I am Thomas Jefferson, delegate from Albemarle County, and I must inform you of the most
extraordinary event that occurred during this
morning's session of the Second Virginia Convention.
I witnessed Mr. Patrick Henry of Hanover,
through his passionate and eloquent oratory,
convince a wavering assembly of delegates
to stand up to British aggression and call
for the raising and arming of a militia.
Mr. Henry and I have not always agreed on
every issue, but on this point we are in unison--Virginia
must be prepared!
By his words today it is clear that Mr. Henry
holds Virginia's welfare paramount.
There is no doubt Mr. Henry is a champion
of liberty, and this place, St. John's Church,
shall forevermore be viewed as a symbol.
It must be preserved as a beacon of liberty
for future generations.
