Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-10-10
The Declaration of Independence was then
read beginning as follows:
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,

The Declaration of Independence was then
read beginning as follows:
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
RY THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, IN CONGRESS- ASSEM-
BLED, JULY 4TH, 1916.
When in the course of human events. it be-
comes necessary for one people to dissolve the
political bands which have connected them with
another. and to assume, among the powers of the
earth, the separate and equal station to which the
laws of nature and of nature S God entite them
d decent respect to the opinions of mankind re-
quires that they should declare the cause which
impels them TO the separation.
We hold these truths to be self lfevident THAT
all men are created equal that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienabe rights :
that among these are life liberty and the pursuit
of happiness that to secure these rights govern
ments 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 abolish it, and to institute
new government. laying its foundation on such
principles, and organizing its power in such form,
as to them shall seem most likely to effect their
safety and happiness.
While this was being read in the Halls of Con-
greSs, the streets were crowded with citizens,
anxiously awaiting the fatal decision In the
stceple of Independence Hall, stood the old bell
man waiting to sound that bell, which bore as its
motto
Liberty throughout the land to all the inhab-
! itants thereof
At two o'clock, the final vote was announced
by Secretary Thomson.
The vote was unanimous in its favor, from the
Thirteen United Colonies Thenceforth they be-
came The United States
John Hancock signed the Declaration that day,
and it thus went forth TO the world.
n,, I lorA e., Jo1.e -,
ed their signatures to this noble Declaration,
which was afterwards signed by Thomas Mexican
of Delaware, and Matthew Thornton, of New
Hampshire
When Secretary Thompson declared the unan-
nous vote, the consecrated bell peaed out the
news, and thrilled the hearts Of the crowd. from
whom went up shout after shout, and bOnfres,
cannon and illuminations spoke the assent of the
nation.
The sound crossed the broad Atlantic and
reached the ears of king ridden Europe. The old
world was beginning to awake, and this cry for
liberty startled their dreams.
Throughout the Colonies the Declaration was
received with JOY and hope for the people had
rapidly rpened, and men now felt that the die
was cast, and that who would be free must HIM
self strike the blow Thenceforth there was no
doubt-tho end must be Liberty or Slavery.
On the 9th of July, the Declaration reached
the army, at its head quarters in New York.
Towards sunset, when nature was sinking to
rest and the sun casting those long, summer
shadows over the landscape, the divisions of the
army were drawn out under arms. Washington
rode with his staff along the lines all knew that
news lad arrived, and the time was full Of ex-
pectaton. At given signal the Declaration Of
Independence was read before each division, and
with heads uncovered, every man listened to
those words which made him thenceforth either a
! soldier OF liberty, or traitor to the king.
When the reading was finished the enthusiasm
could not be restrained. cheers rent the sky. and
the soldiers embraced one another in excitement.
Tears gathered in the eyes of stalwart men, and
their Chief covered his head and rode TO his
quarters, determined to sacrifice life, property,
all but honor. in the service Of liberty. and to
secure the rights of a man, for himself and his
fellow cOuntrymen.