The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1909-07-01
a-ezu~e ne 0zc14e17ow 1lNo4A@DnA~e& @se-SSlI

ana duty" and. with characteristic southern
ehlFairy, chose the latter. He told the dele
gates that his mind was expressed. that he
had proved loyal TO HIS trust. and begged leave
OF absence because Of the unwelcome news
rom the valley Of the Potomac. His wish
was granted, but before he journeyed back 20
ola virginia" he was consulted as 70 his wishes
regarding a form OF declaration. and his pleas
ufe relative 10 its execution. He realize. that
ne was the prime figure in the adventure. and
expressed the hope that his absence would not
induce a denial 20 Virginia OF being repre-
sented on the which might prepare
the instrument Of separation. President Han.
COCK sought his confidential thoughts on the
personality Of the delegate he wished from
Virginia, and Lee. who was eminently familiar
with the men and times" OF his native colony.
cheerfuiiy mentioned the name OF Thomas JET
terson. He is a student Of government. a
scholar, and splendid penman." Enough had
been said, and on the 18th OF June. while Mr..
Lee was speeding southwark to the dear wife,
Thomas Jefferson, together with John Adams.
Benjamin Franklin. Roger sherman aud Rob
ert Livingston. was appointed a committee 20
drat the Declaration OF Independence. The
assigned 10 its chairman the task
OF the preparation OF the document. and he
entered into the work with enthusiasm. begot-
ten OF the address Of the great r, II Lee.
Hence the illness Of Mrs. Lee Is responsible
for the Declaration Of Independence being
written by Thomas Jefferson.
Il was a happy coincidence that Lee left for
home and Thomas Jefferson soon proved that
he was equal TO the task. for he gathered To-
gether To- one matchleHs document the accumu-
lated grievances OF al the colonies. and so
effectively woye the argument into a plea that
all the world pronounced his a masterpiece OF
logic HE committee made 6 additions. 10 cor.
~rections and rs elimlnations.
Another incident which, though trivial. did
much. according 10 Jefferson 10 bring about
speedy action regarding the vote on the dec.
laration Is worthy uf notice. Just back OF the
nan IN which the assembled delegates sat was
a large livery stable, and as the day was one
Of unusual heat the windows were am thrown
open. aud. there being no screens. the flies and
mosquitoes from the barn swhrmed into the
convention hall The Insects pestsred the dele.
gates aud caused considerable uneaainess 20
the members. They alighted on the delegates.
and fairly deyoured them The knee breeches
which were worn did not protect the legs.
which were covered by thin slIken stockings.
and the stings Of the insects caused a most
uncomfortable condition. impolling many 20
pray for a speedy adjournment. but Hancock.
Adams, and other enthusiastic supporters.
added warmth 10 the occasion By their aery
eloquence. and prevented an adjournment untl
the resolutions Of Lee were respected ana a
proclamation Of Independence declared. In
this furnace Of heat from both sun and tongue
we're added the irritating perpieEities Of
troublesome insects. whose activities provoked
the Members to haauly accept any penalty
rather than longer suffer physical and mental
annoyance Of hungry flies. IN fact, the oeea.
sion presents the appearance Of the oldtime
fable OF dumb animals and dying insects are
mans best friends" for they continually prod.
ded the @sires Of old" into doing = duty 70 nan-