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THE 
 
 DECLARATION OF 
 INDEPENDENCE 
 
 Illustrated Story of Its Adoption 
 
 With the Biographies and Portraits of the 
 
 Signers and of the Secretary 
 
 of the Congress 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM H. MICHAEL 
 
 f 
 
 Washington : : Government Printing Office : : 1904 
 
a- 1 
 
 
 APR 6 1905 
 D.ofD, 
 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This volume was prepared primarih' as an aid to 
 those in charge of the exhibit of the Department of 
 State at Expositions in explaining that part of the 
 exhibit relating to the Declaration of Independence. 
 The panel of the exhibit devoted to this interesting 
 document contains a likeness of Jefferson, who wrote 
 the immortal document, a picture of the house in 
 which he wrote it, the desk on which he wrote it, a 
 picture of Independence Hall in which it w^as debated 
 and adopted, portraits of the committee charged with 
 preparing the draft, and portraits of all the signers. 
 
 All the illustrations in the panel are given in 
 this book, with some additional ones, including a 
 facsimile of the broadside copy signed by John Han- 
 cock, President of the Congress, for and on behalf of 
 the members of the Congress, attested by Charles 
 Thomson, Secretary, and a portrait and biographical 
 sketch of the latter. 
 
 The series of portraits of the signers is complete 
 and their artistic excellence will be recos^nized. 
 
 So far as is known there was no copv of the Declara- 
 tion made for " printer's copy." It is believed that the 
 
 (III) 
 
IV Preface. 
 
 copy in tlie hands of Secretary Thomson at the close 
 of the session on the evening of July 4 went to the 
 official printer, John Dnnlap, and was used b}^ him as 
 copy. The next da}^, in making up the journal, the 
 Secretary wafered in a blank space left for this purpose 
 a copy of the first broadside print. A facsimile of this 
 print is given on page 11. The cop}- from which this 
 facsimile was made is in the rough journal now de- 
 posited in the IManuscript Division, Congressional 
 lyibrar}'. 
 
 Copies of this broadside were sent out in compliance 
 with the resolution of the Congress "to the several 
 assemblies, conventions, or councils of safety, and to 
 the several commanding officers of the Continental 
 troops," and "proclaimed in each of the United States, 
 and at the head of the Army," and sent to the counties 
 of Bucks, Chester, Northampton, Lancaster, and Berks, 
 with the request that it be published at the places 
 where the election for delegates was to be held. 
 Doubtless a copy of this broadside was read b}^ John 
 Nixon, on behalf of William Dewees, sheriff of Phila- 
 delphia, July 8, at the celebration of independence 
 held at the State House. It is also probable that a 
 cop3' of this edition was sent to Gen. George Wash- 
 ington, who, on Julv 9, ordered it to be proclaimed at 
 the head of the Continental regiments. 
 
 Other editions differing somewhat in st3de Avere 
 printed l^y Dunlap to meet the demand for the 
 
Preface. V 
 
 Declaration. He printed a few copies on vellnni, 
 one of which he presented to David Rittenhouse, 
 who was vice-president of the Council of Safety. 
 
 Two editions are known to have been printed in 
 Boston in July, 1776. An edition was also printed at 
 Salem, Mass., in the same month and year. The 
 demand for copies of the Declaration was very general, 
 thus showing how popular it was. Throughout the 
 Colonies, especially' in Massachusetts, the Declaration 
 was read b}' preachers from their pulpits; and by 
 every means possible it was placed within reach of 
 the people, who were eager to read it or hear it read, 
 and who gave of their treasure and blood to uphold it. 
 
 January 18, 1777, the Congress ordered "That an 
 authentic copy of the Declaration of Independence, 
 with the names of the Members of Congress subscrib- 
 ing the same, be sent to each of the United States, 
 and that the}' be desired to have the same put upon 
 record." This seems to be the first time copies were 
 sent out with the names of the signers attached. 
 
 The secret journal, under date of August 2, 1776, 
 says: "The Declaration of Independence being en- 
 grossed and compared at the table, was signed by the 
 members." Yet it is certain that all did not sign at 
 this time. In fact, Thornton did not attach his sig- 
 nature till in November, 1776, and Colonel McKean is 
 authority for the statement that he did not sign till 
 in 1 781. The latter's name does not appear in the 
 
VI Preface. 
 
 first broadside, on which the names of 55 signers 
 appear. 
 
 The vote on Richard Henry Lee's resolntion re- 
 specting independence was taken on Jnly 2 and failed 
 of unanimity, though carried by a big majority. All 
 of New England, New Jersey, Maryland, \^irginia, 
 North Carolina, and Georgia voted for it. South 
 Carolina and Penns3'lvania voted against it. One of 
 Delaware's delegates. Colonel McKean, voted for it 
 and the other, George Read, against it. The New 
 York delegates refrained from voting, for want of 
 instructions to do so. Thus 9 out of 13 colonies 
 voted unanimously for the resolution. 
 
 During the postponement of a day Caesar Rodney 
 came in response to a call from Colonel AlcKean, 
 riding So miles on horseback, and on the next ballot 
 the two carried Delaware for the resolution. The 
 popular sentiment in Penns\'lvania was for independ- 
 ence, and organized conditions so changed suddenl}^ 
 that Franklin, IMorton, and Wilson voted for, Willing 
 and Humphreys against the resolution, while Dickin- 
 son and Morris stayed awa}' from the Congress and 
 in this way refrained from voting. AVhen the final 
 vote was taken three delegates only \-oted against the 
 resolution, viz: Willing and Humphrey's of Penns}^- 
 vania, and Read of Delaware, the New York delegates 
 still refraining from voting. On the 9th, however, 
 the New York delegates were authorized b}' their 
 
Preface, Vll 
 
 State to sign, thus making the vote unanimous so 
 far as the States were concerned. 
 
 On the 19th of Jul}' the Congress ordered the Dec- 
 laration "passed on the 4th, fairl}' engrossed on parch- 
 ment with the title and style of ' The Unanimous Dec- 
 laration of the Thirteen United States of America'; 
 and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by ever}' 
 member of Congress." 
 
 Following this in the Journal under date August 2 
 it reads, "The Declaration of Independence being 
 engrossed, and compared at the table, was signed by 
 the members." It does not say how mau}^ of the 
 members signed at this time. Certain it is that the 
 56 signatures were not attached on this date. It 
 appears certain that no one signed on the 4th except 
 John Hancock for and on behalf of the Congress, and 
 only a part on August 2. It is quite certain that 
 George Wythe signed about August 27; Richard 
 Henry Lee, Elbridge Gerry, and Oliver AVolcott in 
 September; Thornton in November, and Colonel 
 McKean sa3\s he did not sign till in 1781. Thus 6 
 names were attached after August 2, making it more 
 than probable that 50 signed on the latter date. 
 
 The New York delegates of course did not sign on 
 July 4, for the reason they had no authority to vote 
 for the Declaration or to sign it. Thornton, Rush, 
 Clymer, Smith, Taylor, and Ross could not have 
 signed on that date for the good reason that they were 
 
VIII Preface. 
 
 not yet members of the Congress. Clinton, Alsop, 
 
 y R. R. Livingston, Wisner, Willing, Humplireys, and 
 
 Rogers were members on the 4th bnt never did sign. 
 
 Samnel Chase, who was absent on important busi- 
 ness in Maryland, wrote to John Adams under date of 
 July 5, inquiring, "How shall I transmit to posterity'' 
 that I gave my assent?" Adams answered on the 9th 
 that " As soon as an American seal is prepared I con- 
 jecture the Declaration will be subscribed b^- all the 
 members, which will give 3^ou the opportunity j^ou 
 wish for, etc." 
 
 Klbridge Gerr}- also was anxious on this point, 
 and wrote to both John and Samuel Adams under date 
 of July 21, from Kingsbridge, N. Y., desiring to know 
 if they could not sign his name as his proxy. This, 
 with other corroborating facts, it would seem, fully 
 supports the conclusion that no member of the Con- 
 gress signed on the 4th excejDt John Hancock. 
 
! ii 
 
 ILLUSTRATED STORY OF ITS A!^)mON, vrrTFT im. 
 BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITvS OF THE 
 
 OF THE \RY OF THE CONGRESS. 
 
 By Wii,i.iAM H. Mic 
 
 THK DECT.AT^ATTOV TVTTT-i-n a r.7 t:^ 
 Th. .^^^laiuLuju oi luaepenaeiice >-as inevitable. 
 
 It wn^ forrfA iti^,A ,-. V-, ■.<-,.,,. ^.-. 1,.. _: _ 
 
 mand tor it, ai 
 Jefferson wr< at he wrote onh 
 
 ensis of overwlielniing events. form 
 
 ideas that had found expression time n: , 
 
 the colonies. He cauglit inspiration from si 
 --•^^^ --'--d, from rfiP^liffi^^lonies, a.- 
 . > M. n :, ,. a the Sunny South. The ai- 
 
 charged yvnh indei^endence. 
 man with a freeman. . him 
 
 t became a patriot, reac; bscriK 
 
 Lion, "Give me liberty • 
 
 \^ 
 
LIBERTY BELL 
 
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED STORY OF ITS ADOPTION, WITH THE 
 
 BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF THE SIGNERS, 
 
 AND OF THE SECRETARY OF THE CONGRESS. 
 
 By WlLI^IAM H. MiCHAEIv. 
 
 THE DECLARATION INEVITABLE. 
 
 The Declaration of Independence was inevitable. 
 It was forced into existence b}^ circumstances and 
 conditions over which no one man or set of men had 
 control. Indeed, it came about despite opposition 
 of strong men, who later yielded to the irresistible 
 demand for it, and became its most ardent supporters. 
 Jefferson wrote it, but he wrote onl}^ as the amanu- 
 ensis of overwhelming events. He put into form 
 ideas that had found expression time and again in 
 the colonies. He caught inspiration from sturdy 
 New England, from the IMiddle Colonies, and from 
 The air surcharged ^^6 Suuuy South. The air was sur- 
 
 with independence. -i i • , i • 1 -i -i 
 
 cnarged with independence, and every 
 man with a freeman's soul within him who breathed 
 it became a patriot, ready to subscribe to the declara- 
 tion, "Give me liberty or give me death.'' Yet, not 
 
 (I) 
 
2 Story of tJic Declaration of Independence, 
 
 till blood was shed did absolute independence rise 
 defiant. First in New England, then in the South, 
 When blood was ^-ud theu iu the Middle Colonies, the 
 
 shed independence ,^- . .^.^ ^ 
 
 ine\-itabie. blooQ ot patHots enriclied the ground 
 
 and the seed of liberty took deep root. The plant of 
 liberty lifted its head and became a tree. And so it 
 has been since. The roots of this giant tree have 
 been fed by human blood, until now beneath its 
 sheltering greatness are gathered more than eighty 
 million people, enjoying the most perfect independ- 
 ence known to man. 
 
 Commanding critics have said that 
 
 Criticisms on the c> 
 
 the draft of the Declaration as it came 
 from the pen of Jefferson lacked originalit}^; that 
 every idea in it had become hacknej-ed, and that 
 others had given expression to the same ideas in 
 very similar words. The great John Adams was one 
 of these critics. All such criticisms are puerile and 
 in some degree malicious. Had au}^ man attempted 
 originality in the construction of a declaration he 
 would have b}^ that effort proclaimed himself unfitted 
 for the task. Jefferson felt the heart yearnings of 
 the people; he realized that he was the medium of 
 men and women who had awakened to the heaven- 
 born idea of the inalienable rights of man. So he 
 wrote. He claimed no special originality for the 
 work. On the contrary, with becoming good sense 
 and modesty, he said: "I did not consider it as any 
 
Story of tJic Declaration of Independence. 3 
 
 part of 1113" charge to invent new ideas altogether, 
 and to offer no sentiment which had ever been 
 expressed before." 
 
 A just writer has said: 
 
 Faults of the Decla- 
 
 The faults which it has are chiefly of style, 
 ra ion. ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ Spirit of the times — a 
 
 spirit bold, energetic, sensible, independent, in action the very 
 best, but in talk and writing much too tolerant of broad and 
 high sounding generalization. 
 
 No matter. The people love the Declaration of 
 Independence. Aj^e, the}' hold it in religious rever- 
 ence; and the man who wrote it is held in esteem 
 that wall increase in ardor and strength, rather than 
 diminish, wath the years. 
 „ ,. f,^ . The sipfuers of the Declaration of 
 
 Vocation of the sign- o 
 
 Independence represented many voca- 
 tions. Twenty-four were law3'ers, fourteen agricul- 
 turists, four ph^'sicians, one minister of the gospel, 
 and three who were prepared for that calling but 
 chose other avocations, one manufacturer, and nine 
 merchants. 
 
 , ,, The longfevity of the signers is re- 
 
 I<ongevity of the o .' o 
 
 signers. markablc. Three lived to be over 90 
 
 3'ears of age, ten over 80, eleven over 70, fourteen 
 over 60, eleven over 50, six over 44, and one, Mr. 
 Lynch, who lost his life bj^ accidental drowning at 
 sea, was 30 3'ears of age. Thus the overage of the 
 signers was over 62 years. 
 
Where the Declara- 
 tion was written. 
 
 Story of tJic Declaration of Independence. 
 
 A paper was read before the Amer- 
 ican Philosophical Societ}', Philadelphia, 
 April II, 1827, ^y Nicholas Biddle, on Thomas 
 Jefferson, in which he sa^^s: 
 
 He (Jefferson) had selected, with his characteristic love of 
 retirement, a house recently built on the outskirts of the city, 
 and almost the last dwelling house to the westward, where, in 
 a small family, he was the sole boarder. That house is now 
 (1828) a warehouse in the center of Philadelphia, standing at 
 the southwestern corner of Market and Seventh streets, where 
 the Declaration of Independence was written. 
 
 Jefferson's statement. Thc corrcctncss of tlic Statement of 
 
 Mr. Biddle is corroborated b^- ]\Ir. Jefferson himself 
 
 by his letter to Dr. James ]\Iease, of Philadelphia, 
 
 written at IMonticello, September 16, 1825, three years 
 
 prior to the writing of the paper above referred to 
 
 by Mr. Biddle, in which he says: 
 
 At the time of writing that instrument I lodged in the house 
 of a Mr. Gratz, a new brick house, three stories high, of which 
 I rented the second floor, consisting of a parlor and bedroom, 
 ready furnished. In that parlor I wrote habituall>-, and in it 
 wrote this paper particularly. 
 
 A facsimile of ]\Ir. Jeft'erson's letter from which 
 this quotation is made may be found elsewhere in 
 this volume. 
 
 Mr. John M'Allister, jr., of Philadelphia, wrote a 
 letter July 6, 1855, in which he says: 
 Plan of the house in Mr. Hviiiaii Gratz sketched for my father a 
 
 which it was writ- 
 ten, plan of the house as it was in 1776. This, 
 
 with .some account of the property, which mj^ father had 
 
HOUSE IN WHICH DECLARATION WAS WRITTEN 
 
lie Declaration of Independence. 
 
 A paper was read before the Amti 
 11 Pliilosophical Society, Philadelphia, 
 Nicholas Biddlc, on Thomas 
 he say.s: 
 
 :^elected, with hi 
 iiouac recently built on tli 
 iw-L luc last dwelling h'-"--- ' ■ ' 
 family, he was the sol 
 .arehouse in the ceir 
 
 by \ 
 
 written , 'er i6, i 
 
 prior to the writing of the \ lerred to 
 
 by Mr/ Biddle, in which he say 
 At ' 'at instni 
 
 ' ; narrow saw VioiTA5iAJD3a hdihw hi aauoH 
 
 '. ItH^ .M ill 1 l<^ '^1 ■ ' ' 
 
 iinr it iiiii'm is 
 
 AlHste 
 lette; 
 

 FACSIMILE OF THE JEFFERSON LETTER IDENTIFYING THE HOUSE 
 IN WHICH HE WROTE THE DECLARATION 
 
38UOH 3HT 01^IY3IT1/I3ai H3TT3J HOeH3113(. 3H1 HO 3J1M12DA3 
 HOITAHAJ33a 3HT 3TOHW 3H HDIHW HI 
 
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 c 
 
 
 (LA>^*^u ^v~7 ^^-o^ «l— -_V--v-.^^- ■ / 
 
 
 
 
S/orv of tJir DccJaratioii of Independence, 
 
 collected and made a note of, he inserted in his copy of 
 Mr. Biddle's Eulogium. The following is a copy of the sketch 
 and the note: 
 
 Seventh street. 
 
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 11 
 
 
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 The above shows the original plan of the house at the south- 
 west corner of Market and vSeventh streets. The two rooms in 
 the second story having the stairway between them were occu- 
 pied by Mr. Jefferson in 1776. In one of these rooms he wrote 
 the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 The corner house and the two adjoining houses on Market 
 street became the property of Mr. Simon and Hyman Gratz, 
 merchants, about 1798, and were for jrany years occupied by 
 them as their place of business. They added a fourth story to 
 the height. They also closed up the door on Seventh street 
 and removed the stairs. The w^hole of the second story of the 
 corner house is now in one room, but the place where the old 
 stairway came up can be seen by the alteration in the boards 
 of the floor. The corner house was occupied in 1776 by the 
 father of the late Mr. Frederick Graff, who w^as then an infant. 
 He told me that he could remember hearing his parents say 
 that he had often sat on Mr. JefTerson's knee. The sketch of 
 the original plan of the house from which this copy was made 
 was drawn for me to-da}- Mr. Hyman Gratz. 
 
6 Story of tJic Declaration of Indcpciidejice. 
 
 There is a copy of the Hulogium in the L-ogonian 
 Library, No. 1843.0.8. 
 Adoption of the Dec- The prccise hour of the day of the 
 
 laration of Inde- 
 pendence, adoption of the Dechiration of Independ- 
 ence is not determinable from any record in existence. 
 The record shows that Congress entered upon direct 
 consideration of the question of independence July i, 
 1776, by voting to resolve itself into a committee of 
 the whole to take into consideration the resolution 
 introduced by Richard Henry Lee, and to refer the 
 draft of the declaration to this committee.* Benjamin 
 Harrison, a member from Mrginia, was called to the 
 chair, and after a prolonged debate consuming the 
 entire da\- the resolution was adopted. The com- 
 mittee of the whole then rose, and the president, Mr. 
 Hancock, resumed the chair, whereupon Mr. Har- 
 rison reported that the committee had adopted the 
 resolution. The House voted to postpone action on 
 the resolution as reported until the next day, July 2, 
 on which date the resolution was adopted. vSo that 
 the real independence day is the 2d of July. Upon 
 the adoption of the resolution Congress resolved itself 
 immediatel}' into the committee of the whole, "to con- 
 sider draft of a Declaration of Independence, or the 
 form of announcing the fact to the world." Debate 
 on the draft continued throughout the 3d and 4tli of 
 
 July. 
 
 *See facsimile of the Resolution as drawn by Mr. I.,ee, and endorsement thereon. 
 
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Story of the Declaration of Independence. 
 There is a copy of the Eulogiiiin in tlie Logonian 
 
 :.V0.8. 
 
 The precise hour of the da^^ of the 
 "declaration of Independ- 
 
 • >rd in existence. 
 
 cv s . ^ iinon direct 
 
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 ^s ■ ■' <-"^ ^..v. ...V. .. )se, and the president, Mr, 
 
 -A"^ liancock, resumed the chair, whereupon Mr. Har- 
 
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 ^ ^ rison reported that the committee had adopted the 
 
 O y y resolution. . ouse voted to postpone action on 
 
 e S aj the resolution as reported until the next day, July 2, 
 
 S eS o . . V - 
 
 H D ui on which date the resolution -d. So that 
 
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 ^ r" ^ the real independence day is the a\ 
 
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 Sh^ the adoption ' 'lution Cor f 
 
 immediately cuuimittee o; 1- 
 
 sider draft c-. . .-^claration of T ,,....:^., , aie 
 
 form of announcing the fact A'orld." Debate 
 
 on the draft continued throui le 3d and 4th of 
 
 *See facsimile of the Resolution as dra siid endorse i n. 
 


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Siorv of t lie Declaration of Independence. 7 
 
 On the evening of the 4th the committee arose, 
 
 President Hancock resnmed the chair, and Benjamin 
 
 Harrison reported the draft of decharation as having 
 
 been agreed npon, whicli was adopted. The draft 
 
 was ordered on the loth of Tnly to be 
 
 Signing ot the Dec- 
 
 laratio,.. engrosscd, and on the 2d of Angnst 
 the engrossed copy was signed by 50 members /^= 
 It wonld have been signed by 51 but for the ab- 
 sence of ]\Ir. Houston, of Georgia, who had been 
 sent by the Congress to follow Doctor Zubly, a 
 delegate from the same State, who had fled posthaste 
 from Philadelphia to his State, with the intention 
 of apprising the Crown governor of his State of 
 what was going on behind the closed doors of Con- 
 gress respecting independence. It appears that 
 Zubly was giving away the secrets of executive 
 sessions, and was accused of his perfidy on the floor 
 of Congress by Mr. Chase, of Maryland. Zubly 
 denied and challenged proof. The proof was made 
 so strong that the guilty delegate fled to Georgia. 
 Congress directed Houston to follow him and to 
 circumvent his evil purposes. By the time they 
 reached Georgia, however, the Crown governor had 
 been deposed by the people and he had escaped 
 and taken refuge in an armed British vessel lying 
 in Savannah Harbor. Zubly 's treachery came to 
 
 * Wythe signed about August 27, Richard Henry I,ee, Gerry, Wolcott, in September, 
 Thornton in November following, and McKean later, probably in 17S1. 
 
8 Story of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 naught, but it cheated Houston out of his oppor- 
 tunity to sign. For this reason Georgia had only 
 three signers, Gwinnett, A\^ilton, and HalL 
 
 The story of the consideration and 
 
 Jefferson's storj- of 
 
 adoption of the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence as told by Jefferson himself must necessaril}- 
 possess extraordinar}' interest, and no histor\' of that 
 document can be considered complete without it. He 
 says: 
 
 I will ,t;"ive vou some extracts from a written document on 
 that subject, for the truth of which I pledge myself to heaven 
 and earth, having, while the question of independence was 
 under consideration by Congress, taken notes in my seat of 
 what w'as passing, and reduced them to form on the final occa- 
 sion. I have now before me that paper, from which the 
 following are extracts: 
 
 "On Friday, the 7th of June, 1776, the delegates from Vir- 
 ginia moved, in obedience to instructions from their constitu- 
 ents, that the Congress should 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 connection between them and the State of 
 Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; that meas- 
 ures should be immediately taken for procuring tiie assistance 
 of foreign powers, and a confederation be formed to bind the 
 colonies more closeh' together. 
 
 "The House being obliged to attend at that time to some 
 other business, the proposition was referred to the next day, 
 when the members were ordered to attend punctually at 10 
 o'clock. Saturday-, June 8, the}' proceeded to take it into con- 
 sideration, and referred it to a committee of the whole, into 
 
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 eration and 
 
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 iuue. 1776. : 
 ...ij.L n../v^v,, ,,..., ....,v ..V..- 10 instructiu.. ■ 
 '■■".{^ that the C'^ntrrc^s sh<^nld declare that t 
 
 il'icy arc .lijiixv cu 
 
 •1, :h .11 . ■■■.■ .] 
 
 u!(j- should be im 
 
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 taken 
 
 other bu- 
 
 when thi 
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 sideration, an 
 

 ^ 
 
S/ory of the Declaration of Ijidcpcndence. 9 
 
 which they immediatel}' resolved themselves, and passed that 
 day and Monday, the loth, debating on the subject. 
 
 ' ' It appearing in the course of these debates that the colonies 
 of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, 
 and South Carolina were not yet matured for falling from the 
 parent stem, but that they were fast advancing to that state, it 
 was thought prudent to wait a while for them, and to postpone 
 the final decision to July i . But that this might occasion as 
 little delay as possible, a committee was appointed to prepare a 
 declaration of independence. The committee were J. Adams, 
 Dr. Franklin, Roger vSherman, Robert R. Livingston, and 
 myself. This was reported to the House on Frida}^ the 28th 
 of June, when it was read and ordered to lie on the table. 
 
 "On ^londay, the ist of July, the House resolved itself into 
 a committee of the whole, and resumed the consideration of 
 the original motion made by the delegates of \'irginia, which, 
 being again debated through the day, was carried in the 
 affirmative by the votes of New Hampshire, Connecticut, 
 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, \'ir- 
 ginia. North Carolina, and Georgia. South Carolina and 
 Pennsylvania voted against it. Delaware having but two 
 members present, the}- were divided. 
 
 ' ' The delegates from New York declared they were for it 
 themselves, and were assured their constituents were for it, but 
 that their instructions having been drawn near a twelvemonth 
 before, when reconciliation was still the general object, they 
 therefore thought themselves not justified in voting on either 
 side, and asked leave to withdraw from the question, which 
 was given them. The committee then rose and reported their 
 resolution to the House. Mr. Rutledge, of South Carolina, 
 then requested the determination might be put off to the next 
 day, as he believed his colleagues, though they disapproved of 
 the resolution, would then join in it for the sake of unanimity. 
 
lo Sfory of the Declaration of Independence . 
 
 The ultimate question, whether the House would agree to the 
 resolution of the committee, was accordingly postponed to the 
 next day, when it was moved, and vSouth Carolina concurred 
 in voting for it. 
 
 " In the meantime a third member had come post haste from 
 the Delaware counties and turned the vote of that colony in 
 favor of the resolution. Members of a different sentiment 
 attending from Pennsylvania also, their vote was changed, so 
 that the whole twelve colonies, who were authorized to vote at 
 all, gave their votes for it, and within a few days (July 9) the 
 convention of New York approved of it, and thus supplied 
 the void occasioned by the withdrawing of their delegates from 
 the vote. ( Be careful to observe that this vacillating vote was 
 on the original motion of the 7th of June b\- the \"irginia dele- 
 gates, that Congress should declare the colonies independent. ) 
 Congress proceeded the same day to consider the Declaration of 
 Independence, which liad been reported and laid on the table 
 the Friday preceding, and on Monday referred to the Commit- 
 tee of the Whcjle. The pusillanimous idea that we had friends 
 in I^ngland worth keeping terms witli still haiuited the minds 
 of many. For this reason those passages which conve5'ed cen- 
 sure on the people of England were struck out, lest they give 
 them offense. 
 
 " The del>ates having taken up the greater parts of the sec- 
 ond, third, and fourth days of July, were in the evening of the 
 last closed. The Declaration was reported by the committee, 
 agreed to by the Hou.se, and signed by every member present 
 except Mr. Dicl<iuson.'' '^^ 
 
 Changes in uie origi- Tlie draft of tlic declaration as it came 
 
 ual draft of the 
 
 declaration. froiii tlic pcii of Jeffersoii was changed 
 
 * The journal shows that only John Hancock, the President, signed, attested by 
 Charles Thomson, Secretary. The signing was principally done on August 2, 1776. 
 
or AH ERl CA, lil ^^:«^w^^ Or>vj^,..o ^^. -.ff- ? 
 
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 FACSIMILE OF ORIGINAL DRAFT OF THE 
 DECLARATION 
 
gree to the 
 
 i ( ':itponed, to the 
 
 aiolina concurred 
 
 ])Ost haste from 
 that colony in 
 
 ■ 'lit 
 
 on the original tr. i dele- 
 
 gates, that Congress shoukl declare i;i^.- colonie . ) 
 
 Congress proceeded the same day to cunsider the i 'ccuiuiou of 
 Independence, which had been reiX)rted and laid on the table 
 the Friday preceding, and on Mondaj- referred to the Commit- 
 tee of the Whole. The pusillanimous idea that we had friends 
 in England worth keeping terms with still haunted the minds 
 
 of many. For this reason ''^■^- --■...... ..i.;, i. .-. .,- i > 
 
 >ure on the people of Hii- 
 iliem oflfen.se. 
 
 " The debates having taken up the 
 
 
 Changes in the origi- TllC draft of tllC < \ 
 
 nal draft of the 
 
 declaration. froiu the pcii of Jeffersoii 
 
 ♦The journal s! 
 Charles Thomson 
 
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I 
 
 FIRST BROADSIDE EDITION 
 
 (FACSIMILE) 
 
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 (HJIMieDAH) 
 
In congress, July 4, .776. 
 
 A DECLARATION 
 
 By the R E P R E S K N T a T I V E S of the 
 
 UNITED STATES OV AMERICA, 
 
 I N G EN E R A L CONGRESS assemble d. 
 
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 JOHN II A N C O C K, V r e s i d i. n t 
 
 A • T I • I 
 
 r n A K I. 
 
 r n c) M s o N, S: 
 
Story of the Declaration of Independence, 1 1 
 
 somewhat by the committee before it was reported to 
 Congress for consideration. Then Congress strnck 
 ont the language charging the King with inciting 
 "treasonable insurrections with our fellow-citizens," 
 by promising them confiscated property; that he 
 had carried on the slave trade, and refused to allow 
 American legislatures to suppress it; that Great 
 Britain had not assisted the colonies in establishine 
 
 o 
 
 themselves, and that " submission to their parliament 
 was no part of our constitution;" that part attacking 
 the English people for continuing in power "the dis- 
 turbers of our harmony," and allowing their King 
 and those in his counsel to inflict such wrongs on the 
 people of the colonies. Besides this there was a good 
 deal of purely rhetorical matter about the incredulity 
 of "future ages" respecting the tyranny of the King 
 stricken out. 
 
 Debate^onthedecia- ^^ was apparent early in the debate 
 that Congress desired as far as possible 
 to retain the original words of the report. The dis- 
 cussion nevertheless was very heated, John Adams 
 leading in support of the report of the committee. 
 Jefferson sat in his seat without raising his voice in 
 defense of his own work, notwithstanding he writhed 
 in agony as he saw some of his most cherished para- 
 graphs and sentences eliminated from the document. 
 After the adoption of the declaration as amended 
 
1 2 Story of the Dec/a rat ion of hniepcndcncc. 
 
 Jefferson wrote a letter to Richard Henry Lee in 
 which he said: 
 
 ., f I inclose you a copy of the Declaration of 
 
 Jefferson writes oi -' ^ ' 
 
 the changes made. Independence, agreed to by the House, and 
 also as originally framed; you will judge whether it is the 
 better or the worse for the critics. 
 
 John Adams remained of the opinion that the House 
 had struck out some of the best parts of the draft. 
 He insisted that great violence had been done to 
 Jefferson's work by striking ont the part indicting 
 the King for the continuation of the slave trade. 
 Yet, it will be well to remember that Georgia and 
 South Carolina were both carrying on the slave trade 
 at this time as energetically as they were able, and 
 other colonies had profited largely by the traffic. 
 Hence, it was ridiculous to arraign the King for doing 
 the same thing. At any rate, tliis part of the draft 
 was easily set aside. An eminent critic has said that 
 " a comparison of the original draft with the declara- 
 tion as adopted will convince an3-one that the House 
 was fully justified in its work." 
 Error of Mr. jefTer- ]Mr. Teffersou iu lus accouut states 
 
 son in regard to •' 
 
 deciaSr''^" that all the members present, except 
 Air. Dickinson, signed the declaration in the evening 
 of the 4th of July. The journal shoAvs that no one 
 signed it that evening except Mr. Hancock and Air. 
 Thomson. The journal entry is, " Signed by order 
 and in behalf of Congress, John Hancock, President. 
 
r N CO NCR ESS, July 4, 1//^. 
 
 ' — m^ 
 
 
 y '""/ ^- '"^j-' "■^/'/•/•^ ./'' 
 
 
 • — *■ 
 
 (fiM^»^.5---»*'^ 
 
 FACSIMILE OF DECLARATION AS SIGNED 
 
a iieiirv Juee m 
 
 j,iually framed; 
 
 he worse for the criii< 
 
 John Adams remained of 
 liad struck out. some of th 
 
 -h'-^tion of 
 
 and 
 
 ^ the 
 
 o House 
 
 that ( and 
 
 the slave trade 
 were able, and 
 by the traffic. 
 
 the i . 
 
 Yet, 1 
 
 South Carolina were \v>X\\ < 
 
 at this time as enc 
 
 other colonies had prolited : 
 
 Hence, it was ridiculous to arraigu the King for doing 
 
 the same thing. At any rate, this part of the draft 
 
 w^as easily set aside. An eminent critic has said that 
 
 "a comparison of the original draf*^ ^> '*'''' ♦"'^'- '^'•.'!n-,. 
 
 tion as adopted will convince an \ 
 
 was fully justified in its 
 
 Error of Mr. J. Mr. Jc 
 
 ''*'''■ that all ,'t 
 
 Mr. ] igned - 
 
 of the 4th Mt July. e 
 
 signed it that even ^ r. 
 
 Tliomson. The jo r 
 
 and in behnlf of C^' ^• 
 
1 1\ CO NCR ESS, July 4, 1//^. 
 
 ^fie ititammoiti^ecfarafton of,&fftH„n„nto$tate5 of^mcriea. 
 
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 if//i^C9uAii (^ini-n, „ni//£ii/ iu'l/MieU,JemnJiila,i,Ai^in^ /lu"i miJ/l'i lAiii- if ^ un^ ~A. 
 
 $ilil», M^l^iyi.u.aA,^.,Jfii,ni,/liU:,fii^,ii^ 
 
 /f^ o> lAa attl/i/lulc/unJrrU Jih&l, /liiy/Li.ll!MX&.i<:^iLyS-i, ll^ni Liuu.. l^iuiii {U/i-n^. litif^J /'im,«il^i , o,,,//^ , 
 
 j!alrJ mufi/uy/il Jr. _ \^na jL //Lji,fl/i^iflAJ^L/i;s£m., u^M.ii^„i lilLw niMt/lu,6ii^ifaii.ini ^ni^„a 
 
 i /.-In//,/ Jilt 
 
 
 
 •M^'^^^ 7/u^y^^ 
 
 mi. 
 
 /I'ui i7i/i.„,Jyfi,„f, Uiiji Jiii/t/uiii/i'iti^ 
 
 ■,idLi'ii//y A/iJyi'ii'iMi^ c/AiC en^Jiiu, KuJ^iUiiM 
 
 tPlifcr-JiC 
 
 Jj. '■ //i^/hiy/^ 
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 '■'/^--i 
 
Story of the Declaration of Independence. 13 
 
 Attest: Charles Thomson, Secretary." The journal 
 continues thus: 
 
 That the declaration be authenticated and printed. That 
 the committee appointed to prepare the declaration super- 
 intend and correct the press. That copies of the declaration 
 be sent to the several assemblies, conventions and committees 
 or councils of safet}', and to the commanding officers of the 
 Continental troops; that it l)e proclaimed in each of the United 
 States, and at the head of the Ami}-. 
 
 The engrossing of Ih thc Jounial of July iQ, 1 776, thc 
 
 the declaration or- . 
 
 dered followiug cutr}' uiay be found: 
 
 That the declaration passed on the fourth of Jul}' be fairly 
 engrossed on parchment, with the title and style of The 
 Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of 
 America; and that the same, when engrossed, be signed by 
 every member of Congress. 
 
 On AuQ^ust 2 the declaration, as 
 
 Kngrossedcopy c ' 
 
 signet. engrossed under the order of Congress, 
 
 was signed by all of the members of Congress present. 
 The cntr}' made in the Journal August 2, 1776, reads: 
 "The Declaration of Independence being engrossed 
 and compared at the table w'as signed." '■' 
 
 The first celebration of the event was 
 
 The first celebration 
 otm epen ence. ^^^ Thursday, AugUSt 8, I 7 76, \\\ tllC 
 
 statehouse grounds, Philadelphia, where everj' eye 
 could gaze upo-n the bell that proclaimed liberty 
 throughout the world. The Declaration of Independ- 
 ence was read to a large gathering of people b}- John 
 Nixon, and great enthusiasm prevailed. The King's 
 
 * See p. 7, and footnote. 
 
14 Story of tJic Declaration of Independence. 
 
 arms were taken down in the conrt room in the state- 
 honse, and in the e\ening there were bonfires, ring- 
 ing bells, and great demonstrations of joy. 
 
 , ^ The independence of the United States 
 
 Independence oi the ^ 
 
 United States de- -i-i ji_ i.* ,i ir 
 
 ciared by resoiu- was declared by resolution on the 2d ot 
 
 tion on the 2d of 
 
 J"'^'- Ji-^lv, and the adoption of the form of 
 
 declaration on the 4th of July was a secondary matter. 
 It is a little strange that more importance was not 
 attached to the 2d of July in connection with the 
 Declaration of Independence. The resolution intro- 
 duced b^' Richard Henry Lee, which declared our 
 independence, was passed on that day. This was 
 really the yital point — the crucial juncture. This 
 resolution declared — 
 
 That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, 
 free and indepeiMeut States; that they are absolved from all 
 allegiance to the British Crown, and that all })olitical connec- 
 tion between them and the vState of Great Britain is, and ought 
 to be, totally dissolved.* 
 
 Depository of the l^udcr act of Congrcss, approvcd July 
 
 Declaration. i • i i • i 1 o 
 
 27, 17S9, which authorized the becretar}- 
 for the Department of Foreign Affairs to take charge 
 of all "records, books, and papers in the office of 
 Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs," the 
 Declaration of Independence Avas deposited in that 
 Department; and under an act approved September 
 15^ 17S9, which changed the title of the Department 
 
 * See facsimile of the resolution elsewhere. 
 
/n con 
 
 ; 
 
 I'LY ./ 
 
 O 
 
 Csfie xmaminoitF^crfivrarion f^^ru...J^tate^ of^%*mcric 
 
 
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 PRESENT A 
 
 PPEABA'''''^^'^ECU^„Q^ 
 
Story of the Declaration of hidependence. 15 
 
 to Department of State, and the Secretary thereof 
 to Secretary of State, that ofhcer was anthorized 
 to "have the custody and charge of all books, 
 records, and papers remaining in the ofhce of the 
 late Secretary of the United States in Congress 
 assembled, etc." 
 
 The Declaration of Independence, with other rec- ^ 
 ords, was deposited in the Department of State, and 
 has, to all intents and purposes, remained in the 
 custody of this Department since. 
 
 The document was in the Patent Office from 1841 
 to 1877. It came into the custody of that Office 
 because for nian^^ years it was a part of the Depart- 
 ment of State; and was allowed to remain there 
 after that period because the buildings occupied by 
 the Department of vState until moved into its present 
 quarters were not fireproof, and it was believed that 
 the Patent Ofiice was. 
 The parchment ii- Tlic Dcclaratlou is ou parchment, 
 
 legible and crack- , . . . 
 
 i".?- and the paper shows distinctive signs 
 
 of cracking, which is probably- due more to the injury 
 done the paper in the process of making a facsimile 
 in 1823, T-inder the order of President James Monroe,* 
 than to time or the little handling or jarring the 
 document has received. In 1894 it was hermetically 
 
 *The first facsimile was made in 1823 by order of President Monroe, when John 
 Q. Adams was Secretary of State. The Secretary sent a facsimile to Jefferson in 1S24 in 
 compliance with the resolution of Congress of May 26, 1S24 (Stat. I,., vol. 4, p. 7S), ^ 
 authorizing the distribution of 200 copies to signers and their heirs, and others. The 
 Declaration has been photographed probably twelve times. 
 
1 6 Story of t lie Declaration of ludependejice. 
 
 sealed in a frame and placed in a steel cabinet with 
 the original signed copy of the Constitution, where it 
 is at this time, locked and sealed, b}- order of Secre- 
 tary Hay, and is no longer shown to an3'one except 
 by his direction. 
 
 The present appearance of the document is shown 
 by photography and half-tone on another page. A 
 half-tone illustration of the cabinet in which the 
 Declaration is locked up is also given, 
 cabinet in which the Thc stccl cabluct lu M'hich thc parch- 
 
 D e c 1 a r a 1 1 o n 1 s . -i-^ i , • i 
 
 kept. ment copies or the Declaration and 
 
 Constitution are kept stands immediately to the right 
 as one enters the north door of the library of the 
 Department of State. On the left of the door in 
 another steel cabinet ma}- be seen two pages of the 
 original draft of the declaration in Jefferson's hand- 
 writing, with a few interlineations made by Franklin 
 and John Adams. In the same cabinet and imme- 
 diately above the original draft may be seen a 
 facsimile of the engrossed cop3\ This facsimile was 
 made, as has been already stated, by order of Presi- 
 dent James IMonroe, in 1823, ^^^ ^^^^ purpose of 
 giving a copv to each of the signers then living and 
 their heirs. 
 
 , ,, , Portraits of the entire fifty-six signers 
 
 Portraits of all the - ^ 
 
 .signers. ^^^ coutaiued in this volume, including 
 
 those of Button Gwinnett, John Hart, and Thomas 
 Lynch, of whom it was believed for a long time there 
 
STEEL CABINET IN WHICH THE ORIGINAL ENGROSSED COPY 
 OF THE DECLARATION IS KEPT 
 
T f^ nrchiratic 
 
 .lic aiiLi. jji..n.;c' 
 
 1— ■ 
 
 
 ri'-d copy of t! 
 
 Z 
 
 LU 
 
 \— 
 
 < 
 
 O. 
 LU 
 
 
 eked and f 
 .LV, and is no loni, 
 i is direction. 
 
 
 j3resent apj 
 
 LU 
 
 
 by photography and half -tor 
 
 Z 
 
 LU 
 
 
 half-tone illustrai' 
 Declaration is lockea up i:s 
 
 LU 
 U- 
 LU 
 
 
 ,,,e The steel cab. 
 
 
 
 nir-nt" ronn-v i ^ 
 
 
 % 
 
 Ooi 
 
 Depai'LUient of S- 
 
 
 Q 
 
 A 
 
 O 
 
 s 
 
 another steel cabinet may be 
 
 
 w 
 
 original draft of the declarat' 
 
 writing, with a few interlineations made by i^ranklni 
 and. John Adams. In the same cabinet and inmie- 
 diately above ■^^■- ^'■^''^nial draft may be seen a 
 facsiinilf* "T tl-i 1 copy. This frirsiriil;.> was 
 
 mat V stated, bv r 
 
 der- 1823, nrpose of 
 
 he signers nd 
 
 their heir- 
 
 Portraits of the entir ■ rs 
 
 are contained in this voiii uamg 
 
 those (u iuitton Gwinnett, John Hart, .: Plionias 
 
 LWflOi:^ Qa^eO«Mrt^3UA^^IM^iH^d^^SHWl^1bS^^la6ft43^lfe 
 
 TS3>i 21 HOITAilAJDaa 3HT lO 
 
STEEL CABINET CONTAINING ORIGINAL DRAFT AND FACSIMILE 
 OF ENGROSSED COPY AS SIGNED 
 
ajIMI2DA1 QUA TIAHQ JAUIDIHO OHIMIATMOD T3MiaA3 J33T2 
 a3HOI8 8A YS03 032805101/13 30 
 
Story of tJie Declaration of ludcpendejice. 17 
 
 were no portraits of an}- kind to be had. By corre- 
 spondence extending over many years and by personal 
 effort these were obtained. It is believed that this is 
 the most complete, and in point of artistic effect the 
 best, collection of the portraits of the signers yet 
 given to the public. 
 
 Most of the portraits are after Trumbull, and are, 
 therefore, reliable likenesses, as he painted, either 
 from life or from portraits by contemporary portrait 
 painters, who assisted him in the prosecution of his 
 great work, "The Signing of the Declaration of 
 Independence. ' ' 
 
 It is proper to say in this connection that the 
 portrait of Benjamin Harrison, which is included 
 by Trumbull in his collection, was painted after 
 Harrison's death, and from minute personal descrip- 
 tions given the artist b}- near relatives and friends, 
 who pronounced the portrait a good likeness after it 
 was finished. Trumbull painted fort3^-six faces in his 
 famous picture. The other ten were painted by other 
 artists, and copies have been obtained b}' photography. 
 32461—04 4 
 
1 8 Story of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 THE JOURNAL HISTORY OF THE DECLA- 
 RATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 (See Journals of Congress, vol. 2, pp. 205, 206, 207-236, 237, 238, 239, 240-246, 247.) 
 
 Saturday June 8, 1776.— "^-^vw/rvY/, That the resoliitioiis 
 respecting independency be referred to a committee 
 of the whole Congress." 
 
 The Congress then resolved itself into a commit- 
 tee of the whole, and after some time the president 
 resnmed the chair, and Air. Harrison reported that 
 the Committee have taken into consideration the 
 matter to them referred, directed him to move for 
 leave to sit again on jMonday. 
 
 Resolved, That this Congress will, on Mondaj^ next, at lo 
 o'clock, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take 
 into their farther consideration the resolutions referred to them. 
 
 Monday, June 10, 1776.— Agreeable to order, the Congress 
 resolved itself into a committee of the whole to take 
 into their farther consideration the resolutions to them 
 referred; and, after some time spent thereon, the presi- 
 dent resnmed the chair, and Mr. Harrison rej^orted 
 that the committee have had under consideration the 
 matters referred to them, and have come to a resolu- 
 tion thereon, which they directed him to report. 
 
 The resolution agreed to in committee of the whole 
 Congress bieng read — 
 
 Resolved, That the consideration of the first resolution be 
 postponed to Monday, the first day of July next; and in the 
 meanwhile, that no time be lost in case the Congress agree 
 
Story of the DcdaratioJi of Independence, 19 
 
 thereto, that a committee be appointed to prepare a declaration 
 to the effect of the said first resolution, which is in these words: 
 "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to he, 
 free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all 
 allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connec- 
 tion between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought 
 to be, totally dissolved." 
 
 Tuesday, June ii, i-j^Q.— ^ Reso/ved^ That the committee 
 for jDreparing the declaration consist of live. The mem- 
 bers chosen: Mr. Jefferson, ]\Ir. John Adams, Mr. 
 Franklin, Mr. Sherman, and Mr. R. R. Livingston. 
 
 Tuesday, June 25, 1776.— A declaration of the deputies 
 of Pennsjdvania, met in provincial conference, was 
 laid before Congress and read, expressing their will- 
 ingness to concur in a vote of Congress, declaring the 
 United Colonies free and independent States. 
 
 Friday, June 28, 1776.— " FraUcis HopkiuSOU, OUC of tllC 
 
 delegates from New Jersey, attended and produced 
 the credentials of their appointment," containing the 
 following instructions: 
 
 If you shall judge it necessary' or expedient for this pur- 
 pose, we empower you to join in declaring the United Colonies 
 independent of Great Britain, entering into a confederation for 
 union and common defense, etc. 
 
 Monday, July i, 1776.— "A resolutiou of the couvcution 
 of Maryland, passed the 28th of June, was laid before 
 Congress and read," containing the following instruc- 
 tions to their deputies in Congress: "That the depu- 
 ties of said colon}' or any three or more of them, be 
 
20 Stoj'v of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 empowered to concur witli the other United Colonies, 
 or a niajorit}^ of them, in declaring the United Colo- 
 nies free and independent States, in forming such 
 further compact and confederation between them," etc. 
 The order of the daj- being read — 
 
 Resolved, That this Congress will resolve itself into a com- 
 mittee of the whole to take into consideration the resolution 
 respecting independence. 
 
 That the Declaration be referred to said connnittee. 
 
 The Congress resolved itself into a committee of 
 the whole. After some time the President resumed 
 the chair, and Air. Harrison reported that the com- 
 mittee had come to a resolution, which the}- desired 
 him to report, and to move for leave to sit again. 
 
 The resolution agreed to by the committee of the 
 whole being read, the decermination thereof was, at 
 the request of a colon}-, postponed until to-morrow. 
 
 Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself 
 into a connnittee of the whole to take into consideration the 
 Declaration respecting independence. 
 
 Tuesday, July 2, 1776.— The Cougrcss rcsuuied the con- 
 sideration of the resolution reported from the com- 
 mittee of the whole, which was agreed to, as follows: 
 
 Resolved, That these United ColoJiies are, and of right ought to 
 be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all 
 allegiance to the British Crozvn, and that all political connectio7i 
 bettveen them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, 
 totally dissolved. 
 
Story of the Declaration of Independence. 21 
 
 Agreeable to the order of the da}^ the Congress 
 resolved itself into a committee of the whole; and af- 
 ter some time the President resnmed the chair, and 
 Mr. Harrison reported that the committee have had 
 nnder consideration the Declaration to them referred, 
 bnt not having had time to go through the same, 
 desired him to move for leave to sit again. 
 
 Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve 
 itself into a committee of the whole to take into their farther 
 consideration the declaration respecting independence. 
 
 Wednesday, July 3, 1776.— Agreeable to the order of the 
 day the Congress resolved itself into a committee of 
 the whole to take into their farther consideration the 
 Declaration and after some time the President re- 
 sumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported that the 
 committee, not 3'et having ^one through it, desired 
 leave to sit again. 
 
 Resolved, That the Congress will, to-morrow, again resolve 
 itself into a committee of the whole to take into their farther 
 consideration the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Thursday, July 4, 1776.— Agreeable to the order of the 
 da}' the Congress resolved itself into a committee of 
 the whole to take into their farther consideration the 
 Declaration, and after some time the President re- 
 sumed the chair, and ]\Ir. Harrison reported that the 
 committee had agreed to a declaration, which they 
 desired him to report. 
 
 The Declaration bein^ read, was agfreed to, etc. 
 
22 Story of the Declaration of Independence, 
 
 ^ , ,. The Declaration of Independence was 
 
 when Declaration -T 
 
 wasacoptec. adoptcd m the evening of Jnly 4, 1776. 
 
 On the 19th of July Congress ordered that the 
 Declaration passed on the 4th be fairly engrossed. 
 
 On the 2d day of August the Declaration was 
 signed as engrossed by the members present. 
 ,^^ . . , Thomas Tefferson was wont to relate, 
 
 ine signing has- '' ' 
 
 '■" "''' when in a reminiscent mood, that the 
 signing of the Declaration was hastened b}- swarms 
 of flies that came into the hall throngh the open 
 windows from a livery stable near by and assailed 
 the silk-stockinged legs of the honorable members. 
 Handkerchief in hand, they lashed the flies with what 
 vigor they could command on a hot Angnst after- 
 noon, bnt despite their efforts the annoyance became 
 at length almost intolerable, and the members made 
 haste to bring the momentons bnsiness to a close. 
 House in which the Tlicrc is no longcr any donbt as to 
 
 Declaration was 
 
 ^^""e" the location of the honse in which 
 
 Jefferson prepared the draft of the Declaration. In a 
 letter he wrote to Doctor Mease, of Philadelphia, dated 
 September 16, 1825, '^^ author of the immortal 
 instrument happily settles the question for all time. 
 He says: "At the time of writing that instrument I 
 lodged in the house of a \lx. Gratz, a new brick 
 house, three stories high, of which I rented the second 
 floor, consisting of a parlor and bedroom, ready fur- 
 nished. In that parlor I wrote habituall}', and in 
 
SP I J 
 
 i _ .iw-:ssmmwm 
 
 DESK ON WHICH DECLARATION WAS SIGNED AND 
 CHAIFIS USED BY SIGNERS 
 
of the Declaration of bidependence. 
 
 The Decla " - - ' endence was 
 
 ration 
 "■ ' ' - - ■'"-4,1776. 
 
 *"■'■! the 1^... ^.,..,^... ._. ..,..>_, ^.. that the 
 
 ration pas- ihe 4th be fairly engrossed. 
 
 ^ >n the 2d day of August the Declaration was 
 1 as engrossed by the members present. 
 
 Thomas Jefferson was wont to relate, 
 
 when in a reminiscent mood, that the 
 
 signing of the Declaration was hastened by swarms 
 
 ' Cs that came into the hall through the open 
 
 '' ^'' — stable near b}'^ and assailed 
 
 -. ,T rli.' honorable members, 
 f 1 1 the flies with what 
 
 vigor th uand on a hot August after- 
 
 noon, but despite their efforts the annoyance became 
 at length almost intolerable, and the members made 
 haste to bring the momentous business to a close. 
 House in which the Thcrc Is uo louger any doubt as to 
 
 Declaration was . ri i • 1«1 
 
 written. tlic locatiou of thc housc ni which 
 
 Jefferson prepared the draft of the Declaration. In a 
 letter he wrote to Doctor Mease, of Philadelphia, dated 
 
 instrunieiit bgHa;/tOK''Ya QSeU BHIAHS for all time. 
 He says: "At the time of writing that instrument I 
 lodge- le house of a Mr. Gratz, a new brick 
 
 house, Liiree stories high, of which I rented the second 
 floor, consisting of a parlor and bedroom, read}^ fur- 
 nished. In that parlor I wrote habitually, and in 
 
HOUSE IN WHICH DECLARATION WAS SIGNED 
 
aawoia aAw MoiXAHAJoaa hoihw hi aauoH 
 
Story of the Declaration of Independence. 23 
 
 it wrote this paper particularly. So far, I state from 
 written proofs in my possession. The proprietor, 
 Gratz, was a young man, son of a German, and then 
 newly married. I think he was a bricklayer, and 
 that his house w^as on the south side of Market 
 street, probabl}- between Seventh and Eighth streets; 
 and if not the onh' house on that part of the street, I 
 am sure there were few others near it. I have some 
 idea it was a corner house," etc. 
 
 The Declaration CoUgrCSS licld ItS SCSSloUS duHug 
 
 adopted in Inde- . c i i • • 
 
 pendence Hall. tlic cousidcratiou of thc Dcclaratiou m 
 Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. Prior to the 
 adoption and signing of the Declaration the building 
 was known as the State House. The room in which 
 the Congress held its sessions was the small one on 
 the east side of the main entrance to the building on 
 the ground lloor. The building was erected for the 
 enactment of statutes for State government, and was 
 begun in 1729 and completed in 1734, at a cost of 
 $28,000, which at that time was considered an extrav- 
 agant sum to put into a public building. 
 
 When Congress first met in 1774, it was in Car- 
 penters' Hall. Later Congress met in Independence 
 Hall. After the battle of Brandj^wine the hall was 
 used as a hospital. It was in this hall that Wash- 
 ington delivered his Farewell Address when he bade 
 farewell to public life; and it was here that La 
 
24 Story of tJic Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Faj^ette received liis frieuds on his visit to Phila- 
 delphia in 1824. 
 
 Liberty Bell. Tlie bell that pealcd forth in lond 
 
 acclaim "Liberty thronghout the land, and to all the 
 inhabitants thereof," hnng in the belfry- of the bnild- 
 ing. The bell first intended for this bnilding was 
 injured in landing it from the ship in 1752. It was 
 recast b}- Pass & Stow, under direction of Isaac 
 Norris, Speaker of the State Assembl}-, Norris sug- 
 gested the motto which was cast on the bell: "Pro- 
 claim liberty throughout the land — to all the inhabi- 
 tants thereof." This was more prophetic than the 
 author dreamed of. The bell was buried in the Dela- 
 ware River during the struggle for liberty, and was 
 again placed in position when independence was won. 
 ^>, The bell now reposes in the passagewa}^ or main 
 entrance at the foot of the old stairway, where it is 
 viewed annually b}- thousands of visitors to the shrine 
 of libert}', as Independence Hall is lovingly called. 
 
^ 
 
 JOHN HANCOCK 
 
)f Independence. 
 ivea Ills iriena.^ on His visit to Phila- 
 
 riie bell t)i-it r^r :^^._^ _,.tli in loud 
 
 < rty thr5uglioi; and, and to all the 
 
 lereof," hung in the belfry of the build- 
 
 t'lrst intended for this building was 
 
 ig it from the ship in 1752. It was 
 
 tS: Stow, under direction of Isaac 
 
 'f the State Assembly. Norris sug- 
 
 which was cast on the bell: "Pro- 
 
 'Ughout the land — to all the inhabi- 
 
 This was more prophetic than the 
 
 ed of. The bell was buried in the Dela- 
 
 iiring the struggle for liberty, and was 
 
 Miiaiu placed in position when independence was won. 
 
 The bell now reposes in the passageway or main 
 
 entrance at the foot of the old stairway, where it is 
 
 viewed annually by thousands of visitors to the shrine 
 
 of liberty, as Independence Hall is lovingl}* called. 
 
 yooyAhw wHoi 
 
JOSIAH BARTLETT 
 
TT3JTHAa HAieOl 
 
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SIGNERS. 
 
 (Delej^ate from Massachusetts and President of the Coni^'ress. ) 
 
 John Hancock was born in Qnincy, Mass., Jannary 
 12, 1737; was gradnated from Harvard; was trained 
 in the connting honse of an nncle, who beqneathed to 
 him a large fortune; was an enterprising and success- 
 ful merchant; was elected to the ^Massachusetts House 
 of Representatives in i 766, as an associate of Samuel 
 Adams, Otis, and Gushing; was a member of the Pro- 
 vincial Congress at Concord, and was chosen President 
 of that body in 1774; was elected to the Continental 
 Congress in 1775, and in the following year signed 
 the Declaration of Independence; was chosen the first 
 Governor of Massachusetts in 17S0, and with an inter- 
 val of two years was annually elected to that office till 
 his death, which occurred October 8, 1793. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE. 
 
 JosiAH BartlETT was born in Amesbury, Mass., 
 November, 1729; was a regularly educated physician 
 and surgeon, and received the degree of M. D.; com- 
 menced the practice of his profession at Kingston in 
 1750; was appointed to various positions of importance 
 32461—04 — 5 (25) 
 
26 Biographies of the Signers, 
 
 by the ro3^al governor, John AVentworth, but lost all 
 official favor with royalty by reason of his zealons 
 Whig principles; was appointed to the command of a 
 militia regiment in 1774; was a Delegate to the Con- 
 tinental Congress, and was the first to vote for the 
 Declaration of Independence and the first after the 
 President to sign that dociinietit; in 1777 he accom- 
 panied Stark to Bennington; was appointed chief 
 jnstice of common pleas in 1779, and Jnstice of the 
 Supreme Court in i 784, and Chief Justice in 1788; was 
 a member of the convention which framed and adopted 
 the Federal Constitution in 1788; was President of 
 New Hampshire in 1790, and became first governor 
 under the new State constitution in 1 793. It was 
 througli his efforts that the vState Medical Society was 
 organized, and he was first president of that body. 
 Died May 19, 1795. 
 
 W^ILLIAM W'hipplf; was born iu Kittery, ]\Ie., in 
 1730; received a meager education; was an accom- 
 plished sailor, and commanded vessels before he was 
 of age; in 1 759 engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
 Portsmouth, N. H.; in 1775 was district representative 
 in the Provincial Congress that convened at Bxeter, 
 and was a member of the Continental Congress; was 
 appointed brigadier-general in 1777, and commanded 
 a brigade of New Hampshire troops in the battles of 
 Stillwater and Saratoga; was financial receiver for 
 New Hampshire from 1782 till 1784, and in the former 
 
jMf^V 
 
 WM. WHIPPLE 
 
iveruor, John V\ eutwortli, but lost all 
 
 : with royalty by reason of his zealous 
 
 •^ s; was appointed to the command of a 
 
 in r-- r was a Delegate to the Con- 
 
 '7s the first to vote for tJie 
 
 and the first after the 
 
 nt: in 1777 he acconi- 
 
 1 ted chief 
 
 justice ot ' ice of the 
 
 Supreme C' i 788; was 
 
 a member (' . nid adopted 
 
 the Federal v..wu mmiMi .n President of 
 
 V.w- Hampshire in 1790, am st governor 
 
 .cr the new State constii ,. It was 
 
 through his efforts that the State Medical Society was 
 
 organized, and he was first president of that bod3^ 
 
 Died May 19, 1795. 
 
 William Whipple was born in Kittery, Me., in 
 1730; received a meager education; was an accom- 
 plished sailor, tiTid commanded vessels before he was 
 of age; in 1759 e""^""'^ '"" "^'"■' "<t;i.. ^^nrsuits at 
 Portsmouth, N. H ^ esentative 
 
 in the Provincinl .-d at Exeter, 
 
 and was a \ utineutal Congress; was 
 
 appoint, 3jqqiHW .MW ' ^^^ commanded 
 
 a brigat; troops in the battles of 
 
 Stillwater aiid Saratoga; was financial receiver for 
 New Hampshire from 1782 till 1784, and in the former 
 
MATTHEW THORNTON 
 
HOTWflOHT W3HTTAM 
 
BioirrapJiifs of fhe Signers. 27 
 
 year was appointed judge of the supreme court of New 
 Hampshire; died November 8, 1785. 
 
 Matthkav Thornton was born in Ireland, prob- 
 ably in 1 714; received an academic education in the 
 schools of Worcester, Mass.; studied medicine and 
 surgery under Doctor Grout, of Leicester, j\Iass., and 
 engaged in the practice of his profession at London- 
 deny, N. H.; was a surgeon in the expedition against 
 Cape Breton in 1745; was a colonel of militia, and held 
 the office of justice of the peace; was first president 
 of the provincial convention which convened in 1775; 
 signed an address to the people of the colon}' ^^%- 
 ing resistance to the Crown in June, 1775; was 
 elected speaker of the general assembly January 5, 
 1776; was appointed on September 15, 1776, b}- the 
 house of representatives for one year as a Delegate 
 in Congress, and took his seat in November of that 
 3'ear, four months after the adoption of the Declara- 
 tion of Independence, but he immediately declared in 
 favor of it and was allowed to sign. Benjamin Rush, 
 James Wilson, George Ross, George Clymer, and 
 George Taylor, like Thornton, were not present in 
 Congress on Julv 4, 1776, when the Declaration of 
 Independence was ratified; indeed,, they had not 
 even been chosen Delegates at that date. IMr. 
 Thornton was appointed chief justice of the court of 
 common pleas in 1776, and on January 10, same 3'ear, 
 was appointed judge of the superior court of New 
 
28 Biographies of tJic SigJicrs. 
 
 Hampshire; was elected to Congress December 24, 
 1776; removed to Exeter in 1779, and in 1780 retired to 
 a farm on the banks of the Alerrimac; was selectman 
 of the town for several years, a member of the general 
 conrt, and a senator in the State legislature; was 
 appointed a jnstice of the peace Jannary 25, 1784, 
 nnder the new constitntion and a member of the 
 conncil in 1785. Wx. Thornton was abont six feet in 
 height and large and svmmetrical of frame; was 
 dark complexioned, and had l^kick, penetrating eyes; 
 was dignified and commanding, vet full of good 
 hnmor, and a fine story-teller. 
 
 He died in Newbnryport, Mass.,Jnne 24, 1803, and 
 was bnried near Thorntons Ferry, on the Merrimac 
 River. On a slal) over his grave is this epitaph: 
 An honest man. 
 
 SIGXIvRS FROM MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Sa:muKL Adams was born in Boston, r^Iass., Sep- 
 tember 27^ 1722; was edncated in the Latin School of 
 his native citv and at Cambridge; was chosen one of 
 the three representatives in the general conrt of the 
 town of Boston in 1765; was elected in Jnne, 1774, a 
 Delegate to the Continental Congress proposed to meet 
 in Philadelphia; was continned a member of this body 
 for eight consecntive years, and was one of its boldest 
 and most enterprising members; was a member of the 
 convention which formed and adopted the constitntion 
 
SAML. ADAMS 
 
under the r 
 
 council h\ 
 
 hi 
 
 dark com ; 
 
 was diguihei 
 
 huuior, and a tin 
 
 He died in Nc^vbli 
 was buric'^ " '^'' 
 River. U.^ 
 
 December 24, 
 
 d in 1 780 retired to 
 
 was selectman 
 
 r of the general 
 
 gislature; was 
 
 '■-■V 25, 1784, 
 
 bcr of the 
 
 . feet in 
 
 iranie; was 
 
 iiting e3'es; 
 
 11 of good 
 
 I unc 24, 1603, '^^^^^ 
 on the Merrimac 
 '< ill is epitaph: 
 
 sur 
 
 tembv 
 hi 
 
 til 
 tow . . . 
 
 iicatcd lu I 
 icL uL Cambrii' 
 I M v^cutatives m tlic i^tm-itu t^iuiiL \>i lh^j 
 
 ,. iioston in ij^SL \^'as elected \v Tmu i-ti n 
 Delegate to the Cfi!^* 'v.i lUal Longress r 
 "'' Philndelpli itinuedan. 
 
 onsecutive years, and was one of its boldest 
 and most enterprising members; was a member of the 
 convention which formed and adopt -titution 
 
JOHN ADAMS 
 
aMAQA MHOl 
 
BiograpJiics of the Signe7's. 29 
 
 of Massachusetts in 17S0; was a leading member of 
 the Massachusetts convention which met in 1 788; was 
 the author of many important papers and pamphlets 
 bearing on public questions of his time; died in Bos- 
 ton, October 2, 1803. 
 
 John Adams was born October 19, 1735, at Brain- 
 tree, on the south shore of Boston Harbor; was edu- 
 cated in the schools of Boston and at Harvaid, where 
 he was graduated in 1755; was principal of the gram- 
 mar school in Worcester; completed a two 3^ears' 
 course of legal studies at Worcester, and located in 
 the practice of law in vSuffolk County in 1758; was 
 the author and mover in a town meeting of the nota- 
 ble stamp-act resolutions; removed to Boston in 1768, 
 and two 3'ears later was chosen a representative to 
 the general court; was one of five delegates from 
 Massachusetts to the Congress in Philadelphia in 
 1774, and on his return home was elected a member 
 for Braintree of the Provincial Congress, then in ses- 
 sion; was a member of the Continental Congress in 
 1775; was a member of the Massachusetts council; 
 was appointed chief justice of that State in 1776, 
 and resigned the office in 1777; was one of the lead- 
 ing and most strenuous upholders of the Declaration 
 of Independence as reported bv Jefferson during the 
 three da^'s' debate preceding its adoption; was made 
 chairman of the Board of War and Ordnance estab- 
 lished b}' Congress June 12, 1776; was appointed a 
 
30 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 commissioner to France vice Deane, and sailed for 
 his post in the frigate Bos/on Februar}' 12, 1778, 
 and arrived there April 8 following; soon after his 
 retnrn was appointed by Congress minister pleni- 
 potentiary to negotiate a treat}' with Great Britain 
 of peace and commerce, and sailed for this pnrpose 
 in 1779; was appointed in 17S0 by Congress com- 
 missioner to negotiate a loan in Holland, and in the 
 same year was appointed minister to that conntrv 
 with special commission to sign the articles of armed 
 nentralitv; was recalled to Paris in July, 17S1; the 
 following vear he negotiated a loan of two millions 
 in Holland and effected a treaty of commerce and 
 amitv with that country; was appointed minister to 
 Great Britain in 17S5; in 1788 returned home and 
 was elected to the Continental Congress; was elected 
 Vice-President in 1789, and reelected in 1792; suc- 
 ceeded Washington as President in 1796; was a 
 member of the convention of his State in 1820 to 
 revise the constitution of the State; besides his auto- 
 biographv, was the author of many publications; died 
 at Braintree July 4, 1826, on the same day Thomas 
 Jefferson died, 
 
 Robert Treat Paine was born in Boston, March 
 II, 1 731; was educated in the schools of Boston and 
 Harvard College, from which he graduated; studied 
 theology and was chaplain of troops on the northern 
 frontier in 1755; afterwards studied law and engaged 
 
ROBT. TREAT PAINE 
 
■\o fellies of the Signers. 
 
 France vice Deane, and sailed for 
 h he frigate Boston February 12, 1778, 
 
 e April 8 following; soon after his 
 cd by Coi minister pleni- 
 
 ly with Great '1 
 
 "■-d for this purpose 
 b}' Congress com- 
 f "11 and, and in the 
 L<> that country 
 siou to ;e articles of armed 
 
 recalled to Paris in July, 1781; the 
 tiated a loan of two millions 
 11; H , '1 a treaty of commerce and 
 
 amity ^^ ; ^■as appointed minister to 
 
 Great Britain in 17^^^; m 1788 returned home and 
 was elected to the Continental Congress; was elected 
 Vice-President in 1789, and reelected in 1792; suc- 
 ceeded Washington ns President in 1796; was a 
 member of the ate in 1820 to 
 
 revise the consti esides his auto- 
 
 bi , was i 1 any publications; died 
 
 ai me day Thomas 
 
 Jelic! 
 
 Ronhh >.u ill r.ui.sLou, March 
 
 3MIAq TA3;n: .TOQH IPX., -, 
 
 IT, 17-^ 111 Uic scTiools or Boston and 
 
 Harv; . .. which he graduated; studied 
 
 theoL ^^ chaplain of troops on the northern 
 
 frontier in 1755; afterwards studied law and engaged 
 
ELBRIDGE GERRY 
 
YHR3iD 30awaJ3 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 3 1 
 
 in the practice of this profession in Boston; con- 
 dncted the prosecntion against Captain Preston and 
 his men in 1770; was a member of the general as- 
 sembly of Massachnsetts in 1773-74; was appointed 
 a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774, and 
 reelected in 1775, 1776, 1777, and 1778; was speaker 
 of the house of Massachusetts in 1777, and attorney- 
 general of the State; was a member of the executive 
 council in 1779, and was a member of the committee 
 which drafted the constitution of the State; was again 
 chosen attorney-general of the State in 1780, and in 
 1790 was elected judge of the supreme court; re- 
 signed that office in 1S04. He filled other offices of 
 importance, and was one of the founders of the Mas- 
 sachusetts American Academy, in 1780; died in 
 Boston, May 11, 18 14. 
 
 Elbridge Gerry was born in Marblehead, Mass., 
 July 17, 1744; w^as graduated from Harvard College 
 in 1762; was engaged in commercial pursuits for a 
 number of years; was elected from Marblehead to the 
 general legislature of the State in 1772; was a mem- 
 ber of the committee of safety and supplies which 
 were in session at Cambridge the day before the battle 
 of Lexington; was elected to the Continental Con- 
 gress in January, 1776, and was made general chair- 
 man of the Committee of the Treasury, in which 
 capacity he served till the organization of the Treas- 
 ury Board in 1780; returned to his home in the latter 
 
32 Biographies of the Signer's. 
 
 year and resumed his place in the general legislature 
 of the State in 1783; refused to sign the Constitution 
 while a delegate in the convention at Philadelphia, 
 but subsequently gave it his support; was sent as a 
 special commissioner to France in compau}' with 
 Pinkney and Marshall in 1797 to negotiate a treaty 
 with France with a view to adjusting all differences 
 between the two countries and assuring peace; was 
 elected governor of his State as a Democrat in 18 10, 
 and reelected in 181 1; was elected Vice-President of 
 the United States in 181 2; died in Washington Nov- 
 ember 13, 1 8 14. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM RHODE ISLAND. 
 
 Stephen Hopkins was born in Scituate, R. I., 
 March 7, 1707; was educated in the common country 
 school, and received private instruction in mathematics 
 and surveying; was a farmer until 1742, when he sold 
 his farm and removed to Providence, where he erected 
 a fine mansion, in which he lived till his death. He 
 was engaged at different times in manufacturing, sur- 
 veying lands, shipping, and held office most of his life. 
 He held three important offices at the same time. He 
 was chosen in 1757 to command a volunteer company 
 composed of the most prominent men of his town who 
 offered their services in the French war; was elected a 
 member of the general assembly in 1732; was elected 
 chief justice of the court of common pleas in 1739; was 
 elected governor of the State in 1755, and held the 
 
STEP. HOPKINS 
 
tihics of I he Signers. 
 
 s place in the general legislature 
 
 refused to sign the Constitution 
 
 the convention at Philadelphia, 
 
 1 \ it his support; was sent as a 
 
 T*,-,rice in company with 
 
 i I > negotiate a treaty 
 
 \\<g all differences 
 
 suring peace; was 
 
 Democrat in 1810, 
 
 I Vice-President of 
 
 ishington Nov- 
 
 AND. 
 
 Stkphkn H( • born in Scituate, R. I., 
 
 "March 7, 1707; was educated in the common country 
 school, and received private instruction in mathematics 
 and surveying; was a farmer until 1742, when he sold 
 his farm and removed to Providence, where he erected 
 a fine mansion, in which he lived till his death. He 
 was engaged at different times in manufacturing, sur- 
 veying lands, slv held office most of his life. 
 He held thrt at the same time. He 
 
 . olunteer company 
 
 L men of his town who 
 
 cii^l>l^ui-i .SaT^var; was elected a 
 
 jiioHUA-v 01 L ' 1732; was elected 
 
 chief justice o. v v . pleas in 1739; was 
 
 elected povenior <>f • 755, and held the 
 
v^ ^ 
 
 WILLIAM ELLERY 
 
Y>13JJ3 MAIJJIW 
 
Biographies of tJie Signers. 33 
 
 position till 1 768 with an interval of four years ; acted 
 with the commissioners assembled at Albany, N. Y., 
 in 1754, in devising means to cement and strengthen 
 the nnion of the Colonies; in 1765 was chosen chair- 
 man of a committee at Providence to draft instrnctions 
 to the general assembly on the stamp act; was a mem- 
 ber of the General Congress at Philadelphia in 1774, 
 1775, and 1776; was chancellor of Brown University; 
 in 1765 he published a work entitled "The Rights of 
 the Colonies Examined," and was the author of other 
 important publications. Mr. Hopkins was a man of 
 middle size, well proportioned, fine face and manners, 
 and mild and unostentatious; was twice married. He 
 was a believer in Christianity, and was inclined to- 
 wards the Society of Friends. He died in Providence 
 
 July 13, 1785- 
 
 William BllHRY was born in Newport, R. I., 
 December 22, 1727; was graduated from Harvard in 
 1747; after leaving college he engaged in mercantile 
 pursuits in Newport; read law, and in 1770 engaged 
 in the practice of this profession in his native town; 
 was elected to the Continental Congress and took his 
 seat in May, 1776; with the exception of the years 
 1780 and 1782 was a member of Congress till 1786; 
 was appointed by Congress in April, 17S6, Commis- 
 sioner of the Continental Loan Office for the State of 
 Rhode Island; in 1790 was appointed collector of 
 Newport; died in his native town Februar}^ 15, 1S20. 
 
34 Biographies of the SigJicrs. 
 
 SIGNERvS FROM CONNECTICUT. 
 
 Roger Sherman was born in Newton. Mass., 
 April 19, 1 721; liis educational opportunities were 
 limited; learned the trade of shoemaker and followed 
 this occupation for several years; he improved his 
 spare time in stud}^ and became well informed on 
 several lines; removed to New ]\Iilford in 1743, and 
 two years later was appointed count}' surve\'or; while 
 thus engaged read law and was admitted to the bar 
 in 1754; was a member of the colonial assembly, and 
 in 1759 was appointed judge of the court of common 
 pleas; was judge of the common pleas in New Haven 
 in 1765, and in 1766 was assistant in the upper 
 house of the legislature; in 1744 was appointed a 
 member of the first Congress at Philadelphia; was 
 elected to the Senate in 1791; was maA'or of New 
 Haven in 1784, and treasurer of Yale College; was 
 member of the constitutional convention in 1787, 
 and was influential in securing the ratification of 
 the new constitution by his State; he rendered 
 important assistance in the codification of the laws 
 of Connecticut; died in New Haven July ^3, 1793. 
 
 Samuel Huntington was born in Windham, 
 Conn., Jul}' 3, 1732; received a good primary educa- 
 tion, but was not a college man; read law and was 
 admitted to the bar; was king's attorney and associate 
 justice of the superior court of his State; entered the 
 

 ROGER SHERMAN 
 
4 fellies of the Signers. 
 
 >Tr.vrK'< rPiiM" CON....- . 
 
 l.\^ \v:us bom in Isewion. Aiass., 
 
 1v"- MncatioTi^"' ■^^^'x^rtiiuities were 
 
 !c V f s' cr and followed 
 
 , he improved his 
 
 well informed on 
 
 :43, and 
 
 ^urve3'or; while 
 
 'tted to the bar 
 
 assembly, and 
 
 art of common 
 
 .a- in New Haven 
 
 -^umt in the npper 
 
 honse of the lei^iskitnre; in 1744 was appointed a 
 
 member of the first Congress at Philadelphia; was 
 
 elected to the Senate in i as mayor of New 
 
 Haven in 1784, and treasurer of Yale College; was 
 
 member of the constitutional convention in 1787, 
 
 and was influential the ratification of 
 
 the new cor '"•'•'■ • ate; he rendered 
 
 iinT>(^ri:i;ii i cation of the laws 
 
 of V Haven July i^, 1793. 
 
 was horn in Windham, 
 Conn., Jii ,-, i<.cei\ed a good primar}' educa- 
 
 tion, but riTioi^c nuin, read law and was 
 
 admitted to the i king's attorney and associate 
 
 justice of the superior court of his State; entered the 
 

 "Jf. ' 
 
SAML. HUNTINGTON 
 
MOTOHITV1UH .JMAa 
 
WM. WILLIAMS 
 
8MA1JJIW .MW 
 
OLIVER WOLCOTT 
 
TT03J0W H3VUO 
 
^ 
 
 
 V... 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 35 
 
 Contiueutal Congress in January, 1776; was elected 
 President of Congress in September, 1779, succeeding 
 John Ja}^, and filled the position till 1780; returned 
 home and took his seat on the bench of the superior 
 court; for a short time was again a member of Con- 
 gress in 1783; was appointed chief justice of the 
 superior court of his State in 1784; was elected 
 lieutenant-governor in 1785 and governor in 1786, 
 and was reelected to this high office for ten \^ears; 
 died while governor, in Norwich, January 5, 1796. 
 
 William Williams was born in Lebanon, Wind- 
 ham County, Conn., April 8, 1731; was graduated 
 from Harvard in 1751; was a staff officer of Col. 
 Bphraim Williams, and served in one campaign; was 
 a member of the council of safety; was reelected a 
 delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775; served 
 for nearly fifty years in the legislature of Connecticut ; 
 was a member of the convention of his State which 
 adopted the Federal Constitution; died in his native 
 town August 2, 181 1. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott was born in Connecticut, No- 
 vember 26, 1726; was graduated from Yale College; 
 w^as commissioned a captain by the governor of New 
 York, and served on the frontier until the peace of 
 Aix la Chapelle; was appointed sheriff of Litchfield 
 Count}", Conn., in 1751; was a member of the State 
 council in 1774; was a major-general of militia, a 
 judge of the probate court, and judge of the court of 
 
36 Biographies of the Siguns. 
 
 common pleas; was a commissioner of Indian affairs 
 in 1775 for the northern department; while he was in 
 command of the fourteen Connecticut regiments or- 
 ganized to assist the Army in Xew York he was 
 elected to the Continental Congress; served irregu- 
 larl}' in this body while taking a more or less active 
 part as officer in the Army; participated in the battle 
 of Saratoga while a member of Congress, in whicli 
 body he continued to serve until I7<S3; was lieutenant- 
 governor of his State from 1 7S6 to 1 796; was elected 
 governor in the hitter 3'ear, and continued in the 
 office till his death, December i, 1797. 
 
 vSIGNERS FROM NP:\V YORK. 
 
 William Floyd was born in vSuffolk Count}-, N. Y., 
 December 17, 1734; received a practical education; 
 was in command of forces in Suffolk County when 
 the Revolutionarv troubles began; was elected a dele- 
 gate in 1774 to the First Continental Congress; was 
 again elected in 1775, and continued a member for 
 eight years; was elected a State senator in 1777, and 
 served in that body, though also a member of Congress 
 at the same time; was a member of the First Congress 
 under the Federal Constitution; was a Presidential 
 elector in iSoi; served in the convention for the 
 revision of the constitution of his State; died in 
 Western, Oneida County, N. Y., August 4, icS2i. 
 
WM. FLOYD 
 
/■■,( ^ rapines of t/w J^^iii^'-Jiers. 
 
 . was a commissioner of Indian affairs 
 
 irtment; while he was in 
 
 iccn L-onneeticnt regiments or- 
 
 iM Mif Army in New York he was 
 
 TMiiniK-ni-al Congress; served irregu- 
 
 t -iking a more or less acti\e 
 
 participated in the battle 
 
 of Congress, in which 
 
 til 1783; was lieutenant- 
 
 7S6 to 170 elected 
 
 , and contmuca in the 
 
 KR(1M NEW YORK. 
 
 William Floyd was born in Snffolk Countj^ N. Y., 
 December 17, 1734; received a practical education; 
 was in command of forces in Suffolk Co iieii 
 
 the Revolutionar}' troubles began; was elected a dele- 
 gate in 1774 to the First Continental ,\as 
 again elected in 1775, and continued ber for 
 eight 3^ears; was elected a State sc: 77, and 
 served in r ' ' ' ' ' i L,ongress 
 
 at the - .^iiMJci ui Liie 1 ij st Congress 
 
 under ...^ ^ ...^... . ,iitution; was a Presidential 
 
 elector in i8oi;Qsl^r^l-M)l^ the convention^ for the 
 revision of the constitution of his State; died in 
 Western, Oneida County, N. Y., August 4, 182 1. 
 
PHIL. LIVINGSTON 
 
M0T80VIIVIJ AlHH 
 
FRANS. LEWIS 
 
8IW3J .8V1A>n 
 
LEWIS MORRIS 
 
8IHHOM aiW3J 
 
BioorapJiics of tJic Signers. 37 
 
 Philip Livingston was born in Albany, N. Y., 
 Jannar}' 15, 1716; was graduated from Yale College 
 in 1737, engaged in mercantile business in New York 
 Cit}" was elected to the house of the general assem- 
 bly in 1758, and continued a member of the assembly 
 until 1769; was a member of the First and Second Con- 
 tinental Congresses; was a member of the New York 
 provincial congress ; served in the State assembly and 
 in the senate; was a member of the Continental 
 Congress, then sitting in York, Pa., where he died 
 June 12, 1778. 
 
 Francis Lewis was born in Llandaff, Glamorgan- 
 shire, Wales, IMarch, 171 3; was educated at West- 
 minster School; emigrated to New York in 1735; was 
 engaged in commercial pursuits until the war broke 
 out, in 1775, when he was elected to the Continental 
 Congress, and took his seat as a member of that bod}- 
 in Philadelphia; was a member of Congress, except 
 one term, until April, 1779, and was an active and 
 useful member; died in New York December 30, 1803. 
 
 Lb:wis Morris was born in Morrisania, Westchester 
 Count}', N. Y., in 1726; was graduated from Yale 
 College in 1746; became largely interested in agricul- 
 tural pursuits; was elected to Congress in 1775; and 
 was a member of the committee to devise means for 
 suppUnng the colonies with munitions of war; was 
 sent west to influence the Indians to leave the British 
 and make common cause with the colonists; resumed 
 
38 BiograpJiies of the Signers. 
 
 liis seat in Congress in 1776; afterwards served in the 
 State legislature; died in his native town Januar}^ 22, 
 1798. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM NEW JERSEY. 
 
 Richard Stockton was born near Princeton, N. J,, 
 October i, 1730; was graduated from the College of 
 New Jersey, at Newark, in 1748; studied law and was 
 admitted to the bar in 1754; was made a member of 
 the executive council of his State in 176S; was 
 appointed a judge of the supreme court in 1774; was 
 elected to Congress in 1776; served on the Committee 
 to Inspect the Northern Ami}'; was captured b}- the 
 British and confined in their military prison at New 
 York. The severe treatment received by him when a 
 prisoner broke down his health and was the imme- 
 diate cause of his death, which occurred at Princeton, 
 February 28, 1781. 
 
 John WitheRvSPOON was born in the Parish of 
 Tester, Haddingtonshire, Scotland, February 5, 1722; 
 was educated at the University of Bdinburgh; was 
 ordained minister of the Parish of Beith, the West of 
 Scotland, in 1745; succeeded to the presidency of 
 Princeton on the death of President Finle}- in 1768; 
 was a member of the provincial congress of New 
 Jerse}^, and of the Continental Congress at Philadel- 
 phia in 1776, in which latter bod}' he represented New 
 Jersey for six years; he had conferred upon him the 
 degrees of D. D. and LL. D.; his contributions to 
 
RICHD. STOCKTON 
 
38 Biographies oj l/ic ibig tiers. 
 
 his seat in Congress in 1776; afterwards served in the 
 ^iiite legislature; died in his native town January 22, 
 
 L'jcivTO.N WLi.s ijoni near rnuceiou, ^\. j., 
 
 'r was gradiv'^ ■'' ~^<n\\ the College of 
 
 \'\\;iiA-. in II died law and was 
 
 member of 
 il of his State in 1768; was 
 appointed a j the supreme court in 1774; was 
 
 elected to Congress in 1776; served on the Committee 
 to Inspect the Nortl was captured b}^ the 
 
 British and confined in lu^n- military prison at New 
 York. The severe treatment received by him when a 
 prisoner broke down his health and was the imme- 
 diate cause of his death. M'hich occurred at Princeton, 
 February 28, 17b 
 
 John Witherspoon was born in the Parish of 
 Tester, Haddingtonshire, Scotland, February 5, 1722; 
 vas educated at the University of Edinburgh; was 
 o-dained minister of the Parish of Beith, the West of 
 Scotland, in 1745; succeeded to the presidency of 
 Princeton on the death of President Finley in 1768; 
 Mas a nienibery/j(>Jj'^;^'2^r)jQj^g;jj congress of New 
 J ersey, and of the Continental Congress at Philadel- 
 phia in 1776, in which latter body he represented New 
 Jersey for six years; he had conferred upon him the 
 degree ). and LL. D.; his contributions to 
 
JNO. WITHERSPOON 
 
1/IOOS8H3HTIW .OWL 
 
X 
 
ABRA CLARK 
 
>IHAJ3 A^aA 
 
FRAS. HOPKINSON 
 
H02MI>iS0H .eAHl 
 
BiograpJiics of the Signers. 39 
 
 literature were, for the most part, on subjects con- 
 nected with religion ; died near Princeton September 
 
 15, 1794- 
 
 Abraham Clark was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., 
 February 15, 1726; was educated in the schools of his 
 native town; read law, was admitted to the bar, and 
 practiced his profession with success; was sheriff of 
 Essex County; was appointed June 21, 1776, by the 
 provincial congress one of five delegates to the Conti- 
 nental Congress; served in Congress, except in 1779, 
 till November, 1783; was one of the commissioners in 
 the convention that convened at Annapolis September 
 II, 1786; was appointed on May 8, 1787, b}^ the coun- 
 cil and assembly of his State, one of the commissioners 
 to the convention which framed the Federal Constitu- 
 tion; was elected to the Second Congress in 1790; 
 died at Rah way, N. J., September 15, 1794. 
 
 FrancIvS HopkiNvSON was born in Philadelphia Sep- 
 tember 21, 1737; was graduated from the College of 
 Philadelphia (now the University of Penns^dvania); 
 studied law and was admitted to the bar; was secretary 
 in a conference held on the Lehigh in 1761 between 
 the government of Pennsylvania and certain Indian 
 tribes; was elected a representative in the Continental 
 Congress in 1776; was appointed judge of the admi- 
 ralty of Pennsylvania and held the office for ten years; 
 appointed by President Washington United States 
 district judge of Pennsylvania; was the author of 
 
40 Biograpliics of tJic Signers. 
 
 several books, among which were The Prett}^ Song, 
 in prose, and The Battle of the Kegs, in poetrj^; his 
 niiscellaneons writings were published in 1792; died 
 in Philadelphia May 9, 1791. 
 
 John Hart was born in Hopewell, N. J.; received 
 a common education; was elected at different times a 
 member of the colonial assembly of New Jersey; was 
 elected to the Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, 
 in 1774, where his clear judgment and unswerving 
 patriotism distinguished him; was reelected in 1775 
 and 1776; when New Jersey was invaded b^- the 
 British his estate was devastated, and special efforts 
 were made to capture him; the capture of the Hessians 
 by Washington enabled him to return home; died in 
 his native town, in 1780, at an advanced age. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 Robert Morrls was born in Lancashire, England, 
 January 20, 1734; emigrated to America and located 
 in Philadelphia, where he engaged in business; was a 
 strong opponent of the stamp act, and signed the non- 
 importation agreement of 1765; was elected a delegate 
 to the Continental Congress in 1775; voted against 
 the Declaration of Independence on Jul}^ i, but signed 
 it three days later; on Jul}- 20, 1776, was elected to 
 Congress and again in 1777; was instrumental in 
 establishing a bank in 1780, b}^ means of which 
 3,000,000 rations of provisions and 300 hogsheads of 
 
JOHN HART 
 
i ) Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 \ books, among wliicli were The Pretty Song, 
 se, and The Battle of jgs, in poetry; his 
 
 i an eous writings were published in 
 ladelphia May 9, 1791. 
 
 \' Har"" - in Hopewell, N. j.; reeeiveti 
 
 iiion edi.v... .,> V. cus elected at different times a 
 
 r of the colonial assembly of New Jersey; was 
 
 the Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, 
 
 v'here his clear judgment and unswer\nng 
 
 patriotism distinguished him; was reelected in 1775 
 
 and 1776; when New Jersey was invaded by the 
 
 British his estate was devastated, and special efforts 
 
 were made to capture him; the capture of the Hessians 
 
 by Washington enabled him to ret ^"^rae; died in 
 
 his native town in ^-Rc) -U .-m Mily .p 
 
 SIGNERS FROM PENNSYLV- 
 
 Robert Morris was born in Lancashire, England, 
 January 20, 1734; emigrated to America and located 
 in Philadelphia, where he ev in business; was a 
 
 strong opponent of the - ' signed the non- 
 
 importation agreemc-'^" «.itcted a delegate 
 
 to the Continental L -..^ -- • -7755 voted against 
 the Declaration of Independence on July i. but signed 
 it three days later; on TiiW 20, 1776, ccted to 
 
 Congress and again m 1777; was instrumental in 
 establishing a bank ii by means of which 
 
 3,000,000 rations of provisions and 300 hogshead 
 
ROBT. MORRIS 
 
aw^ioM .Tao^ 
 
■p. 
 
 ^\ 
 
 vV 
 

 BENJAMIN RUSH 
 
H8UH >11MAlM3a 
 
BENJ. FRANKLIN 
 
MU>lMAfn .11439 
 
Biographies of t lie Signers. 41 
 
 rum were procured and forwarded to the needy Army; 
 was elected superintendent of finance February 20, 
 1 781; established the Bank of North America; served 
 as superintendent of finance till November, 17S4; was 
 charged with the affairs of the Navy for several years 
 and until the close of 1784; was elected in 1787 a 
 member of the Convention which framed the Federal 
 Constitution; was elected to the first United States 
 Senate; in 1784 sent the first American vessel that 
 ever appeared in the port of Canton, China; died in 
 Philadelphia May 8, 1806. 
 
 Benjamin RUvSH was born on Poquestion Creek, 
 near Philadelphia, December 24, 1745; was graduated 
 from Princeton College in 1760; studied medicine in 
 Philadelphia, Bdinburg, London, and Paris, and estab- 
 lished himself in practice in Philadelphia in 1769; was 
 elected to Congress in 1776; was made surgeon-general 
 of the Army for the Middle Department in April, 1777, 
 and in Jul}^, same \^ear, physician-general; in 1785 he 
 planned the Philadelphia dispensary; was made pro- 
 fessor of medicine in the Philadelphia Medical College 
 in 1789; was appointed Treasurer of the United States 
 Mint in 1779; was the author of a number of valuable 
 works on physiology and medicine; died while Treas- 
 urer of the Mint, April 19, 181 3. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Mass., 
 January 17, 1 706 (o. s. January 6); was the son of a tal- 
 low chandler; acquired his education principally in the 
 32461—04 — 9 
 
42 BiograpJiics of tJic Signers. 
 
 printing office; landed in Philadelphia when abont 17 
 years of age, a friendless and practically a rnnawaj" 
 apprentice; passed throngh all the grades from ap- 
 prentice to editor in chief and proprietor; established 
 the academy which matured into the University of 
 Pennsylvania; projected and established the first pub- 
 lic library^ of Philadelphia; founded the Philadelphia 
 Gazette, which furnished him bread and butter most 
 of his life; started Franklin's Almanac when 26 years 
 of age, under the pseudon3nn of "Richard Saunders," 
 better known as "Poor Richard," and made it during 
 the twenty-six years he was its editor a household 
 necessity throughout the colonies; was elected to the 
 assembly in 1750; was appointed a commissioner for 
 making a treaty with the Indians in 1752; was made 
 Deputy Postmaster-General in 1753; was chosen a 
 deputy to the General Congress at Alban}^ in 1754; 
 graduated from journalism into diplomacy, and spent 
 fort3^-one years practically in diplomatic service; 
 began his diplomatic career at 41 years of age, in 
 1757, b}^ appointment of the Pennsylvania assembl}^ 
 as special commissioner to present a petition to 
 the King praying that the Penn proprietary estates 
 might be taxed for the defense of the province 
 against the French and Indians; spent five years 
 in England on this mission, and succeeded in over- 
 coming all obstacles by a compromise which pledged 
 the assembly' to pass an act to assess the surve3^ed 
 
BiograpJiics of the Signers. 43 
 
 waste lands of the estate at the usual rate; returned 
 to Philadelphia in 1762, and two years later was sent 
 back to try to have the offensive stamp act repealed; 
 spent eleven ^^ears in futile effort to accomplish 
 the object of his mission; returned to Philadelphia 
 in 1775; on the morning of his return to Phila- 
 delphia was elected by the assembly a Delegate to 
 the Continental Congress; served on ten committees 
 in this Congress; was actively in favor of the meas- 
 ures which resulted in the consolidation of the armies 
 of the colonies, in giving Washington command of 
 them, in the issuance of the first Continental cur- 
 rency, and in the assumption of the responsibility of 
 defying George III; was one of the five who drew up 
 the Declaration of Independence; was one of three 
 sent to France to solicit her aid, and to create sym- 
 pathy in continental Europe for the infant Republic. 
 His fame as a scientist and thinker, due in part to his 
 experiments with electricity, had preceded him and 
 gave him prestige which served him well in his new 
 field of diplomacy, the object of his mission being the 
 dismemberment of British territory. The French were 
 eagerl}^ responsive; succeeded in securing financial 
 aid from France of over five millions of dollars; his 
 success in France was so great that John Adams, his 
 colleague, wrote of him as le Grand Franklin^ whose 
 reputation "was more universal than that of L-eibnitz 
 or Newton, Frederick the Great, or Voltaire, and his 
 
44 Biographies of /he Signers. 
 
 character more beloved and esteemed than all of 
 them; " signed the definitive treaty of peace with the 
 mother country November 30, 1782; asked to be re- 
 lieved of his diplomatic mission the following 3"ear, 
 having been on this mission for nine years, but it was 
 not until March 7, 1785, that Congress permitted him 
 to return; though 79 ^^ears of age, on his return home 
 he was elected bv an absolutely unanimous vote 
 president of Pennsylvania and was reelected two suc- 
 ceeding years; while president he was chosen a mem- 
 ber of the Constitutional Convention, which met May, 
 1787; his work in making the Constitution under 
 which we live was equal to that of any other member; 
 was foremost in organizing the first antislavery 
 societ}-; wrote the first remonstrance ever presented 
 to Congress against human slavery; was a great in- 
 ventor, but never took out a patent; was a great writer, 
 but never asked for a copj-right; was three years 
 president of his State, but never would take any sal- 
 ary ; was the father of a son before he was a husband, 
 yet he educated the son, who became, under his father's 
 direction and care, a member of the English bar, was 
 his father's secretar}- at court, and was made Crown 
 governor of New Jersey, and the father when at the 
 zenith of his fame proclaimed him his son. 
 
 Franklin was not a member of au}^ church but 
 declared that he "believed in one God the Creator of 
 the Universe, and that He ought to be worshipped; " 
 
JOHN MORTON 
 
Bingraphir 
 
 lorjiers. 
 
 .Liaciey more beloveo :i k. esteemed than all of 
 
 '■'m;" si,y^ned the defiii 
 r country Novem 
 1 of his diplomntir 
 ii;n ing been on thi^ 
 •::i! -111'.;! ^larcli 7, 
 .> return; though 79 ye 
 he was elected 
 president of Per 
 ceeding" 3'ears; wm 
 
 ■ ., , >f iLf. r,,ii ^-I'f-.r 
 
 whic. 
 was fore 
 -ociety; wrote 
 
 IS eon- 1 
 
 ' 'reaty of peace with the 
 
 , , 1782; asked to be re- 
 
 fnission the following year, 
 
 K\ for nine years, but it was 
 
 :,.Lt Congress permitted him 
 
 on his return home 
 
 A-)OiuLely unanimous vote 
 
 s reelected two suc- 
 
 ijiii lie was chosen a mem- 
 
 onvention, which met May, 
 
 J the Constitution under 
 
 t of any other member; 
 
 the first antislavery 
 
 strance ever presented 
 <■ Congr linst human slavery; was a great in- 
 
 entor, but never took out a ipatent; was a great writer, 
 ut never asked for a cojr/right; was three years 
 
 president of his State, 
 try ; was the father of 
 \ et he educated the son , 
 direction and care, a ni 
 tther's secretii 
 
 \ er would take any sal- 
 ctore he was a husband, 
 : 'me, under his father's 
 :ie English bar, was 
 ., and was made Crown 
 
 ^-o\-ernor of New yftoT^lOM' i4H(J)1 father when at the 
 /.cnith of his fame pro*. iiim his son. 
 
 Franklin was not er of any church but 
 
 declared that he " believe. 'i .x one God the Creator of 
 tiif. T',ii\ ,.1-ce^ and that He ought to be worshipped;" 
 
GEO. CLYMER 
 
fl3MYJ3 .030 
 
4 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 45 
 
 that the most acceptable service we could render Him 
 was in doing good to His other children; that the soul 
 of man is immortal; was not a believer in the divinity 
 of Jesus, but saw no harm in believing it, and even 
 thought that the doctrines taught by the Christ, 
 whose system of morals he declared was "the best 
 the world ever saw or is like to see," would be more 
 generall}' respected and observed by such a belief; 
 died in Philadelphia April 17, 1790. 
 
 John IMorton was born in Ridley, Del. (then 
 Chester County, Pa.), in 1724; was chosen a member 
 of the general assembly of his State in 1764; was a 
 member of the stamp act congress in 1765, which met 
 in New York; was sheriff of his count}' in 1767; was a 
 judge of the supreme court; was elected a delegate to 
 the first Congress in 1774, and returned four times; 
 died in April, 1777. 
 
 George Clyaier was born in Philadelphia in 
 1739; was educated in the schools of his native cit}^; 
 entered mercantile life when a lad and acquired a 
 competence; was a bold and forceful advocate of the 
 independent rights of the colonists from the first; was 
 a prominent speaker at the "tea meeting" in Phila- 
 delphia, October 16, 1773; was appointed chairman of 
 the committee which recpiested the tea agents to 
 resign; was appointed to take charge of the public 
 treasury July 29, 1775; was elected to Congress in 
 1776 to succeed a member who had refused to sign the 
 
46 Biographies of tJic Signers. 
 
 Declaration of Independence, and promptly affixed his 
 signatnre; was a member of the convention which 
 framed the Federal Constitntion; was elected to the 
 first Congress held nnder that instrnment, in 1788; 
 declined reelection in 1 790; was appointed collector of 
 excise dnties on spirits in 1791, the collection of which 
 led to the whisky riots; resigned this office, and was 
 appointed, with Pickens and Hawkins, to negotiate a 
 treaty with the Cherokees and Creek Indians in 
 Georgia; died in Morrisville, Pa., Jul}- 23, 1813. 
 
 James Smith was born in Ireland, probably in the 
 year 1 719; removed with his parents to America in 1729, 
 and located in Lancaster, Pa.; was edncated in the 
 schools of that town; studied law and was admitted to 
 the bar; was an eloquent advocate of the rights of the 
 colonists against the encroachments of the mother 
 country; was chosen a deputy to attend the "commit- 
 tee for the Province of Pennsylvania" in 1774, which 
 convened in Philadelphia that year; was elected a 
 member of the Continental Congress in 1776, and 
 reelected to that body in 1777 and 1778; was elected 
 a member of the general assembly of the State in 
 1780; died in York, Pa., July 11, 1806. 
 
 George Taylor was born in Ireland in 1716; 
 was the son of a clerg3nnan, and received a liberal 
 education under the tuition of his father and other 
 tutors; began the study of medicine, but gave it up to 
 emigrate to i\merica in 1736; when he arrived in 
 
JAS. SMITH. 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 Declaration of Independence, and promptly affixed his 
 signature; was a member of the convention which 
 framed the Federal Constitution; was elected to the 
 first Congress held under that instrument, in 1788; 
 declined reelection in 1 790; was appointed collector of 
 excise duties on spirits in 1 791, the collection of which 
 led to the whisl " riots: resigned this office, and was 
 appointed, wit: and Hawkins, to negotiate a 
 
 treaty with the Cherokees and Creek Indians in 
 Georgia; died in ^ Ule, Pa., July 23, 1813. 
 
 James Srhth was bom in Ireland, probably in the 
 year 1719; removed with his ]. '^ mericain 1729, 
 
 and located in Lancaster, ra., \\u^ educated in the 
 schools of that town; studied law and was admitted to 
 the bar; was an eloquent advocate of the rights of the 
 colonists against the encroachments of the mother 
 country; was chosen a deputy to attend the "commit- 
 tee for the Province of Pennsylvania" in 1774, which 
 convened in Philadelphia that year; was elected a 
 member of the Continental Congress in 1776, and 
 reelected to that body in 1777 and 1778; was elected 
 a member of the general assembly of the State in 
 1780; died in York, Pa., July 11, 1806. 
 
 George Tavlo^^M^ 1^^ in Ireland in 1716; 
 was the son of a clergyman, and received a liberal 
 education under the tuition of his father and other 
 tutors; began the study of medicine, but gave it up to 
 emigrate to America in 1736; when he arrived in 
 
If 
 
GEO. TAYLOR 
 
)?OJYAT .030 
 
Biographies of tJic Signers. 47 
 
 Philadelphia he was wholly without means, and was 
 bound to an iron manufacturer at Durham, Pa., whom 
 he served as a clerk for a number of years; upon the 
 death of his employer he assumed charge of the busi- 
 ness for the estate and conducted it with success; 
 married the widow of his former eniplo3'er and became 
 proprietor of the works, which he enlarged and made 
 more successful than ever; removed to Northampton 
 Count}^ and established iron works on a larger and 
 more up-to-date scale; was elected to the provincial 
 assembl}^ which met at Philadelphia October 15, 1764, 
 and was reelected successively till 1770, and at all 
 times took a leading part in the proceedings of that 
 body; was elected count}' j^idge and colonel of militia; 
 his business not proving profitable in the new field, he 
 relocated at Durham, and was elected to the provin- 
 cial assembly in 1775, and was placed on the com- 
 mittees of safety, on grants of the Crown, military 
 preparations, and a special committee created to draw 
 up instructions for delegates to the Continental Con- 
 gress, which were against absolute separation, and 
 five of the Pennsylvania delegates refused to vote for 
 the resolution favoring independence; the provincial 
 assembl}^ revoked the instructions in June, 1776, and 
 elected new delegates favorable to independence, 
 George Taylor being one of the five; he took his seat 
 in Congress the day of his election, and promptl}' 
 signed the Declaration of Independence, with the 
 
48 BiograpJiics of the Signers. 
 
 other delegates, August 2, when the engrossed copy 
 was read}^; he retired from Congress in 1777, and 
 devoted himself to the care of his estates in North- 
 ampton Count}'; died February 23, 1781. 
 
 James Wilson was born near St. Andrews, Scot- 
 land, in 1742; received a good education in his native 
 country; emigrated to America in 1766, and located 
 in Philadelphia; studied law in the office of John 
 Dickinson; was a member of the provincial conven- 
 tion of Pennsylvania in 1744; was elected to the 
 Continental Congress in May, 1775; was appointed 
 advocate-general of France in the United States, and 
 held the office three 3'ears; was chosen a member of 
 the convention that framed the Federal Constitution, 
 and when that instrument became operative was 
 appointed an Associate Justice of the United States 
 Supreme Court; in 1790 was appointed the first pro- 
 fessor of law in the College of Philadelphia; died 
 August 28, 1798. 
 
 George Ross was born in Newcastle, Del., in 
 1730; received an academic education; studied law, 
 and was admitted to the bar; established himself in 
 practice in Lancaster, Pa., in 1751; was a member of 
 the colonial assembly of his State from 1768 to 1776, 
 and at the same time was a Representative in the 
 Continental Congress in 1774, and continued a mem- 
 ber of the latter body until 1777; after retiring from 
 
JAMES WILSON 
 
;raphies of the Siq^ners. 
 
 'f legates, August 2, whei. ...^ engrossed copy 
 v; he retired from Congress in 1777, and 
 vl himself to the care of hi^ estates in North- 
 ampton Count}'; died February 23, 1781. 
 
 James Wiuson was born near St. . 
 land, in 1742; receiv^ed a good education in his native 
 country; emigrated to America in 1766, and located 
 in Philadelphia; studied law in the office of John 
 Dickinson; was a member of the provincial conven- 
 tion of Pennsylvania in 1744; was elected to the 
 Continental Congress in May, 1775; was appointed 
 advocate-general of France in the United States, and 
 held the office three years; was chosen a member of 
 the convention that framed the Federal Constitution, 
 and when that instrument became operative was 
 appointed an Associate Justice of the United States 
 Supreme Court; in 1790 was appointed the first pro- 
 fessor of law in t^l^^^ rnlleo-c nf Pliiladelphia; died 
 August 28, 1798 
 
 George Ro.ss was bom in Newcastle, Del., in 
 1730; received an academic education; studied law, 
 and was admitted to the bar; established himself in 
 practice in Lancaster, Pa., in 1751; was a member of 
 the colonial assembj,5(^gfji^ ^^^^i f rom 1768 to 1776, 
 and at the same time was a Representative in the 
 Continental Congress in 1774, and continued a mem- 
 ber of the latter body until 1777; after retiring from 
 
J 
 
C/ESAR RODNEY 
 
Y314aOH HAe3\3 
 
GEO. READ 
 
QA3R .030 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 49 
 
 Congress was elected a member of the convention of 
 Pennsylvania; was appointed a jndge of admiralty in 
 April, 1779; died in Lancaster, Jnly, 1779. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM DELAWARE. 
 
 Caesar Rodney was born in Dover, Del., in 1730; 
 was educated in the schools of his native town; was a 
 lawyer; was a member of the State assembly, which 
 held its sessions at Newcastle, of which bodv he was 
 speaker; by virtue of his authorit}- as speaker he 
 called a meeting of the assembl}- in 1774, which 
 elected him to the Continental Congress; was re- 
 elected to Congress and took an active part in its 
 deliberations; was appointed a brigadier-general; was 
 appointed president of Delaware in 1777; declined 
 reelection to this ofhce in 1782, and was elected a 
 Delegate to Congress; died in 1783. 
 
 George REx\d was born in Cecil Count\^, Md., in 
 1734; was educated b}^ private tutors; read law and 
 was admitted to the bar; practiced his profession in 
 Newcastle, Del.; was appointed attorney-general for 
 the three lower counties on the Delaware River in 
 1763; was elected to the Continental Congress in 
 1774; was president of the convention which formed 
 the first constitution of Delaware in 1776; was chosen 
 vice-president of the State under this constitution; 
 was appointed judge of the United States court of 
 appeals in admiralty cases in 1782; was a member of 
 
50 Biographies of the Siourrs. 
 
 the convention that framed the Constitntion of the 
 United States; was first United States Senator for 
 Delaware chosen nnder the operation of the new 
 Constitution; was made chief justice of Delaware in 
 1793; died in 1798. 
 
 ThomAvS McKean was born in New London, Ches- 
 ter County, Pa., March 19, 1734; received a practical 
 education under the tuition of Rev. Francis Allison, 
 at Newcastle, Del.; read law and was admitted to 
 the bar; elected a member of the Pennsylvania assem- 
 bly in 1765, and was reelected consecutively for sev- 
 enteen years; was also appointed a delegate to the 
 General Congress of the Colonies, which met in New 
 York in 1765; was appointed the same year judge of 
 the court of common pleas for Newcastle Count}', 
 Del.; was a delegate from the lower counties in Dela- 
 ware in 1774, and was reelected nine consecutive 
 years; was president of the Congress -in 1781; was 
 chief justice of Penns^dvania from 1777 until 1799; 
 was elected governor of Pennsylvania in 1799, and 
 continued to fill that office until 1808; died June 24, 
 1817. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM MARYLAND. 
 
 Samuel Chase was born in Somerset County, Md., 
 April 17, 1 741; studied law at Annapolis, and was 
 admitted to the bar in his twentieth year; was chosen 
 by the Maryland convention as a Delegate to the 
 Continental Congress in 1774, and reelected four 
 
THO. M'KEAN 
 
naphics of the Signers. 
 
 \ that framed the Constitution of ^the 
 
 ; was first United States Senator for 
 
 chosen under the operation of the new 
 
 ation; was made chief justice of Delaware in 
 
 lied in 1798. 
 
 MAS McKean was born in New London, Ches- 
 'lt^ . Pa.. March 19, 1734; received a practical 
 he tuition of Rev. Francis Allison, 
 read law and was admitted to 
 the bar; electa mber of the Pennsylvania assem- 
 
 bly in 1765, a reelected consecutively for sev- 
 
 enteen years; <o appointed a delegate to the 
 
 General Congre-s ui the Colonies, which met in New 
 York in 1765; was appointed the same 3^ear judge of 
 the court of common pleas for Newcastle Count}^, 
 Del,; was a delegate from the lower counties in Dela- 
 ware in 1774, and was reelected nine consecutive 
 years; was president of the Congress in 1781; was 
 chief justice of Pennsjdvania from 1777 until 1799; 
 was elected go\crnor of Pennsylvania in 1799, and 
 continued to fill that office until 1808; died June 24, 
 
 1817. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM MARYLAND. 
 
 Samuel Chase was bom in Somerset County, Md., 
 April 17, 1 741; studied law at Annapolis, and was 
 admitted to the bar in Uj^'&^tjJitictlY3'^^^; was chosen 
 by the Maryland convention as a Delegate to the 
 Continental Congress in 1774, and reelected four 
 
SAMUEL CHASE 
 
aSAHD JHUMAa 
 
WM. PACA 
 
AOAq .MW 
 
THOS. STONE 
 
3HOT8 .20HT 
 
Biographies of the Signers, 51 
 
 consecutive years; was sent by liis State as a com- 
 missioner to England in 1783; was appointed chief 
 justice of a criminal court in Baltimore in 1788; was 
 made chief justice of the general court of his State in 
 1 791; was appointed an Associate Justice of the 
 Supreme Court in 1796; died June 19, 181 1. 
 
 William Paca was born at Wye Hall, Harford 
 County, Md., October 31, 1740; was graduated from 
 Philadelphia College in 1758, and studied in the 
 Middle Temple, London; was admitted to the bar in 
 1764, and practiced law in Annapolis, Md.; was elected 
 a member of the provincial legislature in 1771; was 
 elected a member of the Continental Congress in 
 1774; was State senator for two years; was made 
 chief judge of the superior court of his State in 1778; 
 was appointed chief judge of the court of appeals 
 in prize and admiralt}^ cases in 1780; was elected 
 governor of the State, 1782; was again elected to 
 Congress in 1786; was again elected governor same 
 year; was a member of the State convention that 
 ratified the Federal Constitution; was appointed judge 
 of the United States district court for Maryland in 
 1789, and served ten years. Died in 1799. 
 
 Thomas Stone was born at Point Manor, Charles 
 County, Md., in 1743; commenced the practice of law 
 at Fredericktown (now Frederick) in 1769; was elected 
 a member of Congress in 1774, and reelected in 1775, 
 1777, and 1783; was a member of the State legisla- 
 
52 BiograpJiics of the Signers. 
 
 ture when not in Congress; died in Alexandria, Va., 
 October 5, 1787. 
 
 Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born at An- 
 napolis, Md., September 20, 1737; was a member of 
 the first committee of observation establivshed at An- 
 napolis in 1775; was a delegate to the national con- 
 vention; was appointed a commissioner to accompany 
 Benjamin Franklin and Judge Chase to Canada in 
 February, 1776; was elected to Congress July 4, 1776; 
 was placed on the Board of War; assisted in drafting 
 the constitution of his State in 1776; was chosen to 
 the Senate under that constitution; was reelected to 
 Congress in 1777; was again elected to the State sen- 
 ate in 1 781 and 1786; 1789 was elected to the Senate 
 of the United States; was again elected to the State 
 senate in 1797; was appointed a commissioner to settle 
 the boundary line between Virginia and IMaryland; 
 died November 14, 1832. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM VIRGINIA. 
 
 George Wythe was born in Elizabeth City, Va., 
 in 1726; was elected to the house of burgesses in 
 1763; was placed on the organized committee to pre- 
 pare a remonstrance against the stamp act; was 
 again elected to the house of burgesses in 176S and 
 1769; was elected to the Continental Congress in 
 August, 1775; was chosen a judge of the high court of 
 chancery in 1777; was later chosen sole chancellor; 
 
CHARLES CARROLL OF CARROLLTON 
 
52 Biograpliics oj the Signers. 
 
 tnre when not in Congress; died in Alexandria, Va., 
 ( )etober 5, 1787. 
 
 Charles Carroll of Carrollton was born at An- 
 napolis, Md., September 20, 1737; was a member of 
 the first committee of obsen-ation established at An- 
 napolis in 1775; was a delegate to the national con- 
 vention; was appointed a commissioner to accompany 
 Benjamin Franklin and Jndge Chase to Canada in 
 Febrnary, 1776; was elected to Congress Jnly 4, 1776; 
 was placed on the Boari r; assisted in drafting 
 
 the c on of his s chosen to 
 
 the Scnuu under that lioh; w a.s reelected to 
 
 Congress in 1777; was u;.. .1 ^lected to the State sen- 
 ate in 1 78 1 and 1786; 1789 was elected to the Senate 
 of the United States; was again elected to the State 
 senate in 1 797; was appointed a commissioner to settle 
 the bonndary line between Virginia and Maryland; 
 died November 14, 1832. 
 
 ^ FROM VIRGINIA. 
 
 Gl^' ^' li in Elizabeth City, Va., 
 
 in 17- - .. .. .lie house of burgesses in 
 
 1 76.3; . was placed on the organized committee to pre- 
 
 again elected to the house of burgesses in 1768 and 
 1 769; was elected to the Continental Congress in 
 Augu ; was chosen a judge of the high court of 
 
 chancery m 1777; was later chosen sole chancellor; 
 
GEORGE WYTHE 
 
3HTYW 30H030 
 
,# 
 
RICHARD HENRY LEE 
 
33J YHH3H QHAHOm 
 
Hnhii (i/^liits (>/ III,- Siyjiii s. i;, ^ 
 
 w.i.'; piolcssoi- ol l.iw ill Willi, nil .nid M;ii\- C'oilcj'c; 
 
 (iu(l 111 1\ ulllllolld jllllf '\ l.'liW), lioiii llic cUccI;, ol 
 |)()1S(»11. 
 
 KuilAUn Ill'NKN Ij:i'. W.IS IxMIl .il Stl:ill(>l(l, 
 
 W'rsl 111(11 ('1,111(1 C\»iiiit\', \',i., J;iiiii,n\- .K ), 1 7 >.: ; was 
 
 vdlUMlcd ;il llu- ,\(;i(lcill \ ol \\':i kclK Id in \'oi 1. sli 1 1 c, 
 Iviii'J.iiid; rcliniicd lo Ins lioiiic in \'ii<>iiii,i in I'/s'. 
 .111(1 ,i|)|)lic(l liiiiistdl .issidnoiisU' lo llic sIikU' of 
 (•oiiniioii ;iii(l koin.in l;i\\ ;nid lnslor\ . In lys/ ''*' 
 w,is appointed pisluc ol tllc pcicc lol liis ll:ili\c 
 (.•oini(\'; \\;is (di'ctcd lo llic house ol hinjMSScs in 
 r/()i,:in(l i-oiilniiicd ;i iiu-iiil)( r ol lli,il l)o(l\- I ill I ySS. 
 I lis cillcH-l 111 llu- Icj' isl,ll 1\ r .LS.Sclllltl \' \\:is llol Spc- 
 I'i.ilU' iiolcwoil li\ iiiilil lie iiddrcsscd lniiiS( II lo a 
 niotioii "lo l:i\' So lic:i\ \' ;i (lnl\' on llic nil poll ,il loii 
 ol slaxi-s ,is cllcci ii;ill \ to put ,111 (11(1 to lli.it iiiiipii- 
 toiis .111(1 disv'iacclul liallic williiii llic coloii\- ol" \'ir- 
 i;iiii.i." lie li.id siudi ;i li.itrcd ol llic iiistitnlioii of 
 sl.i\'cr\- tli.il tins ])ro|)osil ion so iiroiiscd linn lli.il his 
 ii.iliniil liiiii(lit\' \\:is o\caconic lor the linic, .iiid his 
 addii'ss W.IS .i torrent ol (do(piciice, mikI at once !i;;i\c- 
 linn .1 hii'h i.iiik ;is an or.itoi. Tins .speech wa.s 
 prol).il)l\ the slroiiiM-sl one aysinist hnin.in sl.ivery 
 that v\v\ lell hoin the lipsol a V'iriMin.iii. In l.iet, 
 the .iholit loinsls 111 tile North iie\( r unproved on the 
 (do(pieiiee and (deaiuess ol his ari'iiiiieiils ai^.aiiist the 
 "pe( iiliai iiist it lit ion." Imoiii this time on he hee.nnc 
 a hold .111(1 sneec-sslnl leader. I le opposed lliest.niip 
 
54 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 act, and in 1765 personally organized an association 
 of prominent citizens of his county the avowed object 
 of which was to prevent an}- person from selling 
 stamped paper. At the head of a mounted company 
 he waited upon the King's stamp collector, who 
 had boasted that he would force the stamped paper 
 on the people, and compelled him to surrender all 
 such paper in his possession, which was burned, and 
 to promise he would make no further effort to carry 
 out his threat. He moved in the house of burgesses, 
 upon the receipt of the news of the Townsend acts 
 of 1767, a petition to the King which contained a 
 plain and full statement of the grievances of the 
 colonies. In July, 1768, he w^as active in the organi- 
 zation of committees of correspondence the purpose 
 of which was to bring the colonies into better under- 
 standing, in order that they might act unitedly 
 in resisting the encroachments of the Crown and in 
 furthering the mutual interest of the colonies, or, as 
 he wrote to John Dickinson earl}' in July, 1768, that a 
 system of correspondence was desirable "for mutual 
 infornuition and communication between the lovers 
 of libert}^ in every province." Samuel Adams and 
 Jonathan Ma3diew were coadjutors of his in furthering 
 this idea. The Virginia house of burgesses in 1773 
 acted upon the suggestion, and Mr. L-ee was placed on 
 the committee of correspondence for Virginia. He was 
 appointed in 1774 a delegate to the First Continental 
 
Biographies of tJic Signers. 55 
 
 Congress, which convened in Philadelphia, and by 
 this body was placed on committees to state the 
 rights of the colonies, to enforce commercial non- 
 interconrse with Great Britain, to prepare suitable 
 addresses to the King and to the colonies of Canada, 
 New Brunswick, Nova vScotia, Georgia, and the Flori- 
 das that had not sent delegates to the Congress. 
 He was returned to the second Congress, and was 
 designated by it to draft an address to the people of 
 Great Britain, which document was of rare merit. 
 This address and the petition to the King were car- 
 ried over to London b}^ Richard Penn, in August, 
 1775. For more than a year he had openly advo- 
 cated a declaration of independence, and the Virginia 
 convention of May 17, 1776, acting upon this line, 
 instructed its delegates in Congress to move for abso- 
 lute independence. In pursuance of these instruc- 
 tions, jNIr. Lee brought forward, on June 7, 1776, in 
 Congress, a resolution "that these united colonies 
 are, and of right ought to be, free and independent 
 States; and that all political connection between them 
 and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, 
 totally dissolved." John Adams, of Massachusetts, 
 seconded the resolution, and became the colossus in 
 debate in support of it. Air. Lee was called home by 
 the illness of his wife, and Jefferson was appointed 
 chairman of the committee to prepare a draft of a 
 declaration of independence. Thus it fell to Jefferson, 
 
56 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 as chairman of the committee, to do what otherwise 
 would have fallen upon ]Mr. Lee. The records show 
 that Mr. Lee served on more than one hundred 
 committees during the ensuing four j^ears, and all of 
 his service fully demonstrates that he would have 
 been perfectly able to have prepared an acceptable 
 draft of a declaration of independence to serve as a 
 basis for the action of Congress. He was detained in 
 Virginia during the sessions of 1780 and 1782 by 
 conditions in the State. He took an active part in 
 providing means for the defense of his State against 
 the invaders, and was a leading member of the legis- 
 lature. He was a leader in debate against making 
 depreciated paper mone}^ a legal tender for debts, and 
 also against a proposition to repudiate all debts to 
 British merchants contracted prior to the beginning 
 of hostilities. In these debates he uttered the words 
 now famous that it is better to be "the honest slaves 
 of Great Britain than to be dishonest freemen." 
 After the war he showed high qualities as a financier 
 in the consideration of the subject of refunding the 
 public debt of his State, and in providing a broad and 
 stable basis for the public credit. He was elected 
 president of the Continental Congress November 
 30, 1784, and in that position displayed the quali- 
 ties of mind necessar}' in ever}' successful presiding 
 officer. At the end of this term he retired to Vir- 
 ginia, but was again elected to Congress in 1787. 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 57 
 
 He was opposed to the adoption of the Federal 
 Constitution, as reported from the convention which 
 framed it, on the ground that in his judgment 
 the instrument gave too much power to the Federal 
 Government. He sincerel}^ believed that this con- 
 centration of Federal power would prove a menace 
 to the rights of the States necessary for their own 
 government. It may be said that his stanch friend, 
 Samuel Adams, as well as Patrick Henry, shared with 
 him this fear. Adams, however, did not go as far in 
 his opposition to the draft of the Constitution as Mr. 
 Lee. It would seem that the people of Virginia were 
 with Mr. Lee in his apprehension, inasmuch as they 
 chose him one of the first two United States Senators 
 from that State under the new Constitution. He was 
 chosen over so popular and worthy a man as James 
 Madison, which goes to show that he was reall}^ an 
 idol of the people of his State. While a Senator he 
 proposed the tenth amendment to the Constitution, 
 which reads as follows: "The powers not delegated 
 by the Constitution of the United States, nor prohib- 
 ited to it by the States, are reserved to the States, 
 respectively." After substituting the word " granted " 
 for "deleofated" and addino; at the end the words "or 
 to the people," the amendment was adopted. The 
 object of the amendment was to limit Federal powers, 
 which to a Federalist mind like that of Lee's were 
 dangerously large. Notwithstanding his Federalist 
 
58 BiograpJiics of the Signers. 
 
 leaning he became a strong snpporter of Washington's 
 Administration, which shows the progressiveness and 
 breadth of his mind. Failing health compelled him 
 to resign his seat in the Senate in 1792. He retired 
 to his estate at Chantillv, where he spent the last two 
 years of his life. By those who knew him well he 
 was described as a tall man with s^-mmetrical fignre, 
 possessing a classical and pleasant face, and a voice 
 fnll of richness and inipressiveness. One of the most 
 conspicuous characteristics of j\Ir. Lee was his sincerit}' 
 and earnestness in the treatment of any public ques- 
 tion to which he addressed himself. 
 
 William Wirt furnishes, perhaps, the most interest- 
 ing description of Lee of any of his contemporaries. 
 He says of him: "His face was on the Roman model, 
 his nose was Cassarean, the port and carriage of his 
 head perfect, and the whole contour noble and fine. 
 He had studied the classics in the true spirit of criti- 
 cism, he possessed a rich store of historical and 
 political knowledge, with an activity of observation 
 and a certaintv of judgment that turned that knowl- 
 edge to the best account. He was not a law\-er b}' 
 profession, but he understood thoroughly the consti- 
 tution both of the mother countrv and of her colonies, 
 and the elements also of the civil and municipal law. 
 He reasoned well and declaimed freely and splendidU'. 
 His voice was the canorous voice of Cicero." 
 
 AVhen the resolution respecting independence was 
 
TH. JEFFERSON 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 n M I ■ > lie became a strong supporter of Washington's 
 ration, which shows the progressiveness and 
 lireadth of his mind. Failing health compelled him 
 t-i resign his seat in the Senate in 1792. He retired 
 to his estate at Chantilly, where he spent the last two 
 vears of his life. By those who knew him well he 
 was described as a tall man witJi symmetrical figure, 
 posse? ■ classical and pleasant face, and a voice 
 
 full of . v:.,.v..-3S and inipressivent*ss ' ''^" of the most, 
 conspiciir.iis characteristic, < of >Tr I < 1"^ ^;iiiceri'\- 
 
 and e; ss in the t 
 
 tion to which he addressed himself. 
 
 William Wirt furnishes, perhaps, the most interes:- 
 ing description of Lee of any of his contemporaries. 
 He says of him: "His face was on the Roman model, 
 his nose was Csesarean, the port and carriage of lis 
 head perfect, and the whole contotir noble and fi le. 
 He had studied the classics in the trtie spirit of ci iti- 
 cism, he possessed a rich store of historical md 
 political knowledge, with an activity of observa ion 
 and a certainty of judgment that turned that kr owl- 
 edge to the best account. He was not a lawy< r hx 
 profession, but he understood thorotighly the c msti- 
 ttition both of the motlier countr}' and of her co!" mies, 
 and the elementv'fW§^4)r'*Hie"xiVil and mtmicip 1 law. 
 He reasoned well and declaimed freely and sple ididl}^ 
 His voice was the canorous voice of Cicero." 
 
 AVhen the resolution respecting: independe ice was 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 59 
 
 under discussion, among other things Lee said: 
 "Why, then, do we longer delay? Why still delib- 
 erate? Let this happy day give birth to an American 
 Republic. Let her arise, not to devastate and to con- 
 quer, but to reestablish the reign of peace and law. 
 The eyes of Europe are fixed upon us. She demands 
 of us a living example of freedom that may exhibit 
 a contrast in the felicity of the citizen to the ever 
 increasing tyranny which devastates her polluted 
 shores. She invites us to prepare an asylum where 
 the unhappy may find solace and the persecuted repose. 
 She entreats us to cultivate a propitious soil where 
 that generous plant of liberty, which first sprang and 
 grew in England, but is now withered b}^ the blasts 
 of tyranny, may revive and flourish, sheltering under 
 its salubrious shade all the unfortunate of the human 
 race. If we are not this day wanting in our duty to 
 our country, the names of the x\merican legislators 
 of 1776 will be placed b}^ posterity at the side of 
 Theseus, of Lycurgus, of Romulus, of Numa, of the 
 three Williams of Nassau, and all of those whose 
 memory has been, and forever will be, dear to virtuous 
 men and good citizens." 
 
 He was twice married, and at his death was sur- 
 vived b}^ six children, four by his first and two b}^ his 
 second wife. He died in Chantilly, Va., June 19, 1794. 
 
 Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Albe- 
 marle County, Va., April 2, 1743; was educated at 
 
6o BiograpJiics of the Signers. 
 
 a preparatory school and completed his education 
 at the College of William and Mary; was an indus- 
 trious scholar, with a taste for literature and apti- 
 tude for mathematics; was fond of music and played 
 fairl}^ well on the violin; at 17 he is described as 
 a tall, rawboned, freckled-faced, sandy-haired boy, 
 with large feet and hands, thick wrists, and promi- 
 nent cheek bones and chin; was healthy looking, 
 ver}' erect, athletic and strong, and rather awkward; 
 was fond of horses and a keen hunter; studied law 
 under George W^ythe, at Williamsburg; was admit- 
 ted to the bar in 1767, and commenced the practice 
 of his profession; the first \-ear of his practice he 
 was emplo3-ed in 68 cases before the general court 
 of the Province, and his business rapidl}- increased 
 till he was employed in about 500 cases a year, 
 making his annual income from this source from 
 $2,500 to $3,000; was not a fluent speaker, and as 
 he spoke his voice grew huskier; practiced law about 
 eight 3'ears, or until the Revolutionary war broke 
 out; at 26 — May 11, 1769 — took his seat in the 
 house of burgesses with George Washington; was 
 an advocate of the resolutions introduced on the 
 third da}' of the session, to the efltect that the col- 
 onies could not be lawfully taxed by Parliament 
 in which they were not represented; in his first 
 important speech in the house he advocated the repeal 
 of the law that compelled the master who wished to 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 6i 
 
 free his slaves to send them out of the Colony; 
 married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a handsome and 
 childless widow, Januar}^ i, 1772, and took her to 
 his home at Monticello; by this marriage he added 
 40,000 acres of land to the 1,900 left him by his 
 father at his death, and 135 slaves to the 30 he 
 already possessed; was now wealthy and happily 
 married; devoted most of his time to improving his 
 vast estates, though conducting a good law business 
 the while; was thus engaged when the momentous 
 events of 1774 aroused him to open and earnest 
 resistance to the authority of the King; at the age 
 of 31 he drafted the instructions for the Virginia 
 delegates in the Congress which met at Philadel- 
 phia, September, 1774, the gist of which was that 
 the parliament of Virginia had as much right to 
 pass laws for the government of England as the 
 British Parliament had to pass laws for the govern- 
 ment of Virginia; was a member of the convention 
 which convened in Richmond in 1775 to consider 
 what course Virginia should pursue in the crisis; 
 it was in this convention that the eloquent Patrick 
 Henry declared, "We must fight. The next gale 
 that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears 
 the clash of resounding arms;" it was agreed that 
 Virginia should arm, and a committee of 13 was 
 appointed, composed in part of Patrick Henry, 
 George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin 
 
62 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 Harrison, Edmund Pendleton, and Jefferson, to form 
 a plan for preparing for the impending conflict; 
 on June 21, 1775, Jefferson took liis seat in Con- 
 gress, the day after Washington was given his com- 
 mission as commander in chief; the day Jefferson 
 took his seat the battle of Bunker Hill occurred; 
 he soon took a commanding place among his asso- 
 ciates in Congress; John Adams said of him, "So 
 prompt, frank, explicit, and decisive upon commit- 
 tees and in conversation that he soon seized upon 
 my heart; " after the close of this Congress he re- 
 turned home and was reelected to the next Con- 
 gress; started for Philadelphia ten da^'s after his 
 return home to take his seat; the Virginia legis- 
 lature declared in favor of independence, and June 
 7 Richard Henry Lee moved, in obedience to in- 
 structions from his legislature, that independence 
 be declared; June 10 a committee of 5 was ap- 
 pointed to draft a declaration; Jefferson, Franklin, 
 John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Liv- 
 ingston were appointed such committee; Jefferson 
 being chairman, was asked to prepare the draft, 
 which he wrote on a small lap or table desk, now 
 in the keeping of the Department of State, in a 
 room on the second floor of a house which stood on 
 or near the corner of Market and Seventh streets, 
 Philadelphia; the draft as submitted was debated 
 July 2 and 3, and adopted the evening of the 4th, and 
 
Biographies of the Signers, 63 
 
 was signed August 2 following; soon after signing 
 the Declaration of Independence Jefferson resigned 
 and returned to his beloved Monticello, his reason 
 being that the health of his wife demanded his 
 presence at home; was elected a member of the 
 Virginia legislature before he resigned; he entered 
 vigorously upon the work of reformation in the 
 laws and institutions of his State in the hope of 
 bringing the State up to his conceptions of what a 
 free and independent sovereign State should be; Octo- 
 ber 8, 1776, he was informed that Congress had 
 appointed him, with Franklin and Deane, a commis- 
 sioner to represent the colonies at Paris; this he 
 felt obliged to decline; his measures and work in 
 the legislature resulted in the complete destruction 
 of the system of entail and the abolishment of the 
 connection between church and state; he drew the 
 bill for the establishment of courts of law in the 
 State, and defining their methods and jurisdiction; 
 he proposed and carried the measure doing away 
 with the principle of primogeniture, the abolish- 
 ment of the cruel penalties of the ancient code, and 
 made an earnest attempt to establish a system ot 
 public schools; was elected governor by the legisla- 
 ture in 1779, and the two 3- ears of his governorship 
 were full of severe trials and hazardous experience; 
 his home was captured b}^ the enemy and laid 
 in ruins; was himself nearl}'^ captured; declined a 
 
64 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 third term as governor; September 6, 1782, his 
 wife died, leaving him three daughters, the ^^oung- 
 est 4 months old; soon after this crushing blow 
 Congress unanimousl}' elected him plenipotentiar}- 
 to France, which he accepted, but before he sailed 
 the news came that the preliminaries of peace had 
 been agreed to, and he returned to his home; June, 
 1783, was elected to Congress and took his seat in 
 that body at Annapolis; was active in devising the 
 decimal currency now in use, and proposed the pres- 
 ent system of dollars and cents; Alay 7, i'784. Con- 
 gress elected him plenipotentiary to France to join 
 Adams and Franklin in negotiating treaties of com- 
 merce with foreign powers; sailed from Boston July 
 5, 1784, and arrived in Paris thirty-two days later; 
 May 2, 1785, received from Secretary of State Jay 
 a commission appointing him sole minister plenipo- 
 tentiar}^ to the King of France for three 3'ears from 
 March 10, 1785; Count de Vergennes, when he pre- 
 sented his credentials, said to him, "You replace 
 Doctor Franklin," to which Jefferson replied, " I suc- 
 ceed, no one can replace him; '' remained" in Paris 
 five 3'ears; during this time he strove hard, though 
 in vain, to release American captives in Algiers 
 without pa3'ing enormous ransoms to the De}-; en- 
 deavored to remove the prohibitive tariff' on Ameri- 
 can food products; supplied the American colleges 
 with new inventions, discoveries, and books as the}^ 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 65 
 
 appeared in Europe; sent home seeds, nuts, and roots 
 for experimentation in America; sent home new 
 kinds of rice to the planters in South Carolina; 
 while in France the Virginia legislature passed 
 the "act for freedom of religion" which he had pre- 
 sented to that bod}^ when a member; he had copies 
 of this printed in French and distributed, which was 
 received with rapture by the Liberals, and espe- 
 cially by Lafayette, with whom Jefferson was on 
 terms of most intimate friendship; in November, 
 1789, accompanied by his daughters Martha and 
 Maria (his daughter Lucy having died in Paris), 
 he returned home on leave of absence, and was 
 received at Norfolk- b}- a committee, Patrick Henry 
 being chairman, with distinguished consideration 
 and by the people with enthusiasm; on the day 
 of his arrival he read in the newspapers that Presi- 
 dent Washington had appointed him Secretary of 
 State; he expressed a preference for his place as 
 minister to France, but yielded to the President's 
 wish, and left Monticello in February, 1790, for 
 New York to enter upon his new duties as Secre- 
 tary of State, arriving there March 21, 1790; he 
 took the house No. 57 Maiden lane, in Mdiich he 
 performed most of the diplomatic work of the office; 
 his salary was $3,500, $500 more than that of 
 Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, 
 Henry Knox, Secretary of War, or Kdmund Randolph, 
 
66 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 Attorn ej'-General; he now declared himself to be a 
 Republican-Democrat, and declared his doctrine to 
 be "the will of the majority to be the national law 
 of every society; perhaps even this may sometimes 
 err; but its errors are honest, solitarj-, and short- 
 lived; let us, then, bow down to the general reason 
 of society; we are safe with that, even in its devia- 
 tions, for it soon returns again to the right way," 
 Jefferson and Hamilton differed on so many ques- 
 tions that came before the Cabinet, and were con- 
 stantly in such hostilit}^ to each other that both 
 ardently desired to withdraw, but both yielded to the 
 sincere wish of the President to remain; January i, 
 1794, Washington accepted Jefferson's resignation; 
 five days afterwards he set out for home, having been 
 Secretary of State three years and ten months; his 
 letters to the Bnglish plenipotentiar}^, George Ham- 
 mond, and the French plenipotentiary, Edmund Genet, 
 which were published in pamphlet form, gave Jeffer- 
 son prestige on his retirement, and, as ex-Chief 
 Justice Marshall said, "lessened the hostilit}^ of 
 Jefferson's enemies without diminishing the attach- 
 ment of his friends;" September, 1794, after the 
 retirement of Hamilton from the Cabinet, Washington 
 tendered to Jefferson the responsible place of special 
 envoy to Spain; in declining the place he said "no 
 circumstances would evermore tempt him to engage 
 in anything public;" yet, in 1796, he allowed his 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 67 
 
 name to be used as a candidate for the Presidency; 
 received 68 electoral votes against 71 electoral votes 
 for John Adams; under the law he became Vice- 
 President; in 1800 he was elected President by the 
 House of Representatives, having 73 electoral votes 
 and Aaron Burr a like number, John Adams 65, 
 Charles C. Pinckney 64, and John Jay i. Among his 
 first acts as President was the pardoning of every man 
 who was in durance under the sedition law, relieved 
 and consoled the victims of the alien law, which was 
 to him a final triumph over Hamilton. His Cabinet 
 were James Madison, Secretary of State; Albert Gal- 
 latin, Secretary of the Treasury; Henry Dearborn, 
 Secretary of War; Robert Smith, Secretary of the 
 Navy; Gideon Granger, Postmaster-General, and Levi 
 Lincoln, Attorney-General, who served with him dur- 
 ing his two terms of office and who worked in perfect 
 accord with their chief on all important public ques- 
 tions. Jefferson adopted as his rule " that a difference 
 of politics was not a reason for the removal of a com- 
 petent and faithful subordinate," and he carried it out 
 faithfully. He sent a message to Congress instead of 
 making a speech, which custom has been followed 
 since. In every way possible he endeavored to make 
 his Administration genuinely democratic-republican. 
 He put all but six vessels of the Navy out of commis- 
 sion; four of these he sent to the Mediterranean to 
 overawe the Barbary pirates, which proved eminently 
 
6S Biographies of tJic Signers. 
 
 successful under the sturd}- and gallant Decatur. 
 Under his Administration the golden opportunity for 
 acquiring the vast territory west of the Mississippi, 
 vaguely known as the " Louisiana purchase," was 
 seized upon through the negotiations of special envoy 
 James Monroe, who purchased the infinitely valuable 
 tract for $i 1,500,000; the purchase was the more easily 
 effected because of Bonaparte's need of mone}- with 
 which to fight England; when he signed the convey- 
 ance Bonaparte said: "This accession strengthens 
 forever the power of the United States, and I have 
 just given to England a maritime rival that will 
 sooner or later humble her pride." This achievement, 
 though accomplished against the constitutional views 
 of Jefferson, was the crowning act of his Administra- 
 tion, and for that matter, of the party which he is 
 given the credit of founding. He popularized his 
 Administration and made his reelection eas}^ His 
 second term was less peaceful than his first. He 
 detested war and in consequence endured insults from 
 Great Britain and Spain without prompt and vigorous 
 resentment; 3'et there was a moment when he contem- 
 plated a plan of resistance which, if it had been carried 
 out successfully, would have annexed Florida, Mexico, 
 and Cuba by force. Actual war and the attempted 
 execution of the plan was averted by Great Britain 
 making partial reparation for the Leopard firing 
 a broadside into the Chesapeake near Old Point 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 69 
 
 Comfort, killing and wonnding 18 men. Instead of 
 fighting lie recommended to Congress to sn spend 
 commercial intercourse with the belligerents. The 
 embargo of 1807 was declared, but proved unpopular 
 with our own people, who violated it with absolute 
 impunity. Jefferson alwa^^s believed that if the 
 people had supported him in this policy the war of 
 181 2 would have been avoided. When Jefferson 
 retired from the Presidency, at the age of 66, March 4, 
 1809, after almost a continuous service of forty years, 
 he found himself so poor and in debt that but for a 
 timely loan from a Richmond bank he would have 
 been liable to arrest for debt by his creditors. This 
 embarrassed condition prompted him to write: "I have 
 been under an agony of mortification." He lived 
 seventeen years after his retirement, and these he 
 devoted to his farm, and to an endeavor to establish 
 in Virginia a system of education that would embrace 
 all the children of his State. He did not live to see 
 his dream of common school education realized, yet 
 he was happy in seeing the University of Virginia 
 rise to dignity and usefulness as an educational 
 institution. His financial embarrassment became 
 very distressing, and he was forced to sell his library 
 in 1814, which was purchased by Congress for 
 $23,000. He lost $20,000 of this by indorsing a note 
 for a neighbor. When about to lose his "beloved 
 Monticello" to satisfy debt, Philip Hone, mayor of 
 
JO BiograpJiics of the Signers, 
 
 New York, raised for him, in 1826, $8,500; Philadel- 
 phia, $5,000, and Baltimore, $3,000. This gave him 
 not only financial relief, bnt real joy. He character- 
 ized the gift as a "pure and unsolicited offering of 
 love." 
 
 He died at 12 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m., July 
 4, 1826, fiftv 3^ears after the adoption of the Declara- 
 tion of Independence; was buried at Monticello on 
 ground set apart by himself for a graveyard. A stone 
 was laid upon his grave, which bore this inscription, 
 written by himself: "Here was buried Thomas Jef- 
 ferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, of 
 the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and 
 Father of the University of Virginia." Evidently he 
 considered these three things the greatest achieve- 
 ments of his long and active life. 
 
 Benjamin Harrison was born in Berkely, Charles 
 County, Va., about 1740; was educated b}- private 
 tutors and at William and Mary College; was elected 
 in 1764, while a very young man, to the house of 
 burgesses, of which he was twice speaker; in 1773 
 was chosen a member of the Committee of Corre- 
 spondence, and was very active in uniting the colonies 
 for resistance to the encroachments of the Crown; 
 was a Delegate to the first Continental Congress from 
 1 774-1777; as chairman of the Committee of the 
 Whole he reported the Declaration of Independence, 
 and was one of its strongest advocates; after leaving 
 
BENJ. HARRISON 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 l\yt\w \ ised for him, in 1826, $8,500; Philadel- 
 
 _3,oou, and Baltimore, $3,000. This gave him 
 
 . ^,...,,.:o] relief, but real joy. 'W^ ^haracter- 
 
 i "pure and unsolici -riiig of 
 
 He 1 40 minutes p. m., July 
 
 4, i82< /ears after the adoption ( ara- 
 
 tion of Independence; was buried at Monticello on 
 ground set apart bj^ himself for a graveyard. A stone 
 
 ' ' \ which bore this inscript' 
 
 wiiLLcii ij\ niii-c-ii. iiere was bv--^— "^ ^"i------ 
 
 ferson, author of the Declaration oi ...._^ _...-^.-^^, ._ 
 
 the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and 
 Father of the Universit}^ of Virginia." Evidently he 
 considered these three things the greatest achieve- 
 ments of his long and active life. 
 
 Benjamin Harrison was bor rkely, Charles 
 
 County, Va., about 1740; was educated by private 
 tutors and at William and Mary College; was elected 
 in 1764, while a very young man, to the house of 
 burgesses, of which he was twice speaker; in 1773 
 was chosen a member of the Committee of Corre- 
 spondence, and was very active in uniting 
 for resistance to the encroachments 
 
 was a Delegate to me nrsf '•Continental Congress from 
 ijj/^-i'j'jy^ as chairman of the Committee of the 
 Whole he reported '' "^ i laration of Independence, 
 and was one of its sLuuii^cbt advocates; after leaving 
 
^w 
 
 A> 
 
THOS. NELSON, JR 
 
H\ ,M08J3M .20HT 
 
BiograpJiics of tJic Signers. 71 
 
 Congress he was again elected to the honse of bur- 
 gesses, and was presiding officer of that body until 
 1782, when he was elected governor, and was three 
 times elected to this office; was a member of the State 
 convention which met to consider the adoption of the 
 Federal Constitution; was opposed to its adoption, but 
 when it was adopted became an ardent supporter of 
 the Government under it; was a member of the State 
 legislature; was a brother of Gen. Charles Harrison, 
 who served with distinction under Washington, and 
 whose son, William Henry Harrison, was ninth 
 President of the United States, and whose grandson, 
 named for the great grandfather, was the twenty-third 
 President of the United States; died in April, 1791. 
 
 Thomas Nelson, Jr., was born in Yorktown, York 
 County, Va., December 26, 1738; was educated at 
 Eton and Cambridge, from which latter institution 
 he was graduated; returned to the United States in 
 1 761; was elected to the house of burgesses while en 
 route home, before he had attained his majority; was 
 a leading spirit in that body in 1774 in rebellious 
 speech and action against the unwarrantable invasion 
 of the rights of the colonists b\^ Great Britain; was 
 reelected to the house of burgesses; was a member of 
 the first general convention, which met in Williams- 
 burg August I, 1774, and also of the convention of 
 1775, in both of which he took a leading part in ad- 
 vocating forcible resistance to the tyranny of the 
 
72 BiogropJiics of the Sioiicrs. 
 
 mother country; was elected colonel of the Second 
 Virginia Regiment in July, 1775, but resigned upon 
 being elected a member of the Continental Congress; 
 here he advocated vigorous measures for the mainte- 
 nance of the rights of the colonists; was a member of 
 the State constitutional convention in 1776; resigned 
 his seat in Congress in 1777 because of continued ill 
 health; was made countv lieutenant in August, 1777, 
 and on the State being threatened b}' the British fleet 
 was appointed commander in chief of the State troops, 
 and on the call for troops raised a battalion of cav- 
 alr}', which he accompanied to Philadelphia ; was 
 again elected to Congress in 1779, and was forced to 
 resign because of ill health ; in Alay of that 3'ear he 
 was called upon to organize the militia of his State 
 to repel invasion b}^ the enenn-; became goveruor in 
 June, 1 78 1, and proved a vigorous and courageous 
 officer in directing the militia force of the Common- 
 wealth against the invasion of the eneni}-; com- 
 manded the militia of his State at the siege of 
 Yorktowu, and showed skill and courage. For his 
 conduct in this siege Washington said, in general 
 orders: "The General would be guilty of the highest 
 ingratitude if he forgot to return his sincere acknowl- 
 edgments to His Excellenc}^ Governor Nelson for 
 the succor which he received from him, and to whose 
 activity-, emulation, and bravery the highest praises 
 are due." Died in Hanover Count}-, Va., January- 4, 
 
FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 iiiutiier country; was elected colonel of the Second 
 X'irginia Regiment in July, 1775, but resi^ ' 
 being elected a member of the Continental ^uiigLv..-.o, 
 here he advocated vigorous measures for the mainte- 
 nance of the rights of the colonists; was a member of 
 the Siv titutional convention in 1776; resigned 
 
 his sea 1 grass in 1777 because of continued ill 
 
 health; was made county lieutenant in August, 1777, 
 and on the State being threatened by the British fleet 
 oointed commander in chief of the State troops, 
 anci on the call for troops raised a battalion of cav- 
 alry, which he accompanied to Philadelphia ; was 
 again elected to Congress in 1779, and was forced to 
 resicrn because of ill health; in "May of that year he 
 i upon to organize the militia of his State 
 to repel invasion b}^ the enemy; became governor in 
 June, 1 78 1, and proved a vigorous and courageous 
 officer in directing the militia force of the Common- 
 wealth against the invasion of the enemy; com- 
 manded the militia of his State at the siege of 
 Yorktown, and showed skill and courage. For his 
 conduct in this siege Washington said, in general 
 orders: "The General would be giiilty of the highest 
 
 ingratitude ifate^TGKD^I'HDtrBfDWA^Hice^e acknowl- 
 edgments to His Excellency Governor Nelson for 
 the succor which he received from him, and to whose 
 activity, emulation, and braver}'^ the highest praises 
 are due." Died in Hanover County, Va., January 4, 
 
CARTER BRAXTON 
 
ViOTXARS H3THA0 
 
Biographies of tJic Signers. 73 
 
 1789, and is buried in Yorktown in an unmarked 
 grave, although the State of Virginia placed his 
 statue by Crawford on the Washington Monument in 
 Richmond, which was small recognition for the public 
 services and great sacrifices made by him for his 
 State and country. 
 
 Francis Lightfoot Lee was born at Stratford, 
 Westmoreland Count}^ Va., October 14, 1734; received 
 a good education in the schools of his native town 
 and under private tutorage; was elected to the house 
 of burgesses from Loudoun County in 1765, and later 
 from Richmond Count}-, and served until 1772; 
 signed the Westmoreland declaration against the 
 stamp act; was elected to Congress August 15, 1775, 
 in which bod}'- he served until 1779; served on the 
 committee which formulated the Articles of Confedera- 
 tion; was one of the most ardent supporters of the 
 rights of the colonists, and distinguished himself in 
 calling attention to our rights in respect to the New- 
 foundland fisheries and the enjoyment of free naviga- 
 tion of the Mississippi; served in the legislature of 
 his State under the Federal Constitution; died in 
 Richmond County, Va., April 3, 1797. 
 
 Carter Braxton was born in Newington, King 
 and Queen County, Va., September 10, 1736; received 
 a liberal education, obtained in this country and in 
 England; inherited several plantations, from which he 
 
74 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 derived a large income, and which enabled him to live 
 in luxury and to travel extensively abroad; was a 
 member of the house of burgesses which adopted the 
 rebellious resolutions brought forward b}^ Patrick 
 Henry, which were full of ''Give me liberty or give 
 me death" and "If this be treason, make the most of 
 it; " was a member of the convention which declared 
 for larger freedom for the colonies; was elected to 
 Congress December 15, 1775, as the successor to 
 Peyton Randolph; he did not remain long in Con- 
 gress, but served in the legislature of his State until 
 1786, when he became a member of the executive 
 council; his last 3'ears were full of trouble, arising 
 from the complete wreck of his fortunes; he died 
 October 10, 1797. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM NORTH CAROLINA. 
 
 William Hooper was born in Boston, Mass., 
 June 17, 1742; graduated from Harvard College 
 in 1760; studied law under James Otis in Boston; 
 removed to Wilmington, N. C, in 1767; rose to pro- 
 fessional eminence in his new field, and was elected 
 to the Continental Congress in 1775, in which body 
 he was distinguished by his directness of speech and 
 clear judgment; died in Hillsboro, in his adopted 
 State, October, 1790. 
 
 Joseph Hewes was born in Kingston, N. J., in 
 1730; was educated at Princeton College; was for a 
 
WM. HOOPER 
 
74 '-apjiu::i c'j ifw ::>i^u€rs. 
 
 ■ d which enabled him to live 
 
 . travel extensively : ' ' a 
 
 :m>.- nouse of ! ' ^" w atiupiea the 
 
 ^-'-'^olutions hi....t^x.u i,>'iv>oid by Patrick 
 
 A' i-e full of ''Give me libert}?- or give 
 '^ this be t-^enson. innlce the most of 
 
 :i-ed 
 
 »r the coL as elected to 
 
 the successor to 
 
 I uut rem on- 
 
 crvcu. ' ^ure ol iiis itil 
 
 1^. , ^"" beL.tuiL a lULiuber of the cAccuLive 
 
 council; ..... .ast 3'e;irs were full of trouble, arising 
 
 from the complete wreck of his fortunes; he died 
 October lo, 1797. 
 
 SIGNERvS FROM NORTH CAROUNA. 
 
 William Hooper was bom in Boston, Mass., 
 June 17, 1742; graduated from Harvard College 
 in 1760; studied law under James Otis in Boston; 
 removed to Wilmington, N. C, in 1767; rose to pro- 
 fessional eminence in his new field, and was elected 
 to the Continental Congress in 1775, in which body 
 he was distinguished by his directness of speech and 
 clear judgment: died ir. Tiillsboro, in his adopted 
 
 ingston, N. J., in 
 173L., .'riuceton College; was for a 
 
JOSEPH HEWES 
 
83W3H HS3801 
 
JOHN PENN 
 
HM3S WHOl 
 
Dw^raphies of tJic Signers, 75 
 
 time engaged in business in Pliiladelphia; removed 
 permanently to Kdenton, N. C, in 1760; was a mem- 
 ber of the legislature of liis adopted State; was elected 
 to Congress in 1774, and reelected each year till 1777, 
 and again in 1779; was a member of the committee 
 directed to make a report on "the rights of the col- 
 onies in general, the several instances in which these 
 rights are violated or infringed, and the means most 
 proper to be pursued for obtaining a restoration of 
 them;" was held in high esteem by the people of 
 North Carolina, who never failed to accord him a 
 high place in the councils of the State; died in Phila- 
 delphia November 10, 1779. 
 
 John Penn was born in Caroline County, Va., May 
 17, 1 741; received some education in a country school, 
 but was largely self-educated; studied law, and was 
 admitted to the bar in 1762; removed to Granville 
 County in 1774, and soon became a leading attorney 
 in that part of the State; was chosen to fill a vacancy 
 in Congress September 8, 1775, and took his seat 
 October 12 of that year; was reelected in 1777 and 
 1779; was given large authority in directing the affairs 
 of his State when Cornwallis made his invasion, ajid 
 he discharged the difficult duties thus imposed in a 
 highly creditable manner; was appointed receiver of 
 taxes in March, 1784, but resigned soon afterwards 
 because his State refused to pay its proportion of funds 
 required to maintain the independence it professed to 
 32461 — 04 — 14 
 
76 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 be in favor of; retired to private life on a competence 
 accumulated by liis own efforts; died in Caroline 
 County, Va., September, 1788. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA. 
 
 Kdward RutlEDGE was born in Charleston No- 
 vember 23, 1749; was educated in the schools of his 
 native town and under private tutors; studied law 
 under his brother, and was entered at Temple, Lon- 
 don, in 1769, where he spent four j^ears in study; 
 returned to Charleston and entered upon the practice 
 of his profession; was elected to Congress in 1774, 
 and was reelected till 1777; was appointed on the 
 first Board of War June 12, 1776; was selected 
 with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to con- 
 fer with Lord Howe on the subject of a reconcilia- 
 tion proposed b}^ that officer, but declined absolutely 
 to treat with him on an 3- basis other than an unquali- 
 fied recognition of American independence; was again 
 elected to Congress in 1779, but was prevented by 
 sickness from taking his seat; was captain and lieu- 
 tenant-colonel in the Charleston Artillery, and took 
 active part in driving the British from the island of 
 Port Royal in 1779; in 1780, while on special duty 
 under Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, he was captured by 
 the British and confined for a 3^ear at St. Augustine; 
 was a member of the legislature of his State in 1782; 
 after the evacuation of Charleston he resumed the 
 
EDWARD RUTLEDGE 
 
-6 Biographies of the Sig7iers, 
 
 be in favor of; retired to prival. .ence 
 
 accumulated by liis own . efforts; died in Caroline 
 County, Va., September, 1788. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA. 
 
 Edward RutlEDGE was born in Charleston No- 
 vember 23, 1749; was educated in the schools of his 
 native town and under private tutors; studied law 
 under his brother, and was entered at Temple, Lon- 
 don, in 1769, where he spent four years in study; 
 returned to Charleston and entered upon the practice 
 of his profession; was elected to Congress in 1774, 
 and was reelected till 1777; was appointed on the 
 first Board of War June 12, 1776; was selected 
 wi " " ' ' ' nis and Benjamin Franklin to con- 
 fer wjui JvULu iiowe on the subject of a reconcilia- 
 tion proposed by that officer, but declined absolutel}^ 
 to treat with him on any basis other than an unquali- 
 fied recognition of American independence; was again 
 elected to Congress in 1779, but was prevented by 
 sickness from taking his seat; was captain and lieu- 
 tenant-colonel in the Charleston Artillery, and took 
 active part in driving the British from the island of 
 Port Royal in 177Q; in 1780, while on special duty 
 under Gen. Benjamiu Lincoln, ne w^as captured by 
 the British and confined for a year at St. Augustine; 
 was a member of the legislature of his State in 1782; 
 after the evacuation of Charleston he resumed the 
 
-^" 
 
 ^*K 
 
THOS. HEYWARD, JUNR 
 
HHUL .a^lAWYSH .aOHT 
 
Biographies of the Signers, 77 
 
 practice of law there, and Held a high place at the bar 
 for seventeen years; was a member of the legislature 
 for many years, and was effectual in his efforts to 
 defeat the revival of the slave trade while a member 
 of that body; was a member of the State constitutional 
 convention in 1 790; was the author of the act in his 
 State, as Jefferson was in Virginia, abolishing the law 
 of primogeniture in 1791; was tendered the appoint- 
 ment of associate justice of the United States Supreme 
 Court in 1794; was elected governor of his State in 
 1798, but died before the expiration of his term of 
 office, January 23, iSoo, in Charleston. 
 
 ThomAvS Heyward, Jr., was born in St. Lukes 
 Parish, S. C, in 1746; was brought up on a planta- 
 tion, and was educated by private tutors; studied law 
 in the Temple, London, and traveled extensively 
 abroad; returned to his native State and established 
 himself in the practice of law. The times were 
 revolutionary, and he plunged into politics with 
 earnestness and enthusiasm; was a leader in the Revo- 
 lutionary party from his entrance into public life; 
 was elected a member of the first assembly after the 
 abdication of the Crown's governor; was a member of 
 the Committee of Safety; was elected a member of 
 Congress to fill a vacanc}^ in 1775, and was reelected 
 till 1778; was elected a judge of the civil and criminal 
 courts in that year; presided as judge in the trial of 
 some colonists who were charged with aiding and 
 
jS Bii^raphits of the Sigfiers. 
 
 abettiiie the enemv, and who were foimd sjniltv and 
 executed within sight of the British lines; held a 
 commission in the militia, and was wounded in the 
 en^gement at Beanford; was taken prisoner at the 
 snrrender of Charleston to Sir Henry Clinton, May 12, 
 1780^ and was held as prisoner at St. Angnstine for 
 one vear; while he was a prisoner the British robbed 
 his plantation of ever\.-thing they conld carr\- away, 
 -intonlv destroved his improvements; -^ hen 
 rele^Lsed from prison he sailed for Philadelphia; on 
 the trip he fell overboard and saved his life by cling- 
 ing to the ship's rudder; resumed his judicial duties 
 on his return to his State, and continued on the bench 
 till 1798; was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
 vention in 1790; died in March, 1S09. 
 
 Tho^ias Lynch. Jr.. was bom in Prince Georges 
 Parish. S. C, August 5, 1749; was educated at Eton 
 and the Universitv of Cambridge, and completed his 
 law studies at Temple Court, London; returned to 
 his home in South Carolina in 1 772; was appointed a 
 captain in the First Regiment of Provincial Regulars, 
 raised by his State, in 1775; was appointed to succeed 
 his father in the Continental Congress in 1776; one 
 of hfe last public acts was to affix his n^ime to the 
 Declaration of Independence; was led by ill 
 
 health to resign his place in Ccn^es^, and as a 
 dernier resort in an effort to recover his health sailed 
 for St. Enst^itiiLS, West Indies, in r — o. horinsr to 
 
/ 
 
 THOMAS LYNCH. JR 
 
78 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 abetliug tlie enemy, and who were found guilty and 
 executed within sight of the British lines; held a 
 commission in the militia, and was wounded in the 
 engagement at Beauford; was taken prisoner at the 
 surrender of Charleston to Sir Henry Clinton, May 12, 
 1780, and was held as prisoner at St. Augustine for 
 one year; while he was a prisoner the British robbed 
 his plantation of ever3'thing they could carry away, 
 and wantonly destroyed his improvements; when 
 released from prison he sailed for Philadelphia; on 
 the trip he fell overboard and saved his life by cling- 
 ing to the ship's rudder; resumed his judicial duties 
 on his return to his State, and continued on the bench 
 till 1798; was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
 vention in 1790; died in March, 1809. 
 
 Thomas Lynch, Jr., was bom in Prince Georges 
 Parish, S. C, August 5, 1749; was educated at Eton 
 and the Universit}'- of Cambridge, and completed his 
 law studies at Temple Court, London; returned to 
 his home in Stmth Carolina in 1772; was appointed a 
 captain in the First Regiment of Provincial Regulars, 
 raised b}- his State, in 1775; was appointed to succeed 
 his father in the Continental Congress in 1776; one 
 of his last pu})lic acts was to ;iffix,his name to the 
 Declaration of Independence; was compelled by ill 
 health to resign his place in Congress, and as a 
 dernier resort in an effort to recover his health sailed 
 for St. Eustatius, West Indies, in 1779, hoping to 
 
^'^tMiiiiiftiiiiiiiWi'*^ 
 
ARTHUR MIDDLETON 
 
HOT3JaaiM 51UHTHA 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 79 
 
 find a neutral vessel there which would convey him 
 to France; the vessel in which he sailed was never 
 heard from, and it was believed to have been lost 
 with all on board. 
 
 Arthur Middleton was born at Middleton Place, 
 on the Ashley River, S. C, June 26, 1743; was pre- 
 pared for college at Harrow and Westminster schools, 
 and graduated with honors from Cambridge; traveled 
 two years in Europe, and returned well equipped 
 educationally to his native State in 1763; was at once 
 given political recognition, and became a leader of the 
 revolutionary party; was a prominent member of the 
 first council of safet}^; was elected to the provincial 
 congress in 1775, and succeeded his father as a mem- 
 ber of the Continental Congress in 1776; declined 
 the office of governor in 1778; exhibited a military 
 spirit and bravery in the defense of Charleston in 
 1780, and fell into the hands of the British when 
 that city capitulated, and was in prison for a time at 
 St. Augustine and in the "Jersey" prison ship; the 
 British destroyed most wantonly his collection of 
 pictures and other household valuables at his home 
 on the Ashley when they marched on Charleston; was 
 again elected to Congress in 1780, after his release 
 as a prisoner of war, and rendered conspicuous and 
 valuable service in that body until the close of the 
 Revolution; prompted b\^ the barbarous treatment of 
 noncombatants and the useless burning and mutilation 
 
So Biographies of tJic Signers. 
 
 of property, lie introduced in Congress a resolution 
 "that Lord Comwallis should be regarded in the 
 lisfht of a barbarian, who had violated all the rules of 
 modern warfare, and had been guilt\- of innumerable 
 cases of wanton cruelty and oppression; and further, 
 that he, the said Lord Cornwallis, should not be com- 
 prehended in auv exchange of prisoners which should 
 take place between the British Government and that 
 of the United States." 
 
 ]\Ir. Middleton rendered valuable ser\-ice in the 
 senate of his State in bringing order out of chaos after 
 the war closed, and no inconsiderable credit is due to 
 his intelligent efforts for nianv of the best of the 
 early laws of the State. He married ]^Iiss ^lary 
 Izard, a beautiful and for that day accomplished 
 voung lady, the year after his return from England 
 in 1763. ^Ir. ^kiiddleton was a stenographer, a rare 
 accomplishment at that time, and reported man}- 
 public proceedings. He was a clever writer, and 
 under the nom de plume of "Andrew ^^lar^-ell" pub- 
 lished numerous political essays which attracted a 
 p^ood deal of attention and had wide influence; died 
 January- i, 17S7. 
 
 SIGNERS FROM GEORGIA. 
 
 Button Gwinnett was bom in England about 
 the vear 1732; received a rudimentary' education, and 
 engaged in business in Bristol, from which place he 
 emigrated to America in 1770, bringing with him 
 
BUTTON GWINNETT 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 c^i pro^jerty, he introduced in Congress a resolution 
 *'tliat Lord Comwallis should be r^^9^-(^<'^<^ in the 
 \\'>A\i of a barbarian, who had violated ai iles of 
 
 lern warfare, and had been guilty of innumerable 
 cases of wanton cruelty and oppression; and further, 
 thai ,ord Comwallis, should not be com- 
 
 prehended in any exchange of prisoners which should 
 take place between the British Government and that 
 of the United vStates." 
 
 Mr. Middleton rendered valuable ser\4ce in the 
 senate of his State in bringing order out of chaos after 
 the war closed, and no inconsiderable credit is due to 
 his intelligent efforts for many of the best of the 
 early laws of the State. He married Miss Mary 
 Izard, a beautiful and for that day accomplished 
 young lady, the year after his return from England 
 in 1763. Mr. Aliddleton was a stenographer, a rare 
 accomplishment at that time, and reported many 
 public proceedings. He was a clever writer, and 
 under the nom de v>1iniie of "Andrew Marvell" pub- 
 lished numerous ^ .1 essays which attracted a 
 good deal of attention and had Made influence; died 
 January i, 1787. 
 
 Button Gwinnett was bom in England about 
 the year 1732; received a rudimentary education, and 
 engaged in business in Bristol, from which place he 
 emigrated to America in 1770, bringing with him 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 8i 
 
 considerable means; located first in Charleston, S. C, 
 and in 1772 removed to Savannah, Ga.; pnrchased a 
 plantation on St. Catherines Island, and engaged 
 extensively in agricnlture; was an earnest advocate, 
 after 1775, of the rights of the colonists; was appointed 
 by the general assembly at Savannah a Representa- 
 tive in Congress Februar\^ 2, 1776, and took his seat 
 May 20 of that year; was reelected October 9 of the 
 same year for the ensning year and took his seat 
 at Baltimore in December; was a memljer of the State 
 convention which met in Savannah in Febrnary, 1777, 
 to frame a constitntion for the State; while in this 
 office he prepared the basis of the constitntion which 
 was finally adopted by his State; was made president 
 of the provincial conncil March 4, 1774, to succeed 
 President Bullock; was an unsuccessful candidate for 
 governor in 1777. While a member of Congress he 
 became a candidate for the position of brigadier-gen- 
 eral in opposition to Gen. Lachlin Mcintosh, and his 
 failure to obtain the commission, together with other 
 irritating matters, so incensed him against his oppo- 
 nent that he challenged him to a duel; the interference 
 of friends was unavailing in adjusting the feud between 
 them, and they fought it out on May 15, 1777. They 
 fought with pistols at a distance of 12 feet. Both 
 were \WDunded, Mcintosh slightlj^, and Gwinnett so 
 badly as to result in death twelve days after the duel, 
 on May 27, 1777. 
 32461—04 — 15 
 
82 Biographies of tJic Signers. 
 
 Mr. Gwinnett rose from tlie quiet life of a planter 
 in five 3'ears to the most exalted places within the gift 
 of the people of his State. He had proved himself 
 a patriot of first degree; had sacrificed his home 
 and everything else but land upon the altar of his 
 countr}', and but for the unfortunate combination of 
 unfavorable events which led to his untimel}^ taking 
 off his patriotism and talents would have given him 3-et 
 higher place in the councils of the United Colonies. 
 He was of commanding figure, being 6 feet high and 
 properh' proportioned; was mild and persuasive in 
 language, polite in manners, 3'et dignified and impres- 
 sive. He left a widow, who did not long survive him, 
 and several children. 
 
 Lymax Hall was bom at ^\'allingford, Conn., 
 April 12, 1724; graduated from Yale; fitted for the 
 profession of medicine and commenced practice in his 
 native town; finall}' established himself near Sunburj^, 
 Ga., in a settlement of New En glanders, where he 
 attained prominence as a ph^-sician and as a patriot; 
 with his New England neighbors he was read}- for 
 rebellion against the oppression of Great Britain, and 
 was a member of the conventions held in Savannah 
 in 1774 and 1775, and was largeh' influential in mov- 
 ing the State of Georgia to join the other colonies in 
 resistance to the Crown; was elected b}^ the parish of 
 St. John to the Continental Congress in 1776; took 
 an active part in all the proceedings of the Congress, 
 
LYMAN HALL 
 
82 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 Mr. Gwinnett rose f re- 
 in five years to the most exalted places within the gift 
 ')f the people of his State. He had proved himself 
 a patriot of first degree; had sacrificed his home 
 erything else but land upon the altar of his 
 L -uniry, and but for the unfortunate combination of 
 unfavorable events which led to his untimely taking 
 off his patriotism and talents would have given him yet 
 higher place in the councils of the United Colonies. 
 He was of commanding figure, being 6 feet high and 
 pn:)per]\' proportioned; was mild and persuasive in 
 language, polite in manners, yet dignified and impres- 
 sive. He left a widow, who did not long survive him, 
 and several children. 
 
 Lyman Hall was born at Wallingford, Conn., 
 April 12, 1724; graduated from Yale; fitted for the 
 profession of medicine and commenced practice in his 
 native town; finally established himself near Sunbury, 
 Ga., in a settlement of New En glanders, where he 
 attained prominence as a physician and as a patriot; 
 with his New England nc: he was ready for 
 
 rebellion the oppression ol Great Britain, and 
 
 was a meniDer oi the conventions held in Savannah 
 in 1774 and 1775, and was largely influential in mov- 
 ing the State of Q,g^?gijVlM4^ii the other colonies in 
 resistance to the Crown; was elected by the parish of 
 St. John to the Continental Congress in 17; 
 an active part in all the proceedings of the Congress, 
 
GEO. WALTON 
 
I/IOTJAW .030 
 
Biographies of the Signers, 83 
 
 except he did not vote, until lie became the represen- 
 tative of Georgia as a colony; was annually returned 
 to Congress till 1780; when the British invaded 
 Georgia he was forced to remove his family to the 
 North; all of his property was confiscated and laid 
 waste by the British; returned in 1782 with his family 
 to Georgia, and entered vigorously into the work of 
 rehabilitating his State; in 1 783 was elected governor 
 and contributed very largely as a leader in restoring 
 prosperity and giving a new impulse to his State; at 
 the close of his office as governor he retired from pub- 
 lic life; died in Burke County, Ga., October 19, 1790. 
 George Walton was bom in Frederick County, 
 Va., in 1740; received a limited common school educa- 
 tion, but was a persistent reader and devoured eagerly 
 every book he could get hold of; w^as systematic in 
 his effort of self-education under the most trying cir- 
 cumstances of poverty and hard labor as a carpenter's 
 apprentice; at the end of his apprenticeship he re- 
 moved to Georgia, where he studied law under the 
 direction of a good lawyer by the name of Henry 
 Young; was admitted to the bar in 1774, and engaged 
 in practice at Augusta with considerable success from 
 the start; was one of four young patriots who called 
 a public meeting at Savannah July 27, 1774, for the 
 declared object of discussing grievances against the 
 mother country, and was placed on a committee by 
 the convention with instructions to correspond with 
 
S4 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 the different parishes of the State for the purpose of 
 inducing them to join the colonies in open opposition 
 to the exercise of oppressive and arbitrary- power of 
 Great Britain ; was a member of a second convention 
 held Januarv 12, 1775, in which he was a leading 
 spirit and urged in most stirring and eloquent words 
 the convention to adopt resolutions recommending 
 resolute hostility to the Crown; but the majorit}' of 
 the convention was against the decisive measures 
 urged bv him. He helped to frame a petition to the 
 King which set forth the grievances of the people, and 
 continued to proclaim the rights of the colonies and 
 to promote local sentiment in favor of rebellion; was 
 appointed a delegate to Congress in February', 1776, 
 and was reelected successivel 3' till 17S1; was appointed 
 colonel of militia in 1778, and commanded a battalion 
 under Gen. Robert Howe in the defense of Savannah, 
 in which battle he was wounded in the thigh while 
 leading his men gallanth' against the invaders. He 
 was taken prisoner in this engagement and confined 
 as a prisoner of war until September, 1779; was 
 elected orovemor of the State on his return from his 
 tnnng confinement ; was appointed chief justice of the 
 State in 17S3; was elected a delegate to the conven- 
 tion to frame the Constitution of the United States in 
 1 78 7, but did not take his seat; was again elected 
 governor in 17S9; was made judge of the supreme 
 court of the State in 1793; was elected to the United 
 
CHARLES THOMSON 
 
84 Biographies of the Signns, 
 
 the ULix^xciit parishes of the State for the purpose of 
 inducing them to join the colonies in open opposition 
 to the exercise of oppressive and arbitrary power of 
 Great Britain ; was a member of a second convention 
 held January 12, 1775, in which he was a leading 
 spirit and urged in most stirring and eloquent words 
 the convention to adopt resolutions recommending 
 resolute hostility to the Crown; but the majority of 
 the convention was against the decisive measures 
 urged by him. He helped to frame a petition to the 
 King which set forth the grievances of the people, and 
 continued to proclaim the rights of the colonies and 
 to promote local sentiment in favor of rebellion; was 
 appointed a delegate to Congress in February, 1776, 
 and was reelected successively till 1781; was appointed 
 colonel of militia in 1778, and commanded a battalion 
 under Gen. Robert Howe in the defense of Savannah, 
 in which battle he was wounded in the thigh while 
 leading his men gallantl}^ against the invaders. He 
 was taken prisoner in this engagement and confined 
 as a prisoner of war until September, 1779; was 
 elected governor of the State on his return from his 
 trying confinement; was appointed chief justice of the 
 State in I783;^^g^^i:^-|3■^5^Xteate to the conveii- 
 tion to frame tlie Constitution of the United States in 
 1787, but did not take his seat; was again elected 
 governor in 1789; was made judge of the supreme 
 court of the State in i'i'q;: was elected to the T'^'nited 
 
Biographies of the Signers. 85 
 
 States Senate and served from 1795 to 1796; was a 
 United States commissioner to negotiate a treaty with 
 the Cherokee Indians in Tennessee; served in the 
 State legislature several terms; died in Augusta, Ga., 
 February 2, 1804. 
 
 THE vSECRETARY OK THE CONGRESS. 
 
 Charles Thomson was born of Irish parentage 
 in Maghera, County Derry, Ireland, November 29, 
 1729. On his way to this country in company with 
 his father and three brothers the father died at sea, 
 and the three boys were thrown upon their own 
 resources, with what aid an older brother, who had 
 preceded them to America, could give them. Dr. 
 Francis Allison was moved to take Charles into his 
 seminary at New London, Pa., and the brightness and 
 manliness of the boy soon won the love and respect 
 of his benefactor. He completed the course given in 
 Dr. Allison's school, and was engaged as principal of 
 the Friends' Academy at New Castle, Del. His suc- 
 cess as a teacher was very marked, and articles he 
 wrote on various subjects, principally respecting the 
 Indians, which were printed in Franklin's paper, at- 
 tracted the attention of that discriminating man and 
 other prominent citizens of Philadelphia, and won for 
 him their friendship. The interest he took in the 
 welfare of the Indians, and the just and truthful 
 manner in which he dealt with them, led the Dela- 
 
86 Biographies of the Signers. 
 
 wares to adopt him in 1756 into tlieir tribe, The}^ 
 bestowed upon him the name of "Man of Truth." 
 His intimate acquaintance with the Indians and their 
 high regard for him, led to his appointment as a com- 
 missioner among them. The Indians simply shared 
 with the whites in their esteem for Air. Thomson, 
 upon whose love for truth peculiar emphasis was 
 placed. Dr. Green in his biograph}' refers to this, 
 and says that it was a common remark, "as true as if 
 Charles Thomson's name was to it." The people had 
 such confidence in his ability and integrit}- that he 
 exercised great influence in promoting the sentiment 
 of independence. John Adams referred to him as 
 "the Sam Adams of Philadelphia, the life of the 
 cause of libert}-." He was selected in September, 
 1774, as Secretary of the First Continental Congress, 
 without any effort on his part, and he entered upon 
 the discharge of his duties with his wonted zeal and 
 industr}'. He was popular with the members, who 
 respected him for his high character, and consulted 
 him on legislative matters because of his attain- 
 ments and good judgment. Abbe Robin, chaplain of 
 Rochambeau, said of him, " He was the soul of that 
 political bod3\" His patriotism was of the very 
 highest type, as is fully attested by his refusal to ac- 
 cept any salary for his first 3^ear's service as Secretary, 
 and consented to receive salar}- for subsequent service 
 onl}' because it was necessary to provide for a family. 
 
Biographies of the Sigjicrs. 87 
 
 Congress presented his wife with a silver urn, prop- 
 erly inscribed, which remains in the family to this 
 day. He continued in the position of Secretary until 
 1789, when he retired to private life. During his 
 secretaryship, in addition to his routine work, he kept 
 extensive notes of debates and proceedings in the 
 Congress, and of much else relating to the personnel 
 of that body. These notes he imbodied in a manu- 
 script history of the Revolution, but after it was fin- 
 ished he destroyed it, lest, as he observed, its publica- 
 tion would give unnecessary pain to some of the 
 descendants of certain members He devoted much 
 time to the translation of the New Testament from 
 the Greek, and the Old Testament from the Septua- 
 gent, which, it is said, was the first English version 
 of the Septuagent that had been published. Biblical 
 scholars in England praised the work very highly, as 
 they also did Mr. Thomson's synopsis of the Four 
 Evangelists. He wrote on various subjects in a man- 
 ner both scholarly and popular. He died in Lower 
 Merion, Montgomery County, Pa., August 16, 1824. 
 
A DECLARATION BY THE REPKESEXTATIVES OF THE UNITED 
 STATES OF AMERICA, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. 
 
 When in the Conrse 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 sepa- 
 rate 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 which impel them to the separa- 
 tion. — We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all 
 men are created equal, that they are endowed by their 
 Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among 
 these are Life Liberty and the pursuit of Happi- 
 ness. — That to secure these rights. Governments are 
 instituted among Men, deriving their just powers 
 from the consent of the governed, — That whenever 
 any Form of Government becomes destructive of 
 these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or 
 to abolish it, and to institute new Government, lay- 
 
 (88) 
 
Declaration. 89 
 
 iiig its foundation on such principles and organizing 
 its powers in sucli form, as to them shall seem 
 most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 
 Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments 
 long established should not be changed for light 
 and transient causes; and accordingly all experience 
 hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to 
 suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right them- 
 selves by abolishing the forms to which they are 
 accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and 
 usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object 
 evinces a design to reduce them under absolute 
 Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw 
 off such Government, and to provide new Guards for 
 their future security. — Such has been the patient 
 sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the 
 necessity which constrains them to alter their former 
 Systems of Government. The history of the present 
 King of Great Britain is a history of repeated inju- 
 ries and usurpations, all having in direct object the 
 establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these 
 States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a 
 candid world. — He has refused his Assent to Laws, 
 the most wholesome and necessary for the public 
 good. — He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws 
 of immediate and pressing importance, unless sus- 
 pended in their operation till his Assent should 
 be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly 
 
90 Declaration. 
 
 neglected to attend to them. — He lias refused to pass 
 other Laws for the accommodation of large districts 
 of people, unless those people would relinquish the 
 right of Representation in the Legislature, a right 
 inestimable to them and formidable to t3'rants only. — 
 He has called together legislative bodies at places 
 unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the deposi- 
 tory of their public Records, for the sole purpose of 
 fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. — 
 He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, 
 for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on 
 the rights of the people. — He has refused for a long 
 time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be 
 elected; whereb}' the Legislative powers, incapable of 
 Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for 
 their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time 
 exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, 
 and convulsions within. — He has endeavoured to pre- 
 vent the population of these States; for that purpose 
 obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; 
 refusing to pass others to encourage their migration 
 hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropria- 
 tions of Lands. — He has obstructed the Administra- 
 tion of Justice, b}^ refusing his Assent to Laws for 
 establishing Judiciary powers. — He has made Judges 
 dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their 
 offices, and the amount and paj-ment of their sala- 
 ries. — He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and 
 
Declaration. 91 
 
 sent hither swarms of Of&cers to harrass our people, 
 and eat out their substance. — He has kept among us, 
 in times of peace. Standing Armies without the Con- 
 sent of our legislature. — He has affected to render the 
 Military independent of and superior to the Civil 
 power. — He has combined with others to subject us 
 to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unac- 
 knowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their 
 Acts of pretended Legislation: — For quartering large 
 bodies of armed troops among us: — For protecting 
 them, b\^ a mock Trial, from punishment for any 
 Murders which they should commit on the Inhabi- 
 tants of these States: — For cutting off our Trade with 
 all parts of the M'orld: — For imposing Taxes on us 
 without our Consent: — For depriving us in many 
 cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: — For trans- 
 porting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended 
 offences: — For abolishing the free System of English 
 Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein 
 an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Bounda- 
 ries so as to render it at once an example and fit 
 instrument for introducing the same absolute rule 
 into these Colonies: — For taking away our Charters, 
 abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering 
 fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:— 
 For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring 
 themselves invested with power to legislate for us in 
 32461 — 04 — 16 
 
92 Declaration. 
 
 all cases whatsoever. — He has abdicated Government 
 here, by declaring ns out of his Protection, and wag- 
 ing War against us. — He has plundered our seas, 
 ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destro3^ed 
 the Lives of our people. — He is at this time trans- 
 porting large Annies of foreign Mercenaries to com- 
 pleat the works of death, desolation and tj^ann}^, 
 already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & per- 
 fidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, 
 and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. — 
 He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Cap- 
 tive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their 
 Countr}^ to become the executioners of their friends 
 and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. — 
 He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, 
 and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our 
 frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known 
 rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of 
 all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of 
 these Oppressions, We have Petitioned for Redress 
 in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions 
 
 only 
 
 have been answered, b}^ repeated injury. A Prince, 
 whose character is thus marked by every act which 
 ma}^ define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free 
 people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions 
 to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them 
 from time to time of attempts b}^ their legislature 
 
Declaration, o-? 
 
 to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. 
 We have reminded them of the circumstances of our 
 emigration and settlement here. We have appealed 
 to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have 
 conjured them by the ties of our common kindred 
 to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably 
 interrupt our connections and correspondence They 
 too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of con- 
 sanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the 
 necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold 
 them, as we hold 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 the Supreme Judge of the world for the 
 rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and 
 by 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 politi- 
 cal connection between them and the State of Great 
 Britain, is and ought to be totall}^ dissolved; and 
 that as Free and Independent States, the}^ have full 
 Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alli- 
 ances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts 
 and Things which Independent States may of right 
 do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a 
 
94 
 
 Declaration. 
 
 firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, 
 we mntually pledge to each other onr Lives, our 
 Fortunes and our sacred Honor. 
 
 JOHN HANCOCK 
 
 Josiah Bartlett 
 W" Whipple 
 Sam' Adams 
 John Adams 
 Rob' Treat Paine 
 Elbridge Gerry 
 Step. Hopkins 
 William BUery 
 Roger Sherman 
 Sam^' Huntington 
 W" Williams 
 Oliver Wolcott 
 Matthew Thornton 
 W" Floyd 
 Phil. Livingston 
 Fran^ Lewis 
 Lewis Morris 
 Rich'' Stockton 
 Jn° Witherspoon 
 Fra^ Hopkinson 
 John Hart 
 Abra Clark 
 Rob' Morris 
 Benjamin Rush 
 Benj'' Franklin 
 John Morton 
 Geo Cl3'mer 
 Ja? Smith. 
 
 Geo. Ta3'lor 
 
 James Wilson 
 
 Geo. Ross 
 
 Caesar Rodney 
 
 Geo Read 
 
 Tho ]\I:Kean 
 
 Samuel Chase 
 
 W" Paca 
 
 ThO; Stone 
 
 Charles Carroll of Carrollton 
 
 George Wythe 
 
 Richard Henry Lee. 
 
 Th Jefferson 
 
 Benj'* Harrison 
 
 Tho'' Nelson jr. 
 
 Francis Lightfoot Lee 
 
 Carter Braxton 
 
 W" Hooper 
 
 Joseph Hewes, 
 
 John Penn 
 
 Bdward Rutledge. 
 
 Tho"" Heyward Jun'' 
 
 Thomas Lynch Jun'^ 
 
 Arthur IMiddleton 
 
 Button Gwinnett 
 
 Lyman Hall 
 
 Geo Walton. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Page. 
 
 Adams, John, biograph}' of 29 
 
 Portrait of 2q 
 
 Adams, Samuel, biography of 28 
 
 Portrait of 28 
 
 Bartlett, Josiah, biography of 25 
 
 Portrait of 25 
 
 Bell, liberty, history of 24 
 
 Picture of, frontispiece i 
 
 Braxton, Carter, biography of 73 
 
 Portrait of 73 
 
 Broadside edition of the Declaration 11 
 
 Cabinet, steel. Declaration kept in 16 
 
 Carroll, Charles, biography of 52 
 
 Portrait of 52 
 
 Chase, Samuel, biography of 50 
 
 Portrait of 50 
 
 Clark, Abraham, biography of 39 
 
 Portrait of 39 
 
 Clymer, George, biography of 45 
 
 Portrait of 45 
 
 Declaration of Independence, exact copy of 13, 88 
 
 Adoption of 6, 23 
 
 Broadside copy of, signed by Hancock 12 
 
 Attested by Thomson 12 
 
 Cabinet in which it is kept 16 
 
 Criticisms on 2 
 
 Changes in original draft of lo-i i 
 
 Debate on 11 
 
 Depository of 14-15 
 
 (95) 
 
96 Ijidcx. 
 
 Declaration of Independence — Continued. Page. 
 
 Engrossed and signed 13 
 
 Error of Jefferson in respect to signing 12 
 
 Facsimile of Lee's resolution of independence 6 
 
 Facsimile of original draft of 22 
 
 Facsimile of engrossed, signed copy of 13 
 
 Faults ascribed to 3 
 
 First facsimile of 15-16 
 
 Floor plan of house in which written 4-5 
 
 House in which written 22-23 
 
 Illegible and cracked condition of 15 
 
 Journal, history of 18-21 
 
 Jefferson claimed no originality for 8-10 
 
 Jefferson's story of the adoption of 16 
 
 Precise appearance of 16 
 
 Potograph of present conditition of 15 
 
 Signing of 7 
 
 Hastened by flies 22 
 
 Statement of Jefferson as to where written 4 
 
 Story of adoption of, as told by Jefferson 8-10 
 
 Vocation of the signers of 3 
 
 When and where signed 15 
 
 When blood was shed independence inevitable 2 
 
 Where now kept 16 
 
 Where written 4 
 
 Jefferson writes Lee of the changes in original draft of 12 
 
 Ellery, William, biography of 33 
 
 Portrait of 33 
 
 Facsimile of original draft of 22 
 
 Floyd, William, biography of 36 
 
 Portrait of 36 
 
 Franklin, Benjamin, biography of 41 
 
 Portrait of 41 
 
 Gerry, Elbridge, biography of 31 
 
 Portrait of 31 
 
 Gwinnett, Button, biography of 80 
 
 Portrait of 80 
 
Index. 97 
 
 Page. 
 
 Hall, Lj'man 82 
 
 Portrait of 32 
 
 Hancock, John, 1)iograpliy of 25 
 
 Portrait of 2=; 
 
 Harrison, Benjamin, biography of 70 
 
 Portrait of yo 
 
 Hart, John, biography of 40 
 
 Portrait of 
 
 40 
 
 Hewes, Joseph, biography of 74 
 
 Portrait of 74 
 
 Heyward, Thomas, jr., biograph}- of 77 
 
 Portrait of 
 
 77 
 
 Hooper, William, biography of 74 
 
 Portrait of 74 
 
 Hopkins, Stephen, biography of 32 
 
 Portrait of 
 
 Hopkinson, F'rancis, biograph}- of 39 
 
 Portrait of 
 
 39 
 
 House in which Declaration was signed, picture of 22-23 
 
 Huntington, Samuel, biography of 34 
 
 Portrait of 34 
 
 Independence, air surcharged with i 
 
 Declared by resolution July 2, first celebration of 13-14 
 
 Independence Hall, picture of 23-24 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas, biography of 59 
 
 Portrait of 59 
 
 Wrote as amanuensis i 
 
 Statement of, as to house in which Declaration was written ... 4, 6 
 
 Letter of, to Dee concerning changes made in draft 12 
 
 Story by, of adoption of Declaration 8 
 
 Journal of Congress, respecting adoption of Declaration 8-10 
 
 Dee, Francis Dightfoot, biography of 73 
 
 Portrait of 73 
 
 Lee, Richard Henry, biography of 53 
 
 Portrait of 53 
 
 Resolution of independence introduced by 6 
 
98 Index. 
 
 Lewis, Francis, biography of 37 
 
 Portrait of 37 
 
 Liberty Bell, by whom cast, etc 24 
 
 Livingston, Philip, biography of 37 
 
 Portrait of 37 
 
 Longevity of the signers of 3 
 
 Lynch, Thomas, jr. , Ijiography of 78 
 
 Portrait of 78 
 
 McKean, Thomas, biography of 50 
 
 Portrait of 50 
 
 Middleton, Arthur, biography of 79 
 
 Portrait of 79 
 
 Morris, Lewis, biography of 37 
 
 Portrait of 37 
 
 Morris, Robert, biography of 40 
 
 Portrait of 40 
 
 Morton, John, biography of 45 
 
 Portrait of 45 
 
 Nelson, Thomas, jr., biography of 71 
 
 Portrait of 71 
 
 Paca, William, biography of 51 
 
 Portrait of 51 
 
 Paine, Robert Treat, biography of 30 
 
 Portrait of 30 
 
 Penn, John, biography of 75 
 
 Portrait of 75 
 
 Portraits of signers, how obtained 17 
 
 Read, George, biographj- of 49 
 
 Portrait of 49 
 
 Rodney, Caesar, biography of 49 
 
 Portrait of 49 
 
 Ross, George, biography of 48 
 
 Portrait of 48 
 
 Rush, Benjamin, biography of 41 
 
 Portrait of 41 
 
 Rutledge, Edward, biography of 76 
 
 Portrait of 76 
 
Index. 99 
 
 Page. 
 
 Sherman, Roger, biography of 34 
 
 Portrait of 34 
 
 Signers of the Declaration, vocations of 3 
 
 Longevity of 3 
 
 Biographies of 25 
 
 Smith, James, biography of 46 
 
 Portrait of 46 
 
 Stockton, Richard, biography of 38 
 
 Portrait of 38 
 
 Stone, Thomas, biography of 51 
 
 Portrait of 51 
 
 Taylor, George, biography of 46 
 
 Portrait of 46 
 
 Thornton, Matthew, biography of 27 
 
 Portrait of 27 
 
 Tomson, Charles, Secretarj- of the Congress, biography of 85 
 
 Portrait of 85 
 
 Walton, George, biography of 83 
 
 Portrait of 83 
 
 Whipple, William, biography of 26 
 
 Portrait of 26 
 
 Vocation of the signers of 3 
 
 Williams, William, biography of 35 
 
 Portrait of 35 
 
 Wilson, James, biography of 48 
 
 Portrait of : 48 
 
 Witherspoon, John, biography of 38 
 
 Portrait of 3S 
 
 Wolcott, Oliver, biography of 35 
 
 Portrait of 35 
 
 Wythe, George, biography of 52 
 
 Portrait of 52 
 
 o 
 
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