The impassioned words spoken by Patrick Henry in Richmond are important for the patriot to learn. They speak of the dire situation in which the colonists found themselves just before the American Revolution began. They also speak of a resolute desire to live free and to stand for what’s right during challenging times.
Although the words in the video below vary slightly from the text, it can be listened to as you read to get the feeling of how the speech may have sounded at the convention. To pass this part of the Statesman’s Challenge, the camper must recite the TEXT of the speech from memory without help. (Pro tip: you are invited, but not required, to yell at the end of your recitation.)
St. John’s Church – Richmond, Virginia
March 23, 1775
“In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of you contest shall be obtained, 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!
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave… There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are 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.
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!“