Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
Summary
The UK’s National Archives found a rare copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence printed in July 1776. This copy was discovered in the papers of a British ship that captured an American privateer during the Revolutionary War.Key Facts
- The discovery was made by volunteer Michael Scurr in May while organizing documents at the National Archives in London.
- The document was attached to a report on the capture of the American ship Dalton on Christmas Eve, 1776.
- It is a rare Exeter printing of the Declaration of Independence, made in New Hampshire between July 16-19, 1776.
- Only 11 copies of the Exeter printing are known to exist, and this is the only one found outside the United States.
- The orders on the captured ship were signed by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress.
- The document shows how American naval forces used the Declaration to explain their reasons for fighting against Britain.
- This find highlights the role of American privateers who fought at sea during the Revolutionary War, beyond the well-known army battles.
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