Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-06-10
8eaan1g,

MllilsteQal1eo1ts 8eaanlg,
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
Many popular impressions concerning 'the
Declaration Of independence are derived
from fourth of July orations and pictures,
both of which are apt to mislead as does the
picture of 'the First Prayer in Congress.
Nine out Of ten suppose that some where a
bout noon on the fourth of July, 1776, Con.
grcss passed the vote affirming the Colonies
independent, and that the old bellIinger in
the steeple of the State House, received the
intelligence of this event, was seized with
sudden enthusiasm to swing the old bell, to
ring out the news to the people in such
loud joyous manner, as put the quiet citizens
of Philadelphia in wonderful excitement
Then there was the singing Of the Declara'
tion, We have picture Of that too, which
teaches US how the representatives Of the
Colonies We'd with each other in putting their
names to the immortal instrument, go that
before night the famous parchment, the orig
inal paper, which now is seen in the Patent
Office, was engrossed, and signed as we now
have it !
A few facts cleaned from various sources
will be interesting as rectifying these i'm
pressions about this famous transaction--this
crisis in human affairs. On the 10th Of
June, 1776, Mr. Harrison, of Virginia, re-
ported resolution, part of which is said tc
have been literal transcript of the instruc
tion given by the Convention of Virginia tc
their Representativesin Congress, and which
was moved on the 7th of June in Congress
by Richard Henry Lee. Mr.. Harrison'E
resolution embodying Mr.. Lees is in these
words. Resolved, That the consideration
of the first resolution be postponed to Mon
day, tho first day of July next; and in tht
meanwhile, that no timebe lost, in case the
Congress agree thereto, that a committee be
appointed to prepare declaration to the eff
feet of the said first resolution, which is ir
these words; That these United States are
and of right ought to be free, and Indepen
dent States; that they are absolved from al
allegiance to the British Crown; and that al
political connection between them and the
State of Great Britain is, aud ought to be-
totally dissolved =.
The resolution was adopted.
On the 18th of June, Thomas Jefferson
John, Adams, Benjamin franklin, Roger
Sherman, and R. R. Livingston, were ap
pointed committee to drafta Declaration
Richard Henry Lee, as the original mover
of the resolution for declaring the Colonies
independent, would have been named al
chairman of the Committee, but, unfortu
nately for himself, he received intelligence
of sickness in his family, which made it ne
cessary for him to be absent before that com
mittee was appointed. Jefferson had thi
reputation of being q brilliant writer, and
succeeded to the place of honor. The elder
Adams, in his autobiography, says that ht
saw and read the original draft of the decla
ration, and he speaks in terms of rapturou'
admiration of it: Il was delighted with it
high tone, and the flights of oratory witt
which it abounded, especially that concern
ing negro slavery &c. He further says o.
the Committee, intimating that Jefferson'l
paper had not been read by all the members
We we're all in haste. Congress was impa
tient, and the instrument was reported, as
believe, in Jeferson's handwriting.
On the 18th Of June, the committee re-
ported the original declaration, which was
read for the first time in Congress. On the
1st of July, this declaration was again read
and discussed in committee of the whole
1t was carried in committee by vote of the
States; Pennsylvania and South Carolina
voting against it. John Adams says, thai
in the discussion July LIST, Dickinson o.
Pennsylvania, opposed the declaration, sin 8
speech of great length. He con
Quoted the debate not only with great inge
nuity and eloquence, but with equal polite
ness and candor, and was answered in the
same spirit
Dickinson, brother Of Gen. Philmor
Dickinson, of New Jersey, an officer whom
Washington frequently mentions with honor
was strong debater and sincere patriot
acknowledging the grievances complained
of, but lacking that stern and heroic spirit
that animated such men as Adams, Wither'
spoon and Lee. Hence he shrank from an
open rupture with Great Britain, as certain to
end not only in greater evils to the country,
but to individuals prominent in the rebellion.
In this feeling two representatives from Penn.
sylvania shared. But of this more in an.
other place. -
Dickinson's speech produced profound
| IL g ~ &o L.