Patrick Henry Case
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On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry stood before a meeting of Virginia delegates in the St. Johns Church in Richmond. The convention had opened three days earlier to decide whether Virginia would prepare for armed resistance to the British. The British had started to build up their military in Massachusetts. Patrick Henrys speech was a call to action to his fellow Virginians. Patrick Henry wanted his fellow Virginians to not be seduced by empty promises of reconciliation with Britain. He urged action in the name of freedom “Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free we must fight!-I repeat it, sir, we must fight!!” Patrick Henry had served Virginians diligently and would not stand by and not obtain independence from Britain as other delegates chose to do. Patrick Henry didnt want to set back and hope things would change. Patrick Henry knew that the only way they would go forward would be to take up arms against Britain. Patrick Henry was a very influential speaker and leader and Patrick Henry knew his words would be well heard by those there. Patrick Henry wanted the Virginia militia to arm themselves. Patrick Henry was there leader and the one of the Founding Fathers. When Patrick Henry spoke, people listened.
Patrick Henry justified his words and actions because they had tried waiting and hoping for change to and from Britain. “Has Great Britain any enemy in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years.” Britain was building up all the military and Patrick Henry knew the purpose was to rage war on them and would not stand by and wait any longer the time had come to stand firm. The independence of everyone there was at hand. Patrick Henry reminded them where they had come from and what was at hand. Patrick Henry justified his statements by knowing if they waited they would defeated by Britain, Patrick Henry pointed out the obvious in a way that brought to light the fight that was to come.
Patrick Henry addresses the concerns of the delegates who did not agree with him. Patrick Henry knew his fellow delegates fear of waging their independence against Britain. Patrick Henry also realized that there was also concern of how the newly established colonies would withstand against Britain. These fears were well minded but the independence and liberty was what we needed to become a great nation. ” They tell us, sir, that we are weak-unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? … There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come!! I repeat it, sir, let it come!!!” Patrick Henry lets the delegates know that they cannot put off the ineffable. Britain is already at their doors and Britain has already attached the chains that will keep them bound as a nation. Patrick Henry let them know that the only way to break these chains was to fight for independence.” It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace-but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!-I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Patrick Henry said there was distinction we are all Americans we are no longer Virginians, New Yorkers, Philadelphians and New Englanders we must stand together to take hold of what is ours.
Patrick Henry was a man of principal. Patrick Henry was a lawyer, landowner, husband and father but one of his greatest attributes was that of speech. Patrick Henry was not a man who would just set back and wait for change. Patrick Henry was the kind of man who was not afraid to take action. Patrick Henry lead Virginia as a founding father and he was not and would not allow Britain to take over. Patrick Henry knew that if they waited any longer and did not fight that Britain would be so strong in military they would not have a glimmer of hope. Patrick Henrys speech made the difference in the American Revolution.