Page "Patrick Henry" Paragraph 12

Henry first gained local attention in a case dubbed the " Parson's Cause " ( 1763 ).

It dealt with whether the price of tobacco paid to established clergy for their services, should be set by the colonial government or by the Crown.

After the British Parliament overruled Virginia's Two Penny Act, which had limited the established clergy's salaries, the Reverend James Maury filed suit against the vestry of Louisa County for payment of back wages.

When Maury won the suit, a jury was called in Hanover County to determine how much Maury should be paid.

Henry was brought in at the last minute to argue on behalf of Louisa County.