Henry, Patrick. Born in Virginia in 1736. American orator and statesman. Practiced as an advocate in Virginia, where he first come into prominence in 1763 by his pleading in the case of clerical incomes. Was an active opponent of the Stamp Act, and the chief leader of the revolution in Virginia, being more extreme in his views than Washington. He was for some years governor of his state, during which he opposed the Federal Constitution as not democratic enough. He was an eloquent but reckless speaker, and was obliged to resume his profession in order to cover his heavy debts. Died 1799.

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