ntinent bears ample testimony, while
she prosecutes her steady opposition to those destructive ministerial
measures which your eloquence first pointed out and taught to resent,
and your resolution led forward to resist." "We have the fullest
confidence in your abilities and the rectitude of your views; and
however willing the envious may be to undermine an established
reputation, we trust the day will come when justice shall prevail, and
thereby secure you an honorable and happy return to the glorious
employment of conducting our councils and hazarding your life in the
defence of your country." The imputation of envy was aimed at the
committee of safety as a body, or what is more probable, at some
individual or individuals of it, who were believed to be the secret
authors of that series of indignities which had driven Colonel Henry
from military life.[642:A] The people regarded the indignities shown to
their favorite as an effort to pinion the eagle, whose adventurous wing
had launched into the storm and cuffed the tempestuous clouds, while
others sat crouching in their conservative nests, mute and
thunderstruck.

In the mean time the troops remained quartered at Williamsburg.[642:B]
In a general order issued in March the soldiers were called upon to
devote themselves to their duty, to exert themselves in learning the
necessary discipline, to respect the persons and property of their
fellow-citizens; and the officers were exhorted to fit themselves and
the men for the high trust of defending the property and liberty of
their country.

FOOTNOTES:

[642:A] Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, 206.

[642:B] GENERAL ORDERS.--_Williamsburg, Headquarters, March 19th, 1776._

March 23. "The officers are desired to examine strictly into their
respective companies that no gaming be carried on of any kind
whatsoever. When there is any leisure time from their duties of the
camp, every one will be improving himself in the military service, and
not pass over in idleness, or business of a worse tendency, the
peaceable and precious hours now on hand. The officers will in every
respect attend to the morals of their men, and endeavor to train the
youths under their particular care, as well in a moral as in a military
way of life."

March 27. "The grand squad to turn out at three o'clock on the parade,
if the weather will permit; the awkward squad to turn out at seven
o'clock in the forenoon, likewise at three in the afternoon, and to