Henry's Law Office

Henry's Law Office. Patrick Henry's Red Hill. When Patrick Henry purchased Red Hill from Richard Marot Booker in 1794, he turned the overseer's quarters on the property into his law office and study. Through his successful law practice in the district courts, he had paid most of his debts by the time he settled at Red Hill. Though he no longer rode the circuit after 1794, he continued to dispense legal opinions and handle cases on a limited scale until shortly before his death. He also counseled young lawyers in law while at Red Hill., In the main room, Patrick Henry recorded his plantation expenses and credits in his ledger book, composed letters to family members, clients, and friends, which included a letter to President Washington, declining the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He also educated his children in a variety of subjects including mathematics, geography, history, poetry, and religion. A devout Christian, Patrick Henry retired to his office at the end of each day for an hour of prayer and meditation., In the office, there is a framed copy of the entry in the court order book evidencing Patrick Henry's right to practice law in Goochland County. George Wythe and John Randolph conducted Henry's examination and signed his license in 1760. Henry continued to practice law until tension with England led to the closure of the courts in 1774. He resumed his law practice when not serving as governor., The reproduction of Patrick Henry's "map table" has arms that fold out to view large documents., Patrick Henry likely acquired the original from his father, John Henry, who was a surveyor. On the all above the map table hands a coy of John Henry's 1770 map of Virginia. Maps were often glued to linen which allowed them to be rolled up and stored away when not in use., At Red Hill, Patrick Henry had over 200 books in his library. The book press, like the one on display, was used to help keep the binding of books from warping in Virginia's humid climate. Referred to as the "bachelor quarters", the room on the right is where the Henry's older sons and nephew slept. The chamber could also be turned into a guest room for visitors., In this room are authentic rope beds with feather mattresses, a period, wooden store bench, and a framed map of South America. The maps are representative of the maps Patrick henry kept in his inventory, which he used to teach his children geography.