The delegates who attended the Virginia Convention of March 1775 in Richmond were torn between hopes for peace, the impending war, and the puzzle of how best to protect their province.
March 20-27 the second Virginia Convention meets in St John's Church, Richmond, to avoid interference by British Forces. Patrick Henry delivers his famous "Give me Liberty or give me death" speech on March 23 in support of a resolution to put the colony "into a posture of defense". Two days later the Convention accepts a committee report calling for the organization of a volunteer company of cavalry or infantry in every county. The other important thing the group did at that convention was to elect delegates to attend the Continental Congress that summer. Delegates elected were: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Harrison, Richard Henry Lee, and Edmund Pendleton.
The entire speech can be read at: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/patrick.asp
There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 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? 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! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! (copied from: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/give-me-liberty-or-give-me-death
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