Who Was Patrick Henry?

       Patrick Henry was an American orator and patriot; born in Virginia. May 29, 1736. He was the son of John Henry, who was a native of Scotland, and a nephew of Robertson the historian. Having twice failed in mercantile pursuits, he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and ruse to distinction in 1763 by his speech against the clergy, who attempted under an old statute to enforce the payment of their salaries in tobacco. Having been elected to the House of Burgesse in 1765, he at once became the champion of the cause of the colonies, acquired a very high reputation as an orator, and introduced against the Stamp Act a series of resolutions which he succeeded in having passed in May, 1765. From that time until the declaration of independence he kept steadily in advance of the most ardent patriots, and by his unsurpassed powers of oratory caused the adoption of many measures which at the time were regarded by other leaders in the cause of liberty as violent and premature, but which were proved in time to be wise and prudent. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1774, and gained yet higher distinction as an orator, He was chosen Governor of Virginia in 1776, and was reelected to the same office in 1777, 1778, 1784, and 1785. He is regarded as one of the greatest American orators. Died June 6, 1799. 

 Dr. Ralph Green re-enacts Patrick Henry's Speech

"Give me liberty or Give me death."

Read a written version of that same speech here.

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