American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

Pennsylvania Constitution (September 28, 1776) signed by Benjamin Franklin, President of the State's Constitutional Convention: <Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed upon man; and whenever these great ends of government are not obtained, the people have a right, by common consent to change it, and take such measures as to them may appear necessary to promote their safety and happiness... A DECLARATION OF...

Continental Congress (July 9, 1776) on the day following the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and the ringing of the "Liberty Bell," moved to establish prayer as a daily part of this new nation: <Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. J. Duche' be appointed chaplain to Congress, and that he be desired to attend every morning at 9 O'Clock.> 1776CC009 On July 9, 1776, the Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army to provide chaplains for their troops to be paid the rate of pay for captains. On that same day, General George Washington, the Commander in...

Continental Congress (July 8, 1776) for the first time read the Declaration of Independence publicly, as the "Liberty Bell" was rung. Congress then established a three-man committee, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, for the purpose of designing a great seal for the United States. Benjamin Franklin's suggestions for a seal and motto, characterizing the spirit of this new nation, were: <Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the red sea, and pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."> 1776CC007 Thomas Jefferson proposed: <The children of Israel in...

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...