GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention:
No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism and abilities of the worthy gentlemen who have
addressed this assembly. But different men see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope
it will not be thought disrespectful if I entertain opinions of a character very opposite to theirs and speak
forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For
my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the
magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to
arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.
It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth
and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged
in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having
eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For
my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst,
and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of
judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the
conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have
been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has
been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be be‐
trayed with a kiss.
Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations
which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and recon‐
ciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back
our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last ar‐
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