Speech in the Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry

About the Author

• Patrick Henry was known as "the Orator of Liberty" because of his speeches in support of American democracy.
• He advocated for the right to bear arms, supported states' rights, and owned slaves.
• He was married twice and had 16 children (6 with 1st wife, 10 with 2nd).
• Opposed British rule early, after the Stamp Act, as part of the Virginia legislature.
• Threatened the king: "Caesar has his Brutus, and George III has treason"
• Was an influential leader before and after the Revolution.
• He was born in Virginia, where his father was a prosperous landowner who educated him classically at home.
• His mother was also rich, but he went on his own at age 15.
• Admitted to the bar (lawyer) at age 24.
• Patrick Henry convinced the Colonies to wage war against Britain and organized a Virginia militia of the Continental Army.
• Helped write Virginia state constitution and Declaration of Rights, which had a big influence on the US Bill of Rights.
• Served as governor of Virginia and legislature.
• Rejected Washington's offers to be secretary of state and Supreme Court justice because he disliked the federal government.

Summary

• This speech, given at Virginia in 1775, convinced the assembled Colonial leadership to prepare for war with Britain.
• They were deliberating between peaceful solutions, but Patrick Henry respectfully said armed rebellion was the only way to solve the issues.
• This occurred, roughly, one year before the Declaration of Independence.
• Henry begins his speech respectfully and gives other ideas credit, making others listen to him and respect him back.
• He addresses the president of the Virginia Convention, Peyton Randolph.
• He considers the issue one of "freedom or slavery."
• He says the magnitude of the issue should correspond with the freedom of the debate so they can reach a truth.
• If he doesn't say his opinion, he thinks of himself as guilty of treason and disloyal towards God ("the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings").
• He says they're too hopeful, and will "listen to the song of the siren till she transforms us into beasts."
• The hope of peace is the siren, that will lead them to their demise like sirens did to pirates.
• In Homer's Odyssey, goddess Circe lures men to her island and transforms them to pigs ("beasts").
• They shouldn't be those who have eyes but "see not" or have ears but "hear not," a reference to the Bible (allusion).
• The only lamp by which he guides his feet is the lamp of experience, as he has no way of judging the future but the past.
• He says the British will betray them with a kiss, referencing Judas's betrayal from the Bible.
• He says the British's military actions show intent of war and subjugation (conquering).
• They're moving armies to North America, and it's for them.
• They have tried many things before, such as:
• Argument, for the last ten years, but have nothing new to offer as they have held the subject up in any light possible.
• Entreaty and humble supplication.
• Petitioned, but they have been slighted.
• Remonstrated, objecting and protesting strongly, but they have produced more violent and insults.
• Supplicated, but have been disregarded.
• Prostrated themselves before the throne, imploring to interposition to stop the tyrannical actions of the ministry and Parliament (begged the King for intervention), but have been spurned from the foot of the throne.
• They should fight if they want to "preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges" they've fought for.
• He also goes over some concerns and addresses them, such as:
• Some say they're weak, but when will they be stronger? British guards will probably be in their houses soon and they can't get stronger by doing nothing.
• He says they're not weak if they use what God gives them.
• There were 3 million people.
• He says they don't fight alone because God is on their side, as their cause is just, so God will make nations take their side.
• If they retreat, they're going into submission and slavery.
• He says their chains are forged, and speaks of their clanking (imagery).
• He says the war is inevitable, as it has begun.
• He says their brethren (brothers) are already in the field, referring to rebellions in Massachussets against the British.
• He ends by saying "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"