35
Richard Henry Lee Resolution for Independence
June 7, 1776
Background
Acting under the instruction of the Virginia Convention, Richard Henry Lee, ranking delegate from Virginia, read from this paper when he formally proposed independence in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776.
The Lee Resolution contained three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and “a plan for confederation.” On June 11, the Continental Congress appointed three concurrent committees: one to draft a declaration of independence, a second to draw up a plan “for forming foreign alliances,” and a third to “prepare and digest the form of a confederation.”
Because many members of the Continental Congress believed what Lee proposed to be premature or wanted instructions from their colonies before voting, approval was deferred until July 2. On that date, the Continental Congress adopted the first part (the declaration), resolving that the colonies were independent; two days later it adopted the Declaration of Independence.
The plan for making treaties was not approved until September of 1776; the plan of confederation was delayed until November of 1777.
7 June, 1776
Resolved [words crossed out]
That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that 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 their consideration and approbation.
resolved that it is the opinion of the Com the the first resolution be postponed to this buy three weeks and that in the meantime a committee be appointed to prepare a Declaration to the effect of the said first resolution
- least anytime to be lost in care the Congress agree to this resolution
June 7 1776 No 4
Resolution moved
June 7th 1776
resolved for consideration
till to morrow
respecting Independence
of the US –[1]