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One Thing Leads to Another… The Set Up for Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty Speech…
April 24, 2026 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
We usually remember big, dramatic moments however, we rarely pause to reflect on the smaller events that set the table for that seismic shift on the horizon. On March 17, 1775, THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE covered an abundance of Colonial News starting on page one’s article on treason… then moving to a page 2 article covering petitions from the American Congress to the King. Amongst the 8 pages of small print, buried on pg. 3, is a report on a meeting of freeholders from Hanover County stating: “…they proceeded to the choice of delegates to represent them in colony conventions at the town of Richmond…the 20th of next month, when Patrick Henry, jun. and John Syme, Esqrs., were unanimously chosen…”. Just a passing mention really and barely a clue to even the most loyal reader. However, this election laid the groundwork for quickly approaching fireworks that would soon come from electing Patrick Henry. The meeting these newly elected men would attend was the historic Second Virginia Convention where Patrick Henry would give his famous “give me liberty or give me death” speech. One tiny spark in the Spring of 1775 poured gasoline on the lead up to the American Revolution.
Patrick Henry bio in the Citizen Soldier… 1840…
January 16, 2013 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
The following is a 2nd look at a post from a few years ago. We’ve updated the images to make the text easier to read. Please enjoy.
Although much has been written about Patrick Henry, a December 18, 1840 issue of the Citizen Soldier, Vermont, gives us a glimpse as to how he was viewed within less than 50 years of his death. The end of the biography has a few extra treats as well. Although quite lengthy… it is certainly worth the read:
Patrick Henry… A mid-19th century view…
November 30, 2010 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Although much has been written about Patrick Henry, a December 18, 1840 issue of the Citizen Soldier, Vermont, gives us a glimpse as to how he was viewed within less than 50 years of his death. The end of the biography has a few extra treats as well. Although quite lengthy… please enjoy:
Recommended reading…
June 26, 2010 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Jim Wheeler, one of our “rare newspaper” friends, recently sent us an e-mail with the following recommendation for our summer reading list:
The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison, by Edward J. Larson & Michael P. Winship, ISBN 0-8129-7517
This book essentially condenses and annotates Madison’s notes taken throughout the Convention so that the language and the important concepts that were discussed can be understood today. The book includes a list of those attending the convention and their respective states. When you keep a 
copy of this list handy while reading the notes, you can get a clear picture of the regional motives behind the discussion as the constitution was developed. This book, in conjunction with The Founding Brothers, John Ellis, were both extremely helpful in developing a working understanding of what I consider to be one of the most interesting 10 to 20 year time period in US history.
I thought that in addition to all of your other reading, these two items may be interesting and helpful.
Thanks for your suggestions Jim. To the readers of this post: “If you have a chance to read either of these (or have already done so), the community would love to hear your reactions as well.