Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henrywas an American attorney, planter and politician who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia. A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia, from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionWar Hero
Date of Birth29 May 1736
CityHanover County, VA
CountryUnited States of America
slavery should transmit
We should transmit to posterity our abhorrence of slavery.
revolution action american-freedom
Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction?
looks example human-nature
Human nature will never part with power. Look for an example of a voluntary relinquishment of power from one end of the globe to another - you will find none.
men law voting
I know some say, let us have good laws, and no matter for the men that execute them: but let them consider, that though good laws do well, good men do better: for good laws may want good men, and be abolished or evaded [invaded in Franklin's print] by ill men; but good men will never want good laws, nor suffer ill ones.
prayer tables hospitality
Hospitality invites to prayer before it checks credentials, welcomes to the table before administering the entrance exam.
kings army fighting
Away with your president! We shall have a king... the army will salute him as monarch; your militia will leave you and assist in making him king and fight against you. And what have you to oppose this force? What will then become of you and your rights?
gun house dying
This house protected by an armed citizen. There is absolutely nothing here worth dying for.
war thinking duty
I shall act as I think my duty requires.
sweet freedom business
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!
people political curiosity
My political curiosity, exclusive of my anxious solicitude for the public welfare, leads me to ask who authorized them (the framers of the Constitution) to speak the language of 'We, the People,' instead of 'We, the States'?
christian character world
Being a Christian... is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.
powerful government people
You are not to inquire how your trade may be increased, nor how you are to become a great and powerful people, but how your liberties can be secured; for liberty ought to be the direct end of your government.
strong fighting brave
The battle is not to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, and the brave. A small, disciplined militia can not only hold out against a larger force, but drive it back, because what they're fighting for rightfully belongs to them.
jealous jewels long
Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. ... Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.