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The
Plains Of New York, Washington & Pennsylvania Are Signposts To The Future |
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Delivered to the Continental Congress, 1775, by Patrick Henry |
| ...I
ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its
purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen
assign any other possible motive for it? |
| ...Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God
of nature has placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause
of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force
which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles
alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will
raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong
alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no
election. If we were base enough to desire it, is now too late to retire from the
contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are
forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is
inevitable -- and let it come! I repeat, sir, let it come! |
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It is 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! |
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