                                                       March 23, 1775,          the dawn of the        American Revolution.      In a small church           in Richmond,            Patrick Henry            addresses the         Virginia Convention.                                                        "It is vain, sir,     to extenuate the matter.                                                           The War             is actually begun.         The next gale             that sweeps            from the North...                                                         Our brethren are       already in the field!   Why stand we here idle?                               What is it that          gentlemen wish?                                What would they have?                                Is life so dear,        or peace so sweet,       as to be purchased     at the price of chains       and slavery?                                        Forbid it,             almighty God!      