Give me liberty, or give me death is a quotation attributed to Patrick Henry from a speech made to the Virginia Convention in 1775 at St. Johns Church in Richmond. He is credited to having swung the balance in convincing the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. Not one of Henrys speeches lives in print. The text of the speech first appeared in print in Life and Character of Patrick Henry by William Wirt. Wirt interviewed several members present at the time of the speech to determine the text of the speech. The best recollection may have been given by Judge St. George Tucker. The speech published by Wirt in 1816 ends with: It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace - but there is no peace. The was 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. * Cohen, Charles (1981) The Liberty and Death Speech The William & Mary Quarterly 38 * Wirt, William (1816) Sctches of the life & Character of Patrick Henry bj
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 18:53:48 +0000
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