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Patrick Henry's Speech House of Burgesses March 20, 1775
This is no time for ceremony. British bayonets will soon control the country. It is a question of freedom or slavery. For my part I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and provide for it. We have done everything that could be done to avert the storm that is now coming on. What has there been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify hope? Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? These are the implements of subjugation, sent over to rivet upon us the chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? We have been trying that for the last ten years; have we anything new to offer? In vain may we indulge the fond hope of reconciliation. There is no longer room for hope. If we wish to be free, we must fight. I repeat it, sir, we must fight. An appeal to arms, and to the God of Hosts, is all that is left us. They tell us, sir, that we are weak, unable to cope with an enemy so powerful. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed and a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Sir, we are not weak, if we make proper use of those means which the God of nature placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. We shall not fight alone. A just God presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. It is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are now forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable. And let it come. I repeat it, sir, let it come. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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 death1. Back to WHY JOHNNY CAN’T REASON And what to do about it! Footnotes: 1. Campion, Nardi Reeder, Patrick Henry, Firebrand of the Republic, Little Brown and Company, Boston, Toronto, 1961 (out of print), p. 174-177. (back to speech) Post a Review Want to comment on this article? We value your input Please send us your comments and if you wish, a link to your site or a link to another page that supports your views and we'll post your valued input here.
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