Did you know that Patrick Henry was asked by George Washington to serve on the first Supreme Court? (he declined) Washington also asked him to publicly endorse the Constitution. (he refused, because he said that it granted the government far too much power)
Did you know that he was offered every single position in the federal government, including the Presidency? He declined every single time. The excuse that he gave was his responsibility to his family, but privately he notoriously said, "I smell a rat."
Henry was not renowned for being the best trial lawyer in Virginia-- far from it, actually. He was renowned for being the best intellectual in Virginia--arguably, America-- in an age full of history's finest thinkers. He argued that the government was destined to become corrupt, and he wanted no part in furthering that agenda.
I live right by where Patrick Henry is from, so it is really important to me that we keep the spirit of these great men alive. I’m sad at the thought many people do not know about the absolute miracle it was for all those people to be involved in the American Revolution.
Do you have any recommendations for more info on Patrick Henry? I want to learn as much as I can
Primary = something written by Patrick Henry (or letter addressed to him)
Secondary = something written by somebody who spoke directly to Patrick Henry
As for a biography, there's plenty out there. Pick one that has a substantial works cited section with lots of primary and secondary sources. (Sometimes historians simply quote one another in a giant circle-jerk.)
Too bad you and Jefferson couldn’t patch stuff up late in life :(
In all fairness, Jefferson was kind of a dick lol. Brilliant, but kind of a dick
Did you know that Patrick Henry was asked by George Washington to serve on the first Supreme Court? (he declined) Washington also asked him to publicly endorse the Constitution. (he refused, because he said that it granted the government far too much power)
Did you know that he was offered every single position in the federal government, including the Presidency? He declined every single time. The excuse that he gave was his responsibility to his family, but privately he notoriously said, "I smell a rat."
Henry was not renowned for being the best trial lawyer in Virginia-- far from it, actually. He was renowned for being the best intellectual in Virginia--arguably, America-- in an age full of history's finest thinkers. He argued that the government was destined to become corrupt, and he wanted no part in furthering that agenda.
Was he wrong?
Unfortunately, he was right.
I live right by where Patrick Henry is from, so it is really important to me that we keep the spirit of these great men alive. I’m sad at the thought many people do not know about the absolute miracle it was for all those people to be involved in the American Revolution.
Do you have any recommendations for more info on Patrick Henry? I want to learn as much as I can
Primary and secondary sources are the best.
Primary = something written by Patrick Henry (or letter addressed to him)
Secondary = something written by somebody who spoke directly to Patrick Henry
As for a biography, there's plenty out there. Pick one that has a substantial works cited section with lots of primary and secondary sources. (Sometimes historians simply quote one another in a giant circle-jerk.)