Patrick Henry 1736-1799

Patrick Henry Born in Virginia, May 29, 1736 Lived near the frontier Little public schooling but passed examination to practice law 1765 – was elected for a seat in the House of Burgesses, Virginia’s legislature Nicknamed the “Trumpet of the Revolution”

Patrick Henry His gift of oration helped spark the American Revolution Known for two impassioned speeches 1765– speech against the Stamp Act (taxes on newspapers and public documents) 1775-- “liberty or death” speech This speech persuaded the people at the Virginia Convention to take up arms against England We don’t know his exact words – wasn’t written at time he delivered it – later pieced together by people in attendance Helped draw up Virginia’s first state constitution and was elected Virginia’s first governor

“Liberty or Death” Delivered on March 23, 1775 at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia Second session of the Virginia Convention Gathering included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson