Founding Father Peyton Randolph Decided Not To Be A 'Tool' of the King

Though he officially represented British interests

In Williamsburg, Va, we toured the home of founding father Peyton Randolph (1721-1775), a leader of the Virginia House of Burgesses who is credited with keeping the Virginia colony unified, preventing the conservatives from moving too slowly and the radicals from moving too swiftly. “Virginia was thus the only major colony to enter the Revolution united. Randolph was a masterful politician who produced majorities for critical votes leading to revolution,” according to his biographer.

“I will not become a tool in the hands of the King to work my own dishonor or that of my country,” he famously declared.

“Born into Virginia’s wealthiest and most powerful family,” he served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses, president of Virginia’s first two conventions, and president of the first Continental Congress. He also served briefly as the president of the second Continental Congress. As Attorney General for Virginia and as a member of the House of Burgesses, he faced a terrible conflict of interest