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         On 23 March 1775, Patrick Henry in a meeting of the Virginia House of Burgesses, uttered the famous phrase "Give me liberty, or give me death" in a speech urging resistance to the British Parliament through any means possible (including armed insurrection). That phrase came at the end of his statement: "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'."

"Patrick Henry in the House of Burgesses" by Peter F. Rothermel
The Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA

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