Stories of Later American History

Table of

England so much that at its c

otect the colonies against the Indians and other enemies," the King, George III, reason

alled the Stamp Act. It provided that stamps-very much like our postage-stamps, but costing all the way from one cent to fifty dollars each-should be put upon all

rge

to make slaves of us by forcing us to pay money without our consent. The charters which the English King grant

Parliament. We have no one to speak for us in Parliament, and so we will not pay any taxes which Parliamen

laws which were unfair to them. One of these forbade selling their products to any country but England. And, o

and that these goods should be brought over in English vessels. So in buying as well as in selling they

ngland. For instance, iron from American mines had to be sent to England to be made into useful articles, and the

the colonists, thinking them unjust, did not hesitate to break them. Some, in spite of the laws, shipped their products to other countries and smuggle

she possibly can," they declared. "We are not slaves but free-born Englis

added, great indignation was aroused. Among those

as born in 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia. His father was an

udy nor to work on his father's farm. His delight was to wander through the woods, gun in hand, hunting for game, or to sit

know what to do with him. They put him, when fifteen years old, as clerk into a little country store. Here he remai

ick

and a few slaves. But it was the same old story. The young farmer would not take the trouble to look after his affairs, and let things dr

occupation, and with a wife and family to support

after studying for six months, he applied for permission to practise law. Altho

Virginia began to take notice of him. In 1765, soon after the Stamp Act was passed by the British Parlia

FIERY SPEECH AGA

n the capital of Virginia. He is wearing a faded coat, leather knee-breeches, and yarn stockings, and carries his law papers in his saddle

ious questions are being discussed: "What shall we do about the Stamp Act?" they say. "Shall we submit and say nothing? Shall we send a petition to

on great estates. So much weight and dignity had they that the affairs of the colony were largely under their control. Most of them w

g His Speech in the Vir

us petition the King to modify the laws which appear to us unjust, and then,

rs saw them. To him delay seemed dangerous. He was eager for prompt, decisive action. Tearing a blank leaf

with their powdered hair, ruffled shirts, knee-breeches, and silver shoe-buckles. They give but a listless attention as Henry begins in quiet to

years, should regard as an upstart this young, unknown member, who presumes

t, and his voice rings out with fiery eloquence. "The General Assembly of Virginia, and only the General Asse

ed silence. Then the debate grows hot, as members r

iam

agree with him. Like a torrent, his arguments pour forth and sweep all

ow, or we're gone," said one of the plain people, giving him a slap on the shoulder as he passed out at the

magic in stirring up the people against the Stamp Act. He had proved himself

ng men opposed it. They thought that George III was making a great mistake in trying to tax the colonies without their consent. William Pitt, a leader in the House of Commons

who were losing heavily because the Americans refused to buy any English goods as long as the Stamp

hem up, let us catch another glimpse of Patrick Henr

T SPEECH BY

he unruly people of Massachusetts to obey some of his commands, against which they had rebelled. Virginia has stood by her sister

With a grim determination to defend their rights as free men, the

anding. Great is the excitement, and thoughtful people are very se

hey must. But many still hope that all disagreements may yet

s Church,

en talking should give place to prompt, decisive action. The war is at h

on that Virginia should at once prepare to defend herself. Many of

gain we see the bent shoulders straighten and the eyes flash. His voice rings out like a trumpet. As h

disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Si

unding arms! 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, a

the audience sw

ion was fired in the quiet town of Lexington, Massachusetts. Undoubtedly Patric

n-chief of the Virginia forces (1775), and t

rick Henry retired at the age of fifty-eight (1794), to an estate in Charlotte Cou

has ever produced, and we should be grateful to him because he u

ngs to T

d Parliament pass it, and why

of Virginia, and only the General Assembly of Virginia had the r

as he rode on horseback along the country road toward W

nk of the Stamp Act? Why

as an orator? When did he make a great

admire in Pa

ocate every even