A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence has been discovered in the UK National Archives, providing a unique glimpse into the country’s founding document. The document, which is one of only 11 original copies of the Exeter printing, was found attached to a report on the capture of the American privateer Dalton on Christmas Eve 1776.

Historical Significance

The discovery is significant not only because of the document’s rarity but also because it was captured from a ship under the direction of the Continental Congress. According to Amanda Bevan, head of the National Archives’ project to catalog the correspondence of Royal Navy captains during the American Revolution, the document provides a direct link to the Dalton’s captain, who carried news of American independence to the world.

Researchers believe that the captain would have read out his orders, as well as the declaration itself, to his crew. This would have given the crew a sense of purpose and reminded them of the ideals they were fighting for. The discovery offers a nod to what was at stake during the American Revolution and highlights the importance of the Declaration of Independence as a symbol of American freedom.

Reaction from Historians

Historians in the United States are excited about the discovery, with Matthew Skic, director of collections and exhibitions at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, stating that the document provides a tangible connection to the past. The discovery is also proof that there is still more for historians to uncover, even 250 years after the American Revolution.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.