The 4th of July

The 4th of July, what a great day. Just look at the words "4th of July", it kind of gives you chills doesn't it? I have always felt myself blessed that I live in a place that is so close to so many historical sites, many of these sites the homes of our Founding Fathers. In Virginia politics, there is no bigger name than that of Patrick Henry.

Patrick Henry was the five term governor of Virginia, serving in that office for the entire Revolution. There was no greater orator than Henry, Sam Adams couldn't hold a candle to him. Here is the last two paragraphs of his immortal "Liberty or Death" speech delivered at St. John's church in Richmond, VA on March 23, 1775

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. 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 inevitable²and 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!

I have traveled several times to his home at Red Hill, just 30 minutes from where I live. Henry served in the First Continental Congress, but then declined other offers for national service to stay and serve in his beloved Virginia. Henry was instrumental in pushing the hesitant southern states to join in the revolution.

On this day you would have to think of Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. His home in Monticello is only an hour from where I live and his vacation home at Poplar Forest is only 15 minutes from my home. We will spend the day there in celebration of this day that owes so much to the intellect and writing ability of this great man. Here is his summation to wrap up the Declaration.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

I am always amazed at the unbelievable coincidence of having so many brilliant people come together just when they were most needed to help bring about the birth of this nation. Those people of strong religious beliefs would have to agree that the hand of God was evident. There is no greater evidence of divine influence than the impossible coincidence of the deaths of Jefferson and Adams 50 years to the day after the signing of the declaration. If you wrote the ending of this story for a fictional movie the critics would scoff at the notion of such a coincidence.

On his deathbed at around 4:30 in the afternoon on July 4, 1826 John Adams took his last breath and said, "Jefferson survives." Of couse Jefferson had already passed on earlier that same day.

Down through the many years and decades and centuries, John Adams words still ring true. "Jefferson survives."

Jim Martin

Thanks to Michael P.F. van der Galien for the link.