The original Declaration of Independence -- May 15, 1776 (Written by John Adams)
This one, much argued over and finally accepted on that date, set the Colonies inevitably upon their course to independence. Later, Adams would ask Jefferson to re-write it as Jefferson was famously eloquent in his turn of phrase.
A Declaration
Whereas his Brittanie Majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great-Britain, has, by a late Act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown: And whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the Colonies for redress of grievances, and reconciliation with Great Britain has been or is likely to be given; but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these Colonies; And whereas it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these Colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the Crown of Great-Britain; and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said Crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people of the Colonies for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order; as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies: Therefore
Resolved, that it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, where no Government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such Governments as shall in the opinion of the Representatives of the People best conduce to the happiness and safety of their Constituents in particular, and Americans in general.
Today is a little bit like this for me.
It is, for most in the United States, St. Patrick's day -- a holiday that I understand originated in the US. But for me, it's also a bit of an Independence Day -- as my little company (founded in '76, appropriately enough) has turned thirty two years old today.
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A Declaration
Whereas his Brittanie Majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great-Britain, has, by a late Act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown: And whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the Colonies for redress of grievances, and reconciliation with Great Britain has been or is likely to be given; but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these Colonies; And whereas it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these Colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the Crown of Great-Britain; and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said Crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people of the Colonies for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order; as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies: Therefore
Resolved, that it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, where no Government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such Governments as shall in the opinion of the Representatives of the People best conduce to the happiness and safety of their Constituents in particular, and Americans in general.
Today is a little bit like this for me.
It is, for most in the United States, St. Patrick's day -- a holiday that I understand originated in the US. But for me, it's also a bit of an Independence Day -- as my little company (founded in '76, appropriately enough) has turned thirty two years old today.
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