My second full day and final day visiting Felicity was full of lots of different things.
I started my day learning about the Virginia Indians! More on them later when I get to Jamestown.
Then I decided to try out the Governor's Palace maze. Felicity said it was easy. The center is to the right so I must surely keep turning right, right?
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| Heading into the Governor's Palace maze |
Oh no! A dead end! Which way?
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| Dead end in the maze! Which way to the center? |
Not even my guardian could help...
Huzzah! Finally found the center! Now, how do I get back?...
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| Finally found the center of the maze |
Next up, some shopping! There are lots of toys in Market Square today.
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| Toys for sale in Market Square |
Who's THAT? EEK! I didn't know there were witches in Williamsburg. (giggle)
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| A witch flies through the air |
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| Raleigh Tavern Bakeshop |
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| Baker making fresh baked ginger cakes |
I run into Patrick Henry giving a talk about his life. He's very famous. Felicity says Mr. Henry is the first elected (non-royal) governor in Virginia. He's a lawyer, patriot and founder of American independence.
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| Susanna sees Patrick Henry |
Mr. Henry was homeschooled and studied law on his own. He became famous in '63 for calling the King a tyrant who would be disposed because the far away King refused to pass a law made by the representatives of the American people. Two years later he spoke out against the Stamp Act in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He compared King George III with dictators like Caeser and Charles I of England. Oh my! He's a very passionate speaker and got the Burgesses (representatives) all riled up because they thought his words were treason. Mr. Henry managed to win the men to his side and has begun to lead every protest for American rights and independence.
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| Patrick Henry answers questions |
Henry was elected to the First Continental Congress in '74. On March 23, '75, Henry gave a famous speech. He argued the Congress should put together an army to fight against the British. He gave a dramatic speech, holding his wrists together like they were chained. Mr. Henry raised his wrists towards the heavens and stated dramatically “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty” (imagine Mr. Henry bursting from his imaginary chains and grabbing an ivory letter opener) "Or give me death!" (picture Mr. Henry pretending to stab himself." Oh MY! . (Listen to him speak!) No one spoke for a few minutes. History will credit this speech with tipping the scales towards independence.
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| Patrick Henry (Read a full biography of Patrick Henry) |
He has children around my age. Anne is There are 17 Henry children total with two different mothers. The first Mrs. Patrick Henry became very ill after the birth of her 6th child. She stopped speaking and got so she didn't recognize her own children. Her doctor recommended she be sent to Williamsburg to the hospital here. Mr. Henry came to see he hospital and didn't like what he saw. It was too horrible and sad to consider. He made a "commodious establishment" in the basement of their home. It was not a dank, dark dungeon. His enemies made that up! Mrs. Henry had light, food, water and regular visits from her family. She suffered 4 1/2 years before she died. Mr. Henry married again after a suitable time and now he lives in the Governor's Palace with his family.
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| Patrick Henry didn't see Susanna there waiting to meet him |
He will go on to become the longest serving governor of Virginia staring in 1776, serving five one-year terms. He'll help start the Virginia Commonwealth government, American government and win the war for independence. He is political enemies with Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Henry will argue for a Bill of Rights in the new Constitution. He feels these rights should be safeguarded and NO ONE can take them away from you.
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