A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, lost for 250 years, has been discovered in London. Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, the document was intended to spread news of American independence throughout the American colonies.
Historical Significance
The early copy remained tucked away in Britain’s National Archives until a volunteer cataloging records from the American Revolutionary War came across it in May this year among the papers of Royal Navy captains. Only 11 copies of the so-called Exeter printing are known to survive, and until this discovery, none had been found outside the United States.
The Declaration was among a collection of papers seized by the Royal Navy in December 1776, after it captured the American privateer vessel the Dalton. The seized papers also included the Dalton’s commission, which granted the ship permission from Continental Congress to attack British vessels, and other official orders explaining the rules of warfare for privateers.
Historians say the document’s historical significance was not obvious when it was issued, which is why it went unnoticed for more than 250 years after it was seized by the British. The discovery serves as a reminder that physical archives continue to yield important historical finds.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
