Today we visited Red Hill, final home and resting place of the fiery orator of the 18th century, Patrick Henry.
Since we arrived early, we enjoyed a patriotic picnic lunch on the grounds.
After the imposed 1765 Stamp Act, Patrick Henry roared as a new burgess in front of the House of Burgesses in the Capitol at Williamsburg: Caesar had his Brutus – Charles the First, His Cromwell – And George the Third” – (“Treason!” cried the Speaker – “Treason, treason!” echoed from every part of the house). Henry faultered not for an instant, but rising to a loftier attitude, concluded thus – “may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
Listening to Henry’s rhetoric, Thomas Jefferson, who was a young student from the College of William and Mary, called Patrick Henry: The greatest orator that ever lived.
I arrived here on Sunday morning last, but found every body’s attention so entirely engrossed by the Boston affiar, that I have as yet done nothing respecting my charter-rights and, I am afraid, shall not this week.
A dissolution of the House of Burgesses is generally expected; but I think will not happen before the House has gone through the public business, which will be late in June.
Whatever resolves or measures are intended for the perservation of our rights and liberties, will be reserved for the conclusion of the session.
Matters of that sort here are conducted and prepared with a great deal of privacy, and by very few members; of whom Patrick Henry is the principal.
At the request of the gentlemen concerned, I have spent an evening with them upon the subject, where I had an opportunity of conversing with Mr. Henry, and knowing his sentiments; as well as hearing him speak in the house since, on different occasions.
He is by far the most powerful speaker I ever heard.
Every word he says not only engages but commands the attention; and your passions are no longer your own when he addresses them. But his eloquence is the smallest part of his merit.
He is in my opinion the first man upon this continent, as well in abilities as public virtues, and had he lived in Rome about the time of the first Punic war, when the Roman people had arrived at their meridian glory, and their virtue not tarnished, Mr. Henry’s talents must have put him at the head of that glorious Commonwealth. -George Mason to Martin Cockburn, May 26, 1774
Nearly a month before the Battles of Lexington and Concord near Boston in 1775, Patrick Henry thundered: Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace, Peace,’ but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? … Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
MOVING FROM SCOTCHTOWN TO RED HILL
In his retirement, Henry relocated his family from Scotchtown near Richmond, to Red Hill in western Virginia, where he had Blue Ridge vistas to enjoy.
Living simply his entire life, Henry’s Red Hill home was no fancier than his others he owned.
Nevertheless, his fondness was for his children and grandchildren for whom he’d play the fiddle and tell elaborate stories he’d compose.
LARGEST TREE OF ITS SPECIES IN NATION
Near his house is a massive Osage Orange tree over 330 years old.
Standing at sixty feet tall and eighty-five feet wide, this tree has held National Champion status by the American Forest Hall of Fame for decades.
LAW OFFICE
FAMILY CEMETERY
BLUE RIDGE VIEWS
Overlooking the Blue Ridge, this area was described by Henry as: one of the garden spots of Virginia.
TRAIN RIDE?
Then a train came through. This is a great story! One of Patrick Henry’s descendants, Lucy, inherited the plantation around 1900.
When the Virginia Railway in 1905 wanted to go through the land, she agreed under the condition that if the engineer ever saw a lady standing alongside the railroad, dressed like her, they would give her a free ride.
They agreed.
Hmmm…I have a gown dated about 1905, so I suppose if I donned that gown and stood alongside the tracks…
FAMILY TREE
I love Patrick Henry’s family tree, that was on display in the visitor center.
It is joked that he had so many descendants he should be called the father of his country.
If my counting is accurate, his first wife bore him 6 children before her death, then his second wife bore him 11 more children.
In total he had 77 grandchildren, with terrific names.
My favorites were 7 named Patrick Henry, 1 named Fayette, 1 named Fayette Henry, 1 named Patrick Lafayette, and even one named Marie Antoinette!
