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Henry, Patrick (1736-1799), American orator and statesman, whose patriotism was influential in leading the colonies toward revolution. Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia. By 1763 he had become a prominent lawyer, and two years later he became a member of the colonial legislature of Virginia, the House of Burgesses, where he opposed the Stamp Act. Reelected to the House of Burgesses in 1769, Henry joined with the radical faction, which was ready to secede from Great Britain. Speaking before the revolutionary convention of Virginia in 1775, he delivered a speech that is famous for these words: "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Henry was subsequently made chairman of a committee to prepare a defense plan for Virginia during the American Revolution (1775-1783). He also served as governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786. Largely through his efforts, as a delegate to the Virginia convention for the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, the provisions known as the Bill of Rights were adopted as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Encarta® 98 Desk Encyclopedia © & 1996-97 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

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