Henry suggests that the colonists have done everything they can to be civil to the British, but their requests have been met with violence and disregard “for the last ten years” (84). He declares that they must not trust Britain or risk betrayal, noting that Britain is currently preparing for war and arguing that Britain’s only possible reason for developing its army and navy is to use them against the colonies. He asks the colonists to consider what Britain has done to make them hope for a different outcome. He explains that he is confident, based on previous experience with Britain’s behavior, that the British will continue to behave the same way.

He argues that they must open their ears and eyes and “know the whole truth,” no matter how much anguish it causes (83). Henry acknowledges that the colonists’ hopes of peaceful resolution are normal however, he urges them to consider that they may be ignoring Great Britain’s unjust treatment. Henry intimates that this discussion is so important to their country that he cannot keep his thoughts to himself if he did, he would be “guilty of treason” and of dishonoring God himself (83). He then pronounces that the question of independence is an important one. He offers respect to the men who spoke before him, acknowledging that people may reasonably disagree on a subject.

Henry addresses his speech to the president of the Virginia Convention: Peyton Randolph. This guide refers to the text printed in Holt McDougal’s 2007 Elements of Literature: Essentials of American Literature anthology.

Patrick henry speech