September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
HENRY, Patrick (1736-1799) American patriot and lawyer from Virginia. Henry was a member of the first Continental Congress. He acted as governor of Virginia during the war. He was dissatisfied with the federal constitution and opposed its ratification in 1788. He is best known for his "Give me liberty, or give me death." Autograph Letter Signed "P.Henry," 1pp., 6-1/2" x 7-3/4." In large part, "P. Edward, Jan. 12, 1790, Dear Sir, John Hurt has been here & has not hired any negroes. They went so high that he would not give the prices, nor does he know where to get any that will suit - I having tried but to no purpose ... A women & 2 children are offered for L6 - I think it too much, especially as corn is scarce... I refer you to my last by T. Walker for the Yazoo Affair. W. Ross failing to come up has prevented our having a meeting yet - Next Monday I hope we shall & conclude upon the steps necessary for treating with the Indians & paying the money to the State of Georgia. The latter puzzles me very much & I must sell some Negroes or some Tobacco, or contrive some way to make out my part....." In 1789 three companies, The South Carolina Yazoo Company, The Virginia Yazoo Company, and the Tennessee Company were formed to buy land from the Georgia legislature. Governor Telfair signed a deal to sell 20,000,000 acres of land to the Yazoo companies for $207,000, or about 1 cent per acre. The deal fell through when the companies attempted to pay with worthless old currency. The Virginia Yazoo Company was headed by Patrick Henry.
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