Database: The Declaration of Independence

Liberty! Congress unanimously declares the United Colonies free and independent states!

Yesterday, the representatives of all thirteen colonies resolved and declared the independence of their citizens and formally dissolved all ties with Britain. This Declaration of Independence, as it is so entitled, was drafted by a committee of authors, principally Thos. Jefferson, John Adams, and Benj. Franklin and expresses in language more eloquent than we are able to described the events and reasoning that have led to this final disruption.

The Second Continental Congress began work on this document months ago, some few among the representatives had every aspiration that the colonies would reconcile with the King and reasonable rights secured. With each additional regiment dispatched to these shores, that hope diminished until all voted in unanimity to severe [sic] ourselves from our Mother country.

John Adams declares that this day should be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.