Patrick Henry's "Treason" speech before the House of Burgesses in an 1851 painting by Peter F. Rothermel
Patrick Henry is perhaps best known for the speech he made in the House of Burgesses on
March 23,
1775, urging legislature to take military action against the encroaching British military force
he ended his speech with his most famous words:
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!