Essays on Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was an American attorney, brilliant orator, planter, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first governor of Virginia. He was a major figure of the American Revolution, best known for his words "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia. Before he was 10, Patrick received some rudimentary education in a local school. At the age of 15, Henry ran a store for his father. In 1754, he married Sarah Shelton. After studying a law through self-study, he secured his law license in 1760.

In 1763, Henry developed a reputation as a powerful and persuasive speaker after his first major legal case that was known as the "Parson’s Cause." In 1765, Henry won the election to the House of Burgesses and delivered a speech opposing the British Stamp Act.

With the growing rebellion against Britain, he was a delegate in Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774, where he called for the colonists to unite in their opposition to British rule. In March of 1775, during the Second Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” In 1776, Henry became Virginia's first governor. After the Revolutionary War, Henry became an outspoken Anti-Federalist.

In 1790, Patrick Henry left public service. He spent his last years at his estate, called "Red Hill", where he died on June 6, 1799, from stomach cancer. Patrick Henry is remembered for his powerful speeches and as one of the great revolutionary leaders.

"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!"
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."