder itself, or to make reprisals on the king's property
sufficient to replace it. Without delay the march began, Captain
Patrick Henry leading. By sunset of the following day, they had got as
far as to Doncastle's Ordinary, about sixteen miles from Williamsburg,
and there rested for the night. Meantime, the news that Patrick Henry
was marching with armed men straight against Lord Dunmore, to demand
the restoration of the gunpowder or payment for it, carried
exhilaration or terror in all directions. On the one hand, many
prudent and conservative gentlemen were horrified at his rashness,
and sent messenger after messenger to beg him to stay his fearful
proceeding, to turn about, and to go home.[178] On the other hand, as
the word flew from county to county that Patrick Henry had taken up
the people's cause in this vigorous fashion, five thousand men sprang
to arms, and started across the country to join the ranks of his
followers, and to lend a hand in case of need. At Williamsburg, the
rumor of his approach brought on a scene of consternation. The wife
and family of Lord Dunmore were hurried away to a place of safety.
Further down the river, the commander of his majesty's ship Fowey was
notified that "his excellency the Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia,"
was "threatened with an attack at daybreak, ... at his palace at
Williamsburg;" and for his defence was speedily sent off a detachment
of marines.[179] Before daybreak, however, the governor seems to have
come to the prudent decision to avert, by a timely settlement with
Patrick Henry, the impending attack; and accordingly, soon after
daybreak, a messenger arrived at Doncastle's Ordinary, there to tender
immediate satisfaction in money for the gunpowder that had been
ravished away.[180] The troops, having already resumed their march,
were halted; and soon a settlement of the trouble was effected,
according to the terms of the following singular document:--
DONCASTLE'S ORDINARY, NEW KENT, May 4, 1775.
Received from the Honorable Richard Corbin, Esq., his
majesty's receiver-general, L330, as a compensation for the
gunpowder lately taken out of the public magazine by the
governor's order; which money I promise to convey to the
Virginia delegates at the General Congress, to be under
their direction laid out in gunpowder for the colony's use,
and to be stored as they shall direct, until the next colony
convention or General Assembly; unless it shall be
necessary, in the mean time, to use the same in defence of
this colony. It is agreed, that in case the next convention
shall determine that any part of the said money ought to be
returned to his majesty's receiver-general, that the same
shall be done accordingly.
PATRICK HENRY, JUNIOR.[181]
The chief object for which Patrick Henry and his soldiers had taken
the trouble to come to that place having been thus suddenly
accomplished, there was but one thing left for them to do before they
should return to their homes. Robert Carter Nicholas, the treasurer of
the colony, was at Williamsburg; and to him Patrick Henry at once
despatched a letter informing him of the arrangement that had been
made, and offering to him any protection that he might in consequence
require:--
May 4, 1775.
SIR,--The affair of the powder is now settled, so as to
produce satisfaction in me, and I earnestly wish to the
colony in general. The people here have it in charge from
the Hanover committee, to tender their services to you as a
public officer, for the purpose of escorting the public
treasury to any place in this colony where the money would
be judged more safe than in the city of Williamsburg. The
reprisal now made by the Hanover volunteers, though
accomplished in a manner least liable to the imputation of
violent extremity, may possibly be the cause of future
injury to the treasury. If, therefore, you apprehend the
least danger, a sufficient guard is at your service. I beg
the return of the bearer may be instant, because the men
wish to know their destination.
With great regard, I am, sir,
Your most humble servant,
PATRICK HENRY, JUNIOR.
TO ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esq., Treasurer.[182]
Patrick Henry's desire for an immediate answer from the respectable
Mr. Nicholas was gratified, although it came in the form of a
dignified rebuff: Mr. Nicholas "had no apprehension of the necessity
or propriety of the proffered service."[183]
No direct communication seems to have been had at that time with Lord
Dunmore; but two days afterward his lordship, having given to Patrick
Henry ample time to withdraw to a more agreeable distance, sent
thundering after him this portentous proclamation:--
Whereas I have been informed from undoubted authority that a
certain Patrick Henry, of the county of Hanover, and a
number of deluded followers, have taken up arms, chosen
their officers, and styling themselves an independent
company, have marched out of their county, encamped, and put
themselves in a posture of war, and have written and
dispatched letters to divers parts of the country, exciting
the people to join in these outrageous and rebellious
practices, to the great terror of all his majesty's faithful
subjects, and in open defiance of law and government; and
have committed other acts of violence, particularly in
extorting from his majesty's receiver-general the sum of
three hundred and thirty pounds, under pretence of replacing
the powder I thought proper to order from the magazine;
whence it undeniably appears that there is no longer the
least security for the life or property of any man:
wherefore, I have thought proper, with the advice of his
majesty's council, and in his majesty's name, to issue this
my proclamation, strictly charging all persons, upon their
allegiance, not to aid, abet, or give countenance to the
said Patrick Henry, or any other persons concerned in such
unwarrantable combinations, but on the contrary to oppose
them and their designs by every means; which designs must,
otherwise, inevitably involve the whole country in the most
direful calamity, as they will call for the vengeance of
offended majesty and the insulted laws to be exerted here,
to vindicate the constitutional authority of government.
Given under my hand and the seal of the colony, at
Williamsburg, this 6th day of May, 1775, and in the
fifteenth year of his majesty's reign.
DUNMORE.
God save the king.[184]
Beyond question, there were in Virginia at that time many excellent
gentlemen who still trusted that the dispute with Great Britain might
be composed without bloodshed, and to whom Patrick Henry's conduct in
this affair must have appeared foolhardy, presumptuous, and even
criminal. The mass of the people of Virginia, however, did not incline
to take that view of the subject. They had no faith any longer in
timid counsels, in hesitating measures. They believed that their most
important earthly rights were in danger. They longed for a leader with
vigor, promptitude, courage, caring less for technical propriety than
for justice, and not afraid to say so, by word or deed, to Lord
Dunmore and to Lord Dunmore's master. Such a leader they thought they
saw in Patrick Henry. Accordingly, even on his march homeward from
Doncastle's Ordinary, the heart of Virginia began to go forth to him
in expressions of love, of gratitude, and of homage, such as no
American colonist perhaps had ever before received. Upon his return
home, his own county greeted him with its official approval.[185] On
the 8th of May, the county of Louisa sent him her thanks;[186] and on
the following day, messages to the same effect were sent from the
counties of Orange and Spottsylvania.[187] On the 19th of May, an
address "to the inhabitants of Virginia," under the signature of
"Brutus," saluted Patrick Henry as "his country's and America's
unalterable and unappalled great advocate and friend."[188] On the 22d
of May, Prince William County declared its thanks to be "justly due to
Captain Patrick Henry, and the gentlemen volunteers who attended him,
for their proper and spirited conduct."[189] On the 26th of May,
Loudoun County declared its cordial approval.[190] On the 9th of June,
the volunteer company of Lancaster County resolved "that every member
of this company do return thanks to the worthy Captain Patrick Henry
and the volunteer company of Hanover, for their spirited conduct on a
late expedition, and they are determined to protect him from any
insult that may be offered him, on that account, at the risk of life
and fortune."[191] On the 19th of June, resolutions of gratitude and
confidence were voted by the counties of Prince Edward and of
Frederick, the latter saying:--
"We should blush to be thus late in our commendations of,
and thanks to, Patrick Henry, Esquire, for his patriotic and
spirited behavior in making reprisals for the powder so
unconstitutionally ... taken from the public magazine, could
we have entertained a thought that any part of the colony
would have condemned a measure calculated for the benefit of
the whole; but as we are informed this is the case, we beg
leave ... to assure that gentleman that we did from the
first, and still do, most cordially approve and commend his
conduct in that affair. The good people of this county will
never fail to approve and support him to the utmost of their
powers in every action derived from so rich a source as the
love of his country. We heartily thank him for stepping
forth to convince the tools of despotism that freeborn men
are not to be intimidated, by any form of danger, to submit
to the arbitrary acts of their rulers."[192]
On the 10th of July, the county of Fincastle prolonged the strain of
public affection and applause by assuring Patrick Henry that it would
support and justify him at the risk of life and fortune.[193]
In the mean time, the second Continental Congress had already convened
at Philadelphia, beginning its work on the 10th of May. The journal
mentions the presence, on that day, of all the delegates from
Virginia, excepting Patrick Henry, who, of course, had been delayed in
his preparations for the journey by the events which we have just
described. Not until the 11th of May was he able to set out from his
home; and he was then accompanied upon his journey, to a point beyond
the borders of the colony, by a spontaneous escort of armed men,--a
token, not only of the popular love for him, but of the popular
anxiety lest Dunmore should take the occasion of an unprotected
journey to put him under arrest. "Yesterday," says a document dated
at Hanover, May the 12th, 1775, "Patrick Henry, one of the delegates
for this colony, escorted by a number of respectable young gentlemen,
volunteers from this and King William and Caroline counties, set out
to attend the General Congress. They proceeded with him as far as Mrs.
Hooe's ferry, on the Potomac, by whom they were most kindly and
hospitably entertained, and also provided with boats and hands to
cross the river; and after partaking of this lady's beneficence, the
bulk of the company took their leave of Mr. Henry, saluting him with
two platoons and repeated huzzas. A guard accompanied that worthy
gentleman to the Maryland side, who saw him safely landed; and
committing him to the gracious and wise Disposer of all human events,
to guide and protect him whilst contending for a restitution of our
dearest rights and liberties, they wished him a safe journey, and
happy return to his family and friends."[194]
FOOTNOTES:
[165] _Works of John Adams_, ii. 415-417.
[166] _Letters of John Adams to his Wife_, i. 40.
[167] _Letters of John Adams to his Wife_, i. 47, 48.
[168] _Works of Jefferson_, i. 116.
[169] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 1227.
[170] _Ibid._ iii. 390.
[171] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 387.
[172] _Ibid._ ii. 395.
[173] _Ibid._ ii. 442, 443.
[174] _Ibid._ ii. 426.
[175] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 443.
[176] Patrick Henry's reasons were thus stated by him at the time to
Colonel Richard Morris and Captain George Dabney, and by the latter
were communicated to Wirt, 136, 137.
[177] Wirt, 137, 138.
[178] Wirt, 141.
[179] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 504
[180] Cooke, _Virginia_, 432.
[181] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 540.
[182] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 541.
[183] _Ibid._
[184] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 516.
[185] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 540, 541.
[186] _Ibid._ ii. 529.
[187] _Ibid._ ii. 539, 540.
[188] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 641.
[189] _Ibid._ ii. 667.
[190] _Ibid._ ii. 710, 711.
[191] _Ibid._ ii. 938.
[192] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 1024.
[193] _Ibid._ ii. 1620, 1621. For notable comments on Patrick Henry's
"striking and lucky _coup de main_," see Rives, _Life of Madison_, i.
93, 94; _Works of Jefferson_, i. 116, 117; Charles Mackay, _Founders
of the American Republic_, 232-234; 327.
[194] 4 _Am. Arch._ ii. 541.