speech to the virginia convention by patrick henry

I conceived the republic to be in extreme danger. When I wished for an appointment to this Convention, my mind was extremely agitated for the situation of public affairs.

Before the meeting of the late federal Convention at Philadelphia, a general peace and a universal tranquillity prevailed in this country but, since that period, they are exceedingly uneasy and disquieted. A year ago, the minds of our citizens were at perfect repose. I represent their feelings when I say that they are exceedingly uneasy at being brought from that state of full security, which they enjoyed, to the present delusive appearance of things. I consider myself as the servant of the people of this commonwealth, as a sentinel over their rights, liberty, and happiness. Give me leave to form one of the number of those who wish to be thoroughly acquainted with the reasons of this perilous and uneasy situation, and why we are brought hither to decide on this great national question. Chairman, the public mind, as well as my own, is extremely uneasy at the proposed change of government. By a vote of 79 to 88 on June 26 the Convention ratified the Constitution and recommended twenty amendments and a bill of rights based on the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This Convention met in Richmond from June 2 to June 27, 1788. Patrick Henry’s speech on June 4, 1788, was Henry’s opening speech to the Virginia Convention that was debating whether to ratify the proposed new Constitution of the United States. While recognizing the need to augment the financial resources of the confederation congress, he was critical of the extensive of powers given to the central government by the Constitution of 1787. Henry’s statesmanship did not end with the Revolution and the achievement of independence.

Speech to the virginia convention by patrick henry