American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

Continental Congress (July 4, 1776) approved the wording for the Declaration of Independence and it was signed by John Hancock, President, and Charles Thomson, Secretary. By some reports possibly thirty-four delegates also signed. On July 19, Congress ordered it engrossed in script on parchment and on August 2, 1776, the delegates to Congress who remained in Philadelphia signed the parchment copy. The rest of the delegates returned to Philadelphia and completed signing it by January of 1777. On July 8, 1776, the Declaration was read publicly for the first time outside of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, accompanied by the ringing...

Continental Congress (July 3, 1776) recorded the statement of John Adams: <The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epoche, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this time forward forever more.> 1776CC003 On July...

Continental Congress (July 2, 1776) the Continental Congress voted in favor of the "Lee Resolution" that declared independence for the colonies from Great Britain: <Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for...

Continental Congress (July 1, 1776) heard John Adams declare his intentions to the delegates from the Thirteen Colonies: <Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence...

Virginia Constitution (June 29, 1776) which contained Article 16 of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason and James Madison: <BILL OF RIGHTS, June 12, 1776, SECTION 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.> 1776VC001 --...