Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Day

March 23: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Day

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Day

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry gave a famous speech at the 2nd Virginia Convention that included the words “Give me liberty, or give me death.” He is credited with swinging the balance and convincing the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. The speech was given at the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Henry’s speech appeared in print 17 years after his death in the book Life and Character of Patrick Henry by William Wirt. Wirt took the notes from Judge St. George Tucker, who had been present for the speech at the Virginia Convention.

Only the first two paragraphs of the speech were reconstructed. The speech published by Wirt in 1816 ends with:

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! 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 death!

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⇴ image from Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division, wikipedia, public domain

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