Give me liberty…

Sarah Muir
MSMU Class of 2018

(3/2018) I promise this article is about an historical event that took place in March. However, to get to that specific day in March some 243 years ago, I have to begin on May 29, 1736. On this day a Scottish immigrant named John Henry and his wife, a wealthy English widow named Sarah Winston Syme, brought a little boy into the world named Patrick Henry. To those of you that can’t recall some bits and pieces of American History, Patrick Henry would grow to be many things, the most important of which would be a Founding Father of the United States of America.

He was born in the Colony of Virginia on a farm in Hanover County and educated by his father from age ten. He grew up in the knowledge that a majority of the family inheritance would pass to, John Syme Jr, his older half-brother and that he would have to find his fortune more or less by himself. At age fifteen he was a clerk for a local merchant and not much time later he open an unsuccessful shop with his brother, William. His formative years took place during the Great Awakening, a period of religious revival centered on protestant ministers and the way the revitalize the power of oration. It is believed that some part of his skill at speech making was a product of the preachers in this era.

In 1754, Henry married Sarah Shelton and eventually worked for her father at Hanover Tavern where he began his self-study. After a surprisingly short time, he applied for his lawyer’s license in 1760, and while his knowledge of law left much to be desired his mind impressed the examiners so that in April of that year he became a licensed lawyer. Thus he began his career in law, serving in courts all throughout Hanover County.

Three years later, after obtaining his license, Patrick Henry became a part of the Parson’s Cause speaking on behalf of Hanover County. The case was filed by Reverend James Maury who sought to sue the Burgesses for back pay on behalf of the clergy the passing of the Two Penny Acts (which was later vetoed by King George III). Instead of addressing the matter of the economic damages, Henry focused on the unconstitutionality that existed in the Crown’s vetoing the law in the first place. He saw the action as a tyrannical infringement on the legislative rights of the Colonies. After his impassioned speech on the subject and the jury’s deliberation it was decided that damages should be paid to the tune of one penny. After the case, Patrick Henry’s popularity increased.

In May 1765, Henry won the seat of the burgess for Louisa County after it was vacated by William Johnson and made his way to Williamsburg. Later that year, the Stamp Act was passed and in response Henry proposed the Virginia Stamp Act Resolves. The first four out of the five were kept, with the fifth being struck due to the fact that it was too radical. However, after the newspapers published the Stamp Act Resolves, growing discontentment began to surface within the Colony toward the Stamp Act, the opposition of which would result in the American Revolution.

The Burgess was dissolved later that June in the hopes of flushing out the radicals in the new election, a hope which was unfulfilled as the election merely usurped the conservatives that held seats. For a short time Henry, while still heavily involved in the political sphere shifted his concentration to his personal affairs. In the early 1770s his involvement became more pronounced eventually leading to him be one of the seven delegates to go to Philadelphia for the Continental Congress.

During the Congress, and the Virginia Conventions he was praised for his skill at rhetoric and spoke as a proponent for the Colonies taking up arms against the British, for he saw that revolution was imminent.

Now, just as I promised 648 words ago, we arrive at March 20, 1775. Patrick Henry was in attendance at the Second Virginia Convention. It was here Henry proposed amendments to create an independent militia, separate from those with royal authority since war with Britain was a looming inevitability. To debate his case and quiet his opponents he gave this famous speech:

"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!"

The last seven words of this speech appear in nearly every history book that mentions Henry. They define one of the pivotal points of not only his career, but of the country. A month after they were spoken, war was declared on Britain.

Apparently, I am related--in some way--to Patrick Henry. However, the only proof I have is the word of my father who once saw the lineage explained in an extensive family tree when he was younger. Unfortunately, that helpful piece of paper has been lost to the years. However, even if I find out that it isn’t anything other than a piece of family fiction that does not diminish the connection. The America we have today is under debate, and the voices on either side are so loud and divisive I think there are times can’t even hear themselves. However, the United States, in the short while it has existed, has undergone so much history not all of it good, but it managed due to an invincible spirit. One that lives on in every person that advocates for liberty.

Read other articles by Sarah Muir