The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-15


Henry's father-in-law, who kept the inn
there. Il was from this move that the
statement comes that he was once "bar.
keeper" How much truth there Is in II
IL not known. He did not make bril-
liant success here, and at last decided to
stGdy law.
Just before the House assembled he
rode into Williamsburg, the old colonial
capital, on "a lean horse" as the ancient
chronicle hath il. IL further states that
he wore "lesthern breeches' and a
plum -colored coat" A brown wig with
out the customary powder and yarn
stockings also added 10 the oddity of his
mskeup.
His colleagues in the Burgesses were
among the most noted men OF the coun.
try at that period. Among the members
was Peylin Randolph, afterwards Presi.
dent of the First Congress; Edmund
Pendleton, Chairman of the Committee
of Safety; George Wythe, one of the
''singers," and George Washington who
was then a member.
The Assembly had serious work before
them. Parliament, after q long debate,
had decided to tax the colonies, and it
was for the Burgesses TO say whether the
colonies would submit or resist the col
lection of the tax. Henry had already,
in his Parsons Cause" speech, declared
that the House of Bnrgesses, elected by
the people, were the only authority
which could give force to the laws Of the
government of the colony. And the
people Of his country had expressed their
Concurrence with his views by electing
him to represent them at the seat OF
government.
TO act. So when the House was con-
vened most of the representatives were
in favor of petitioniug the king to with
draw the tax. These were mostly the
old members, whom Jefferson called the
"cyphers Of sristocracy" But there
was party Of younger men who thought
differently. They thought something
stronger should be said, hut none of
them were bold enough To speak. They
were willing to listen to the counsels of
the elder men.
Henry had no such scruples. He had
come to represent what he thought TO be
the best interests of the people, and he
meant to do it at all hazards. The As
sembly he-itated; they knew not what
course to pursue. 1t was time when
the most impetuous paused.
In the midst of this uncertainty Pat
rick Henry rose and offered his five
famous resolutions.
No wonder the powdered heads of the
old members turned, for it seemed to
them the hight of folly for this young
nan to step forth as leader when the
oldest faltered.
But Henry waited for the confusion to
pass camly. he held in bis hand the
resolves, written on the blank leaf of a
book. The substance of the series was
embodied in the last, which declared
that "the General Assembly of this
colony has the sole right and power to
levy taxes and impositions on the inhab-
itants of this colony"
A great stir was raised 10 the hall by
this paper, aud bitter debate ensued.
If the resolution passed it meant trouble,
no one knew how much. Maybe II
meant war. Speeches were made against
his resolution and for it before Henry
rose. Every eye was turned toward the
young orator, for as q member who had
submitted the motion he would be sup
posed best TO defend it.
Henry did not disappoint the men,
bers who put their hopes on him. He
arose and made the grandest effort of
his life and carried all before him. He
ended his speench with that splendid
sentence that has become part of the
history of that period.
Caesar had his Brutus," he exclaimed,
Charles the First his Cromwalp' land
here he was interrupted by cries of cries
of "Treasonl' "Treasonp' but he only
lowered his voice little as lie concluded
land George the Third may profit by
their example. If this be treason make
the most of it,"
The resolutions were carried by one
vote and Gov. Fsuquier promptly dis
solved the House. As Henry came out,
q man stepped forward and slapped him
on the shoulder and exclaimed:
"Stick to us, old fellow, or we are
gonep
He did stick to them nobly, and he
had his reward. He lives to-day as he
did then-in the hearts of his country.
men.
From this period of his life to the
time of his death Patrick Henry was
one of the most prominent men of the
country.
He was appointed commander-in chief
of the Virginia forces; then first Cover.
nor of Virginia. In the dark days OF
the war, when everything looked gloomy
for the Americans, it was proposed to
make him dictator. He was sick at his
home in the country at the time, but az
he had news of the plan he made his
friends abandon it. His biography from
1866 to 1899, the year of his death, could
not be written separately from the his
tory OF his native state.