Patrick Henry prefaces his famous “Speech to the Virginia Convention” by expressing the hope that his subsequent remarks will not be disrespectful to those gentlemen who've already spoken and who have different opinions to his. This is a recognition on Henry's part that there are divisions between the assembled delegates as to what the American colonists' course of action needs to be with regards to the British.

Even so, Henry is determined to speak his mind as openly as possible and to express his sentiments “freely, and without reserve.” To do otherwise, says Henry, would be an act of treason and an act of “disloyalty towards the majesty of Heaven which I revere above all earthly kings.”

For this is no time for standing on ceremony. The political crisis engulfing the American colonies has reached the stage where it has become a matter of freedom or slavery. That being the case, it is essential for everyone, irrespective of which side of the debate they happen to support, to speak their minds freely. And that's precisely what Henry does in the remainder of his speech.

Henry knew full well that his incendiary rhetoric would be hugely controversial and would undoubtedly offend many of those present. That's why he took the time and the trouble to preface his remarks with an apology. He wanted his audience to know that he was merely expressing his deeply-held opinions, not trying to offend anyone.

At the same time, Henry wants to convey a sense of urgency with this remarks. He wants his audience to comprehend the sheer gravity of the situation, which positively demands that all true patriots speak their minds openly.