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Patrick Henry was an American orator and statesman, whose fiery patriotism was influential in leading the colonies toward revolution. In 1763, he had become a prominent lawyer, and two years later, he became a member of the colonial legislature of Virginia, the House of Burgesses, where he introduced seven resolutions against the Stamp Act. He concluded his speech with: Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third-may profit by their example. ii In answer to the cries of treason from conservative members, Henry replied, If this be treason, make the most of it. i Five of his resolutions were carried by a small majority, and all seven were printed in the colonial newspapers as the Virginia Resolves. Reelected to the House of Burgesses in 1769, Henry sided with the radical faction showing strong nationalist tendencies.
When the House of Burgesses was dissolved in 1774, Henry became a member of the revolutionary convention of Virginia. Speaking before the convention in 1775, he urged the adoption of a resolution to establish a state of defense in Virginia, he used a speech that is famous for these words. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! ii Henry's leadership did not end once the revolution was won.
Perhaps his greatest contribution to the nation was in working toward the adoption of the Bill of Rights. While desiring a more effective government, he was adamant in demanding protection of basic civil liberties. Henry was subsequently made chairman of a committee to prepare a defense plan for Virginia during the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses and helped draft the Virginia Constitution from (1774 - 1776). He also served as governor of the state from (1776 - 79, 1784 - 86). During his first gubernatorial term, he sent the American soldier and frontiersman George Rogers Clark on a military expedition to the Northwest.
While living at Red Hill, he was among the 100 wealthiest landowners in Virginia. Henry first purchased 700 acres at Red Hill; additional acquisitions brought the total acreage of the plantation to 2, 920. Tobacco was the chief crop at Red Hill, and corn and wheat were grown. He also had on hand 66 plantation slaves.
In 1788, as a delegate to the Virginia convention for the ratification of the U. S. Constitution, Henry opposed the document on the ground that it threatened the rights of states and individuals. Largely through his efforts, the provisions known as the Bill of Rights were adopted as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Henry was offered many governmental posts, but declined them, continuing his law practice. In 1799, he was elected to the Virginia legislature, but he died on June 6 of that year before taking his seat.
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