The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1909-07-01

lriny Of an individual career was H$
oilfed BY circumstance little sus IN
sciel o. possessing any element OF vvII
fcs 10 The research OF data rcla
D. 10 the Declaration Of Indepen.
me- The thought occurred. Was the
aeH o. Mrs. Richard Henry Lee
sponfible Tor the present wording
our FIRST national proclamationf
ae Investigation OF this trivial IN.
isr leads absolutely 20 the answer
H Thomas Jencrson's association
rA DE committee on independence
b. brought about because OF the ili.
- Of Mrs Lee and sufficient cir. &.
ninnual evidence IL AZ hand TO
bslintate this statement
Richard Henry Lee was a distinguished de
aig from Virginia and when he was dele
n,ed to represent the "old Colony" In the
otiinental congress he was Instructed by the
trsliure Of Virginia 10 introduce a resolution
no The continental body declaring complete
snlnciation Of colonial allegiance TO mother
hgand. and n there 10 man in all history
ao iearlessly champIoned the principle OF In
uaual rights and personal liberty. II was
itAafd Henry Lee
TIE records show that his eloquence was
haleless. and his logic the very soundest
sheh be. on June 7. introduced the following
Eesolgtoh. declaring: That these united colo
ies are. and Of right ought 20 be. free and
dependent states: that they are absolyed
ffon all allegiance 60 the British crown; and
nat all political connection between them and
be state OF Great Britain II. and ought TO be.
oially dissolved"
Tbs rebelllous resolution brought consterna.
oh to many Of the delegates. and only a man
great mental strength could have won so
florous victory. since the delegates we're at
'aa time unprepared to accept such declara.
bon, and few indeed entertained seriously the
bought Of proclaiming thus boldly for free
Eon Lee we'll knew that n his resolution
Allied to receive support he would be uncom-
'F'iole In the congress. and might expect
cath al the hands Of England for his words
rebellion and action as traitor.
Americans underestimate his power. his wis.
eon and his depth OF patriotism-for he was
neeed the Samuel Adams OF the south. and
ts hery oratons. filled with inspiring eli
naies, place him certainly well 10 the front.
Ahen We contemplate the magnitude OF colo
hh separation, Further investigation will
aoS that the assembled delegates, though
thoroughly aroused by the eloquence OF Lee.
ely The necessity OF shielding so daring a per
onase, and Immediately after Lees motion
enahdng separation. seconded by John
ADAMS Of Massachusetts,. there appears in the
Ollna OF Congress this protecting or shield
as entry OF certain resolutions respecting
Independence being moved and seconded. Re
oNed' That the consideration OF them be
Oeleffed ." The records then show
mat The congress directs that the secretary
.IH the names OF its mover and seconder.
from The journals" What better evidence do
We require that Lee was In advance OF his
.Oupa'ro,s and that his attitude was ex-
uenely dangerous.
Tue delegates were not anxious TO consider
ne ieoeIious resolution, but Mr. Lee was In
1"est and had won a few OF the giants TO
cause, and though the delegates had en-
pressed The hope OF considering the step on
al 10 In the morning. nothing was done
u" June 10, when. after few warm speeches
o suu against the resolution was held to
s before the congress July 1. Lee anticl'
su mat a committee might be appointed
ne had prepared an outline OF the griey'
avs selung forth the attitude of the colonies
u lael he knew he would be named the
'aah OF the committee on declaration. and
n. ousy preparing himself for the colossal
,s,e Vi Grating the Magma Charta OF the dis
ss',' colonies, when by stage mail" he was
ls .1' OF the sudden aud severe illness OF
we His devotion 10 her was proyerbial