Patrick Henry1736–1799The quotations of
Patrick Henry
American Founding Father, orator and politician
1736–1799
10 quotes, most often on War & Peace and Liberty. Part of the Founding Fathers collection.
I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Speech to the Second Virginia Convention, St. John’s Church, Richmond (23 March 1775), as given in William Wirt, Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry (1817). Nothing was written down at the time: Wirt rebuilt the speech from listeners’ recollections four decades later, so how much of the wording is Henry’s is disputedGuard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel.
Speech on the Federal Constitution, Virginia Ratifying Convention (5 June 1788)- Speech on the Federal Constitution, Virginia Ratifying Convention (Monday, 9 June 1788), as contained in The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution: Volume 3, ed. Jonathan Elliot, published by the editor
The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.
- Speech in the First Continental Congress (6 September 1774), as recorded in John Adams’s notes of the debates
Often credited to Patrick Henry
Quotes often credited to Patrick Henry that were said or written by someone else.
- ?UnattributedOften credited to Patrick Henry
- ?UnattributedOften credited to Patrick Henry
