Patrick Henry's Speech in March 1775

¶ … Liberty Patrick Henry's speech to in March of 1775 is one of the best-known speeches in American history, and captured the emotions being experienced by many people involved in the American Revolution. Henry differed from many of the other leaders of the Revolution in that he had not gained prominence and respect prior to the revolutionary period. Henry began life as somewhat of a ne'er do well, eventually choosing the practice of law.

He eventually became a prominent member of the Revolution, where he was considered a liberal firebrand and a powerful orator. Henry was an influential leader in the radical opposition to the British government, but only accepted the new federal government after the passage of the Bill of Rights, for which he was in great measure responsible (A&E 2013, p.1). This was due to his commitment to individual liberty, which is evident in his most famous speech.

He went on to serve in various government roles in post-Revolutionary America (Independence Hall Association 2013). Henry's most famous speech was a call to action. While referred to as a speech, Henry's speech was not a generic one. He was speaking in front of Virginia's Congress, asking his fellow Virginians to raise a militia.

He justified this plea by pointing out substantial evidence that Britain was amassing troops and military equipment in preparation of waging war against the colonies, not in order to give a peaceful response to Congress's plea for reconciliation. Henry acknowledged that others at the Congress might object to his plea and wish for them to wait for Britain's official response, but Henry stressed that doing so would leave them too vulnerable if Britain did attack.

Henry's call to action was contained in his proposal in front of Congress to raise a militia; so that it could fight against what he believed was an inevitable attack by the British. He gave the speech on March 23, 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention, at St. John's Church. In the speech, he refers to a president, which was the president of the convention, though he was speaking to everyone at the convention.

What he wanted them to do was have every county in Virginia raise a militia, either cavalry or infantry, so that it could respond to a threat by the British. Henry justified his desires by saying that he can no longer shut his eyes to the painful truths about the colonial relationship with the Crown. He states, "For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it" (Henry, 1775).

He then begins to describe how his observations of what Britain is doing have proven to him that Britain does not desire a peaceful reconciliation with the colonies. He encourages the people at the convention to ask themselves why Britain is apparently preparing for war. "Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.

Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort" (Henry 1775). In other words, he points out that Britain is preparing to wage war against them, and, because they can see these war preparations, they must be prepared to defend themselves.

Moreover, he is speaking about defense; he does not suggest raising militias to mount an offensive military campaign, but simply to be prepared when Britain does begin its attack on Virginia. Henry was aware that not everyone agreed with his perspective. Many people at the same convention were urging people to take a cautious approach, and wait to see how the British would respond to Congress' petition for reconciliation. Henry began his speech by addressing that perspective.

He agreed that "it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope" (Henry 1775). In this way, he was ensuring that the others at the convention understood that he was not deriding them for their hope that the Crown would be respectful of colonial wishes. However, he does not believe that they should continue to deceive themselves about the Crown's intent.

Of Britain's growing military presence, he asks those assembled, "Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? 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" (Henry 1775). He points that prior peaceful attempts of reconciliation and compromise have not yielded positive.