Patrick Henry's Integrity Patrick Henry was born in Virginia in 1736 when Virginia was still a British colony. He became a lawyer when he was 24 years old and quickly became well known for his eloquent work in the legal case known as the Parsons' Cause. This case was significant because it argued whether the colonial government or the British crown should make financial decisions for the colonies. About five years before, the Two Penny Act restricted the pay of ministers of the Anglican church (parsons) during a drought year in which the price of tobacco jumped higher (high demand, low supply). Parsons were paid in those days with tobacco, which had a value of about 2 cents a pound. The Two Penny Act of Virginia, enacted by the colonial government [that is, Virginia's government, not England's], maintained that parsons continue to earn 2 cents despite the higher price of tobacco. The parsons protested this because they believed they should benefit from the increased value of tobacco. The parsons appealed to authorities in England, who overruled [set aside, didn't enforce] the Two Penny Act. This judgment by England angered colonialists who believed England had no right to interfere in the colony's financial decision making. Although the Two Penny Act lasted only a year, some parsons sued for back wages. Patrick Henry argued in the case against one parson for the state's right to make its own laws. Although the parson won the case, he was awarded only a penny in back pay. Henry’s success launched a new recognition of his skills. Patrick Henry was a leader in opposing British rule over the American colonies. In 1765, Britain imposed a Stamp Act, which forced colonists to pay tax to England for newspapers, licenses, and all kinds of papers. The Virginia government felt this was unfair taxation because the colonies did not get any benefit from what they paid. Henry wrote and published widely "Virginia's Resolves on the Stamp Act," which listed the colony's decisions about limiting British control over them. Henry’s reputation grew rapidly as an uncompromising opponent of imperial authority (governed by the king of England). When the Virginia Convention in Richmond convened in 1775, the delegates were divided on how to handle the growing military action with England. Some delegates wanted a peaceful action, while others wanted military preparations. Henry led the military supporters and introduced the resolutions [formal statements of intent voted on by a political body] for going to war. “Give me liberty or give me death!” was his valiant cry. The resolutions passed. The Virginia Convention formed two regiments of soldiers, with Henry commanding one of the regiments. He was able to recruit men to enlarge his regiment with his persuasive appeal to defend America. In 1776, the two regiments were joined into one, and Henry became second in command. Henry threatened to resign his command, but, after rethinking the purpose of the war, he refused to let personal disappointment hurt the American cause, and he accepted the decision. Henry continued as an eloquent speaker for American liberty and played an important role in establishing the independence of the United States.

Questions: 1. In the Parsons’ Cause case, how did Patrick Henry stand up for what he felt was right? Why was that difficult? 2. Henry’s pride was hurt when his leadership in the military was diminished. What do you think caused him to choose to remain in the militia? 3. What principles did Patrick Henry uphold? 4. Did Henry stay true to himself? Find passages in the text to support your answer.

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