henry-town

Updated: July 20, 2025

A desertion of many from the several companies did follow; boisterous fellows resisting, and swearing they would not leave their county.... What a finesse of popularity was this?... As soon as the regiments were gone, this great man found an interest with the council of state, perhaps timorous as himself, to issue orders for the militia of twenty-six counties, and five companies of a minute battalion, to march to Williamsburg, to protect him only against his own fears; and to make this the more popular, it was endeavored that the House of Delegates should give it a countenance, but, as good luck would have it, it was with difficulty refused. ... Immediately then, ... a bill is brought in to remove the seat of government, some say, up to Hanover, to be called Henry-Town."

Moses Coit Tyler - Patrick Henry