Henry, Patrick, as Governor of Virginia

Autograph letter signed ("P. Henry"), 1 1/2 pages plus integral address leaf (7 3/4 x 6 in.; 196 x 152 mm), [Williamsburg, VA?], 25 May 1779, to Benjamin Harrison, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates; formerly folded, two small seal stains on address leaf which is inlaid, small hole from ink deterioration in the signature flourish affecting 3 letters.

Simon Shwartz (sale, Anderson's Gallery, 8 November 1926, lot 349) — Louis J. Kolb (sale, William D. Morley, 17 November 1941, lot 110) — Allyn Kellogg Ford Collection (Swann Galleries, 17 April 2012, lot 28)

formerly folded, two small seal stains on address leaf which is inlaid.
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The capture of two spies including "... a dangerous woman ... with some wicked intention."

Writing during his last week as Governor of Virginia, Henry informs the Speaker of the captures as an example to help define the separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branch: "A certain Zechariah Snead was detected going secretly to the British flag-vessells, and being examined, and found to lay under very strong suspicions of disaffection, has been order to goal — A few days ago a Person calling herself Letitia Fitzgerald appeared in this city: her Husband, she pretends is the eldest Son of the Duke of Leinster, was apprehended in Nansemond County and was under examination for treasonable practices, when the enemy entered Suffolk and released him. A great variety of circumstances concur to induce a belief that this is a dangerous Woman, and that she came hither with some wicked intention. She was therefore sent to goal also."

"The Executive having, in these two Instances, exercised a Power not expressly given them by Law; I take this Method of informing the Legislature of it, and have only to add that apprehension for the public safety is the sole reason for the proceeding."