Which best compares the backgrounds of samuel adams and patrick henry? samuel adams and patrick henry were both agents of the pennsylvania assembly, representing the colony when they were in london. Samuel adams was a fiery speaker on behalf of the colonists, while patrick henry was a merchant who smuggled goods. Samuel adams and patrick henry were both leaders who aggressively spoke out against the british government. Samuel adams was a former military leader, while patrick henry was a skilled silversmith and engraver.