The delegates from around the colony gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, on March 23, 1775, to discuss matters that would unsettle Britain’s distant King and set Virginia on a path to rebellion. Among them was a self-taught lawyer and planter named Patrick Henry, whose fiery oration that day has become legendary.
Henry’s speech, reconstructed from eyewitness accounts, was a barnburner that left the audience in stunned silence. He warned of the impending storm, noting the warlike preparations by the British meant to subjugate the colonies. Henry urged his fellow Virginians not to be deceived by false promises and sweet words, but to take notice of the chains being forged by the British ministry.
With the shot heard ‘round the world looming on the horizon, Henry declared that the time for debate and petitions was over. He boldly proclaimed that the only path to freedom was through fighting for their rights. Despite the uncertainty of facing the world’s preeminent military power alone, Henry expressed faith in a just God who would raise up allies to fight alongside them.
In his decisive and impassioned speech, Henry made it clear that he would choose liberty over life itself. His words echoed through the church like a church bell, inspiring those present, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, to stand up for their beliefs and fight for independence. Edward Carrington, who would later serve as a lieutenant colonel in Washington’s Continental Army, was present at Henry’s speech. Moved by Henry’s words, Carrington declared to his friends that he wished to be buried under the very window where he stood. True to his wish, 34 years later Carrington was laid to rest at that spot.
The convention, inspired by Henry’s speech, took action to defend Virginia. Washington, Jefferson, and a select few were tasked with creating an army. Meanwhile, Lord Dunmore, the British-appointed Governor of Virginia, fled the colony on a ship. Patrick Henry was appointed as the first governor of the newly formed state of Virginia in July 1776, the same month the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The speech delivered by Henry on March 23, 1775, in that Richmond church is remembered as one of the most iconic orations in the fight for liberty.
For further reading on Patrick Henry, “The Life of Patrick Henry” by William Wirt provides additional insights.
Please note that the views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and may not necessarily align with those of The Epoch Times.
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