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upon the subject, but from the presumption that Congress CHAP. VI. would choose to feel themselves supported by the people of each colony, before they adopt a resolution so interesting to the whole. The inhabitants of this town, therefore, unanimously instruct and direct you, that, at the approaching session of the General Assembly, you use your endeavours, that the delegates of this colony, in Congress, be advised, that, in case the Congress shall think it necessary, for the safety of the United Colonies, to declare them independent of Great Britain, the inhabitants of this colony, with their lives and the remnant of their fortunes, will most cheerfully support them in that measure."*

The people of the other parts of the same province, and in the other colonies generally, manifested the same spirit, and expressed the same sentiments. In South Carolina they were particularly ardent; and, in Virginia, the public sense was so decisive on the subject, that the Convention not only instructed their representatives to move the resolution in the grand council of the continent, but declared that colony an independent state, before the measure was sanctioned by Congress.

The public opinion having manifested itself in favour of independence, the great and decisive step was determined on; and the following resolution was moved by Richard Henry Lee, and seconded by John Adams: " Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be,

free and independent states; and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

This resolution was referred to a committee of the whole Congress, where it was daily debated. All the colonies, except Pennsylvania and Maryland, had expressed their approbation of the measure, and no doubt was entertained of its adoption; but it was thought prudent to suspend a decision on it till the acquiescence of those colonies in the measure should render its adoption unanimous.* Great exertions were made in both, by the strong friends of this resolution, who availed themselves of the apprehension, that those who did not join in this last and greatest step, would be excluded from the union; and, at length, instructions were received from the conventions of those provinces, also, directing their representatives to assent to it.

The resolution was now unanimously agreed to; and the declaration, which had been already prepared by a committee appointed for that purpose, was taken into consideration, and, after several amendments, received the sanction of the whole Congress.

* While this vote was depending, resolutions were entered into by Congress, declaring, that all persons residing within, or passing through, any one of the United Colonies, owed allegiance to the government thereof; and that any such person, who should levy war against any of the United Colo nies, or adhere to the King of Great Britain, or other enemies of the said colonies, or any of them, should be guilty of treason; and it was recommended to-the several legislatures to pass laws for their punishment.

This important paper commenced with stating, that “ When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature, and of Nature's God, entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to the separation.”*

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The causes are then stated, and a long enumeration of the oppressions, complained of by America, is closed with saying, a prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

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The fruitless appeals, which had been made to the peo--dence declared. ple of Great Britain, are also recounted; but "they, too," concludes this declaration, "have been deaf to the voice of justice, and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we would the rest of mankind, enemies in war--in peace, friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to

* Mr. Jefferson, Mr. John Adams, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. R. R. Livingston, were appointed to prepare this declaration; and the draft, reported by the committee, has been generally attributed to Mr. Jefferson.

the

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CHAP. VI. the Supreme Judge of the World, for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown; and that all political connexion, between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may, of right, do. And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge, to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour." *

This

The names of the members, who subscribed the declaration of independence, were as follow, viz.

This declaration was immediately communicated to the armies, where it was received with enthusiasm. It was also proclaimed throughout the United States, and gave to the people very general joy. Some individuals, however, who had been very zealous supporters for all measures which had for their object only a redress of grievances, and in whose bosoms the hope of accommodation still lingered, either too timid to meet the arduous conflict which this measure rendered, in their estimation, certain and inevitable, or sincerely believing that the happiness of America would be best consulted by preserving their political connexion with Great Britain, viewed the dissolution of that connexion with anxious regret; and others, who afterwards

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