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Speech in the Virginia Convention - Patrick Henry
St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia
March 23, 1775.
1. MR. PRESIDENT: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as
abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men
often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought
disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite
to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for
ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my
own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in
proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in
this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold
to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of
giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an
act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
2. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our
eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into
beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are
we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear
not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? 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.
3. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know
of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know
what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify
those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is
it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it
will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. 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?
4. Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last
arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its
purpose be not to force us to submission? 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
