Patrick Henry Reincarnated
Patrick Henry was an American revolutionary and one of the Founding Fathers. He played a significant role in shaping history through his powerful oratory.
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
Patrick Henry Biography
Patrick Henry (1736-1799), a renowned American patriot, made an indelible mark as Virginia’s first and fifth post-colonial Governor. Serving from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786, he is best remembered for his resounding words, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” Born in Hanover County, Virginia, Henry received a brief education in public school before his father, who possessed a solid education, became his teacher. Initially pursuing a career as a shopkeeper, he struggled as a businessman and soon found himself burdened with substantial debts. However, he turned his attention to studying law and obtained his attorney’s license in 1760, which enhanced his oratory skills necessary for courtroom arguments.
Henry’s 1764 election to the Virginia House of Burgesses catapulted him into leadership among the frontier people, challenging the established plantation aristocracy. His notable speech 1765 against the Stamp Act within the House of Burgesses is regarded as one of his greatest orations. In this speech, he fearlessly proclaimed, “Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.”
In 1774, Henry assumed the role of delegate to the First Continental Congress, followed by his election to the Second Continental Congress the next year. However, before the vote on the Resolution for Independence, he departed from Congress to become the Commander-in-Chief of Virginia’s militia. Recognizing his limitations and lack of military experience, he resigned from this position in February 1776. Shortly after, he joined the committee responsible for drafting the Virginia Constitution. Once Virginia dismantled its Royal Governor and established a constitutional government, Patrick Henry became the first Governor, residence in Williamsburg’s palace, previously occupied by English Royal Governors. As a diligent administrator, he worked tirelessly to resolve the myriad issues arising from the American Revolution. Henry recruited 6,000 men for the Continental Army and 5,000 men for the Virginia Militia. He ensured the Continental Army received essential provisions such as clothing, shoes, cattle, lead, and gunpowder. He won reelection in 1777, 1778, 1784, and 1785.
During his second term as Virginia Governor, Henry was pivotal in supplying the George Rogers Clark Expedition, which triumphantly captured the Northwest Territory from the British. In 1788, he served in the Virginia delegation tasked with ratifying the U.S. Constitution. Initially hesitant due to his concerns about potential encroachment on states’ rights, he eventually joined the Federalist Party and actively supported the Constitution. Henry’s significant contribution was instrumental in adopting the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights.
Due to his public service, Henry faced substantial debts. Consequently, he resumed his law practice in 1788 and swiftly gained recognition as a successful criminal lawyer. In 1794, he retired to his estate near Appomattox, Virginia. Despite being offered numerous prestigious positions, including U.S. Senator, Minister to Spain, Minister to France, Secretary of State in President Washington’s cabinet, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Henry declined all of them. In 1796, he was elected as Virginia Governor for the sixth time but declined to assume the office. Eventually, at the behest of his close friend George Washington, Henry ran for Representative in the Virginia State Legislature. However, he passed on June 6, 1799 (aged 63), before he could assume the position.
Give me liberty, or give me death!
One of Patrick Henry’s most famous speeches occurred on March 23, 1775, in St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. It encapsulated his unwavering commitment to freedom and resistance against British tyranny. In his speech, he declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” These stirring words inspired his fellow Virginians and resonated throughout the American colonies. It galvanized the revolutionary spirit.
Henry’s speeches had fiery rhetoric. His words give a deep understanding of the principles of liberty and self-governance. He believed that the power of the government should rest in the hands of the people. He opposed any form of tyranny or oppression. His unwavering conviction focused on the rights of individuals. His belief in the importance of standing up for those rights made him a champion of freedom during a time of great uncertainty.
Patrick Henry’s impact extended far beyond his lifetime. His ideas and principles continue to inspire generations of Americans to this day. His unwavering commitment to liberty championed his belief in the power of the people. His willingness to fight for what he believed set an example for future leaders and activists.
Partick Henry Reincarnated
Recently, I had a dream. In it, Patrick Henry delivered a new version of his 1775 “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. He dutifully addressed the totalitarian corporatocracy we live under today. Behold my reconstruction of that June 10, 2023, dream:
No person holds a higher opinion than me about the abilities of the very worthy Patriots who have spoken. Yet, it is common for different individuals to perceive the same matter in contrasting ways. Thus, I hope Patriots won’t find it disrespectful if I express my opposing views. There is no need for formalities at this moment. The issue at hand is of tremendous importance to our nation. I see it as nothing short of a choice between freedom and slavery. Considering the gravity of the subject, the debate should focus on utmost freedom. We can only uncover the truth and fulfill our immense responsibility for God and our country through open discussion. If I were to withhold my opinions now out of fear of offending, I would consider myself guilty. That is a betrayal of my country and showing disloyalty to the divine authority I hold in the highest regard, above all powers.
Patriots, it is human nature to cling to hopeful illusions. We often prefer to ignore painful truths and instead listen to the tempting promises that can lead us astray. But should the Patriots, involved in a significant and challenging fight for freedom, behave this way? Shouldn’t we be among those who can see and hear the things crucial to our well-being? No matter how distressing, I am ready to face the complete truth. I am willing to confront the worst-case scenario and make the necessary preparations for it.
I rely on my past experiences as a guide, my lamp illuminating the path ahead. To comprehend the future, I know no other way than to examine the past. Looking back, I am curious to understand what the government has done over the past decade. What justifies the hopeful sentiments expressed by Patriots in this house? Is it the crooked smile with which they recently received our petition? Don’t trust it, patriots; it will trap you. Do not allow yourselves to fall to the false displays of security and equity. Reflect on how this reception of our petition aligns with the tyrannical preparations. They shroud our communications and darken our land. Are armies of Federal police and nefarious collectivist influencers necessary for security and equity? Have we demonstrated such an unwillingness to reconcile that resistance might work? Let us not delude ourselves, Patriots. These are tools of domination, the final resort of demagogues.
I ask you, Patriots, what is the purpose of this tyrannical show if not to coerce our submission? Can anyone provide an alternative explanation? Does the government have any adversaries in this country that would warrant such a buildup of police forces? No, Patriots, there are none. They focus on us and no others. They reinforce the chains that the money masters have been crafting for so long. And what do we have to counter them? Must we rely on the argument? Patriots, we have been attempting that for the past ten years. Do we have any new perspectives to offer on the matter? None. We have scrutinized the subject from every angle, but it has all been in vain.
Must we resort to pleading and humble supplication? What terms can we propose that still need a detailed reply? I implore you, Patriots, let us not deceive ourselves. We have exhausted every avenue to avert the storm among us now. We have petitioned, remonstrated, supplicated, and humbled ourselves before Leviathan. We pleaded for intervention to halt the oppressive actions of the Globalist Cabal. Our petitions go unheard; our remonstrances have only fueled more violence and insult. Our supplications get canceled, scorned, and disregarded at the foot of the Leviathan. After all these events, it is futile to entertain hopes of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we desire to be free, we must safeguard the invaluable privileges for which we have been fighting for so long. If we refuse to abandon the noble struggle in which we have vowed never to surrender until we achieve our glorious aim, we must fight! I reiterate, Patriots, we must resist! Our only recourse is to take up untarnished truth and appeal to the Almighty for support.
They say, Patriots, we are weak, unable to face such a formidable adversary. When will we be stronger? Will it happen next week or next year? Can we gain strength by disarming ourselves and allowing Leviathan’s minions to invade every household? Does our power grow through indecisiveness and inaction? Can we resist by clinging to false hopes until our enemies have us completely bound? No, Patriots, we are not weak if we harness the resources that nature has granted us. Those not molded by the Leviathan, united in the cause of liberty in a country like ours, are unbeatable against any force our enemy can send.
Moreover, Patriots, we will not resist alone. There is God who oversees the destinies of nations and will raise allies to stand with us in battle. The fight, Patriots, is not reserved for the strong alone; it belongs to the vigilant, the active, and the brave. Furthermore, Patriots, we have no other option. Even if we were foolish enough to desire it, it is now too late to retreat from this conflict. There is no choice in surrender or slavery. All must participate in the discourse in commerce, or our chains get forged in the narrative! The sound of their collectivist idling yet clinking can roar across the plains of cities. Conflict is unavoidable, and so be it! I repeat, Patriots, let it come.
It is in vain, Patriots, to extenuate the matter. Patriots may cry, Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The conflict has begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring the clash of profound truth to our ears! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that the Patriots wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, for sale 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!
It was an honor and pleasure to meet you, Patrick Henry! 📕
Thanks David for the great related essay.
Do you want freedom more than power, or power more than freedom? The fate of the country may turn on the proportions of Americans falling into one or the other camp.
https://drp314.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-power-versus-freedom