, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia
from 1776 to 1779 and subsequently, from 1784 to 1786. Henry led the opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 and is well remembered for his "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!
" speech. Along with Samuel Adams
and Thomas Paine
, he is remembered as one of the most influential exponents of Republicanism
, promoters of the American Revolution and Independence, especially in his denunciations of corruption in government officials and his defense of historic rights.
I am not a Virginian, but an American.
Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. ... Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that precious jewel.
Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?
This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.
United we stand, divided we fall, Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.