Against ambient crowd noise suggesting the dissension, anxiety, and passion of the time, Colonial patriot Patrick Henry’s history-altering speech, delivered March 23, 1775 to the delegates of the Second Virginia Convention, is performed with conviction and fury. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other founding fathers were among the original audience who listened as farmer, attorney, and politician Henry proposed that the grievances were too great; that caution and patience with England be put aside; and that every Virginia county begin to raise volunteer cavalry and infantry companies to defend their rights.