We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. But different men often see the same subject in different lights and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. President, No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. He urged the Congress to mobilize an army to fight the British. On March 23,1775, Henry gave a famous speech to the Congress. He was elected to the First Continental Congress, which was a meeting of delegates from the original thirteen colonies.

Patrick Henry was one of the founding fathers of the United States of America.

Famous speech by patrick henry