ica as a great one; and therefore he was for a
committee."[109]

The notable thing about both these accounts is that they agree in
showing Patrick Henry's first speech in Congress to have been not, as
has been represented, an impassioned portrayal of "general
grievances," but a plain and quiet handling of a mere "detail of
business." In the discussion he was followed by John Sullivan, who
merely observed that "a little colony had its all at stake as well as
a great one." The floor was then taken by John Adams, who seems to
have made a searching and vigorous argument,--exhibiting the great
difficulties attending any possible conclusion to which they might
come respecting the method of voting. At the end of his speech,
apparently, the House adjourned, to resume the consideration of the
subject on the following day.[110]

Accordingly, on Tuesday morning the discussion was continued, and at
far greater length than on the previous day; the first speaker being
Patrick Henry himself, who seems now to have gone into the subject far
more broadly, and with much greater intensity of thought, than in his
first speech.

"'Government,' said he, 'is dissolved. Fleets and armies and
the present state of things show that government is
dissolved. Where are your landmarks, your boundaries of
colonies? We are in a state of nature, sir. I did propose
that a scale should be laid down; that part of North America
which was once Massachusetts Bay, and that part which was
once Virginia, ought to be considered as having a weight.
Will not people complain,--"Ten thousand Virginians have not
outweighed one thousand others?"

"'I will submit, however; I am determined to submit, if I am
overruled.

"'A worthy gentleman near me [John Adams] seemed to admit
the necessity of obtaining a more adequate representation.

"'I hope future ages will quote our proceedings with
applause. It is one of the great duties of the democratical
part of the constitution to keep itself pure. It is known in
my province that some other colonies are not so numerous or
rich as they are. I am for giving all the satisfaction in my
power.

"'The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New
Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a
Virginian, but an American.

"'Slaves are to be thrown out of the question; and if the
freemen c