I Hereby Resign from my Position as Governor

I have served for five years as Governor, and it is time for me to move on, America. I'm getting old. I have served the country for many years now, while I don't feel my task is quite complete, I worry that my age will get in the way of my service. So today, 1787, I am retiring from my place as Governor. Good night America, and God bless you.

A Conversation with George Washington

My close friend, George Washington, clearly stated his views on political parties. He stated that that political parties would mean the end of us. He worried that the two parties would do nothing but fight, and that politicians and Presidents running would use their campaign for there own personal bettering or to simply scream their own opinions than actually work to better the country.

I wholly agree-I doubt It will get much worse than it is now.

Elected Governor of Virgiania

1782:

It seems that my job changes frequently. But that does not mean I will take this job with any less responsibility than I took a seat in Congress, or became the Speaker of the House. Behold, Virginia, your new governer. Shall it be governed well, to the greatest of my ability.

Elected as Speaker of the House

1778:

I have been chosen to be Speaker of the house of Representatives. Attending William and Mary college has proven useful to my career. I am third in line from the President, and I therefore have a very important role. I will take this role very responsibly. You wanted to me serve you, America, and your wish shall be granted.

Retired my Seat at Congress

I wish to resume my private life as our freedom is being granted. I do not want to live out the stress of being a politician who has to negotiate every last decision in a time like this. Therefore, I am returning to my home in Virginia to live this time as peacefully as I can. God Bless America.

The Signing of The Declaration of Independence

August 2, 1776:

The day is here. We can no longer tolerate the tyranny forced upon us by Britain.

I stand before the one document that will change the lives of all Americans.

I stand before the Declaration of Independence. All this document asked was my signature, and I gladly signed it.

Elbridge Gerry, another signer, loomed over the Declaration.

"We have signed our death warrants. We will be hanged for this."

Observing my own weight, I muttered this back,

"I shall have all the advantage over you. It will all be over in a minute for me, but you will be kicking in the air half an hour after I am gone."*

America, freedom awaits at the other side.

* actual quote from Benjamin Harrison

Elected to Congress

1774:

I have made it as far as congress.I proved myself worthy of such a role, and I feel people are on my side when it comes to the policies I follow, or would not have made it this far. I thank all of you who helped me to get here, Thank You.

Our freedom is close at hand, and I intend to help us get there.

The Stamp Act Resolutions

Just recently, the House of Burgesses and I passed the stamp act resolutions. After George Johnston took the floor, there was talk and the following became official:

"Resolved, that the first adventurers and settlers of His Majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia brought with them and transmitted to their posterity, and all other His Majesty's subjects since inhabiting in this His Majesty's said colony, all the liberties, privileges, franchises, and immunities that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of Great Britain.

Resolved, that by two royal charters, granted by King James I, the colonists aforesaid are declared entitled to all liberties, privileges, and immunities of denizens and natural subjects to all intents and purposes as if they had been abiding and born within the Realm of England.

Resolved, that the taxation of the people by themselves, or by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who can only know what taxes the people are able to bear, or the easiest method of raising them, and must themselves be affected by every tax laid on the people, is the only security against a burdensome taxation, and the distinguishing characteristic of British freedom, without which the ancient constitution cannot exist.

Resolved, that His Majesty's liege people of this his most ancient and loyal colony have without interruption enjoyed the inestimable right of being governed by such laws, respecting their internal policy and taxation, as are derived from their own consent, with the approbation of their sovereign, or his substitute; and that the same has never been forfeited or yielded up, but has been constantly recognized by the kings and people of Great Britain.

Resolved, therefor that the General Assembly of this Colony have the only and exclusive Right and Power to lay Taxes and Impositions upon the inhabitants of this Colony and that every Attempt to vest such Power in any person or persons whatsoever other than the General Assembly aforesaid has a manifest Tendency to destroy British as well as American Freedom.

Resolved, That His Majesty's liege people, the inhabitants of this Colony, are not bound to yield obedience to any law or ordinance whatever, designed to impose any taxation whatsoever upon them, other than the laws or ordinances of the General Assembly aforesaid.

Resolved, That any person who shall, by speaking or writing, assert or maintain that any person or persons other than the General Assembly of this Colony, have any right or power to impose or lay any taxation on the people here, shall be deemed an enemy to His Majesty's Colony."

I feel we have taken a large step towards the freedom we as colonists deserve.

But, alas, our step towards freedom was acted against by Britain.

A British man told me try and convince the House to take back their resolutions.

"Of what benefit would that be to our freedom?", I asked.

"We have an open executive seat, and we feel you would be a great candidate to fill it.", he said.

I was being bribed.

"If the devil asked you to be one of his loyal minions, would you accept just for the sake of being accepted, where the right to your entry to heaven has been well earned? I thought not. I hereby devote my self to the principles of the republic."

The House of Burgesses

1764:

Today, I was elected to the House of Burgesses. Being a man of property and having attended William and Mary college, I was well qualified. That does not mean it was guaranteed, However.

I was fairly surprised when I was elected.

With my new role, I intend to better the colonies for the people and the government to the best of my ability, So that we colonists can live happy, satisfactory lives, even if it would mean the extreme idea of revolution.

-Benjamin Harrison

I Will Remember This Day Forever

Only a few hours ago, my father and my two sisters were killed by a lightning strike. Words cannot express my sadness... I knew them so well, but they had to go unexpectedly, without warning... So suddenly, they had to die. I feel that there is no greater dishonor to ones death then being denied his last words. I will miss them forever, and forever they will stay in my mind and heart.

Their funeral is tomorrow. I wonder, God, why they had to go.

-Benjamin Harrison