View allAll Photos Tagged declarationofindependence
Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)
• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]
• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth
• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family
• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published
• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited
• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976
• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River
• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer
• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales
• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere —New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980
• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta
• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene
• now houses Foundations Recovery Network
• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription
• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980
"The Heyward-Washington House is a very fine three-story brick Charleston “double house” which commemorates the residence of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Built in 1770-71 and acquired by Thomas Heyward, Jr. from his father in 1777, the house was implicitly deemed outstandingly worthy when chosen in 1791 to shelter President Washington when he visited the city on his Southern tour that year. Since then, the house has been called the Heyward-Washington House. " --http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710014/
back side: Beadweaving, paper weaving and knotting of $2 bill, circa 1996.
see front of Art Work: www.flickr.com/photos/dembicer/50262752581
Independence National Historical Park
5th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA
Copyright 2017, Bob Bruhin. All rights reserved.
Allyn Cox
Oil on Canvas
1973-1974
Great Experiment Hall
Cox Corridors
In June 1776 five delegates to the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. The mural depicts (from left to right) Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and John Adams. On the wall in the background is a portrait of English philosopher John Locke, whose Second Essay on Government argued that the rights of man include the right of revolution.
Left: American naval officer John Paul Jones hoists the Continental Colors, the first national United States flag.
Right: George Washington is shown in a British officer's uniform, which he wore on a 1753 mission to challenge French troops along the Ohio River.
Full details on the the murals of the Cox Corridors in the U.S. Capitol: www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/cox-corridors-murals
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Reference: 070680
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Thomas Jefferson (designer), construction by unrecorded enslaved craftsmen, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1770–1806
Known today as the Old State House, this building was the center of Boston ’s civic life in the 18th century and the scene of some of the most dramatic chapters in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Within these walls, Samuel Adams, James Otis, John Hancock, and John Adams debated the future of the British colonies. Just outside the building, five men were among the first casualties of the battle for independence, in what would later be known as the Boston Massacre. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony to the citizens of Boston in 1776. History happened here.
After the American Revolution, the building served as the first state house for the newly-formed Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Then it was used for a variety of purposes in the 19th century, including shopping arcade, city hall, post office, merchants’ exchange, and offices. In 1881 The Bostonian Society restored the building, and has operated it as a museum ever since.
(Source: www.bostonhistory.org).
Crawdad Network - Declaration of Independence
A CRA Network generated by Crawdad Text Analysis System 2.0.
Well, our Time Travelers are in the middle of the action as usual. It's July 1779, well into the American Revolution.
Here the ladies meet with Captain Tom Mason of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army.
Note: Many forget that the American Revolution was more that a couple of skirmishes (Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord), the signing of the Declaration of Independence and POOF! there was the United States of America. The war lasted from 1774 thru 1783. Its amazing that this group of colonies was able to raise money and an army.
Original Caption:Photograph of President William Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton Looking at the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives in Washington, DC , 07/01/1999
From:: Series Photographs Relating to the Clinton Administration, compiled 01/20/1993 - 01/20/2001
Created By:: President (1993-2001 : Clinton). White House Photograph Office. (01/20/1993 - 01/20/2001)
Production Date:07/01/1999
Persistent URL: arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=596514
Repository: William J. Clinton Presidential Library (Little Rock, AR)
For information about ordering reproductions of photographs held by the Still Picture Unit, visit: www.archives.gov/research/order/still-pictures.html
Reproductions may be ordered via an independent vendor. NARA maintains a list of vendors at www.archives.gov/research/order/vendors-photos-maps-dc.html
Access Restrictions: Unrestricted
Use Restrictions: Unrestricted
On 28 October 1835, 34 Māori rangatira (chiefs) at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, signed He W[h]akaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, also known as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (although the Declaration - the English language text - is different and not what the rangatira signed). He Whakaputanga was drawn up by Northern rangatira and the official British Resident James Busby, as part of an ongoing conversation forged by Māori with the Crown. By 1839 a total of 52 rangatira had signed the Māori text document, including rangatira outside of Ngāpuhi.
Its four sections declared Aotearoa a sovereign state, and that full sovereign power and authority resided in Te Whakaminenga o Ngā Hapū o Nu Tireni, often translated as the General Assembly of Hapū or Confederation of United Tribes.
He Whakaputanga (and in turn the sovereignty of the rangatira) was recognised by British authorities in 1836; hence the need to negotiate further relationships with te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Whether He Whakaputanga has any standing today is the subject of ongoing constitutional debate. These range from the view that the Treaty of Waitangi extinguished any sovereignty of the chiefs recognised in the Declaration, and is therefore nothing more than an interesting historical document; to the view that Māori never gave up sovereignty by signing te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Māori documents signed by the majority of rangatira), and that the sovereignty acknowledged in He Whakaputanga is reaffirmed in its family document, te Tiriti.
You can view the names of those who signed at the NZ History website:
nzhistory.govt.nz/media/interactive/the-declaration-of-in...
He Whakaputanga is now on display at the National Library: natlib.govt.nz/he-tohu
More information can be found in the Waitangi Tribunal Report on He Whakaputanga: www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/waitangi-tribunal/Reports/h...
Archives Reference: IA1 9/1/1a (page 2 of 3)
This sheet, along with all Tiriti o Waitangi sheets, are now on permanent exhibition at the National Library: natlib.govt.nz/he-tohu
For updates on our On This Day series and news from Archives New Zealand, follow us on Twitter twitter.com/ArchivesNZ
Material from Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12167976
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-425
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12167976
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the Centre City District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
It was built between 1846 and 1864, and was designed by Napoleon LeBrun, from original plans by the Reverend Mariano Muller and the Reverend John B. Tornatore, with the dome and Palladian facade, designed by John Notman, added after 1850. The interior was largely decorated by Constantino Brumidi.
Before Saint Peter and Paul was built, Philadelphia had two previous cathedrals; the first Catholic church in Philadelphia was Saint Joseph's, which was built in 1733. As the Catholic Church grew, a new church called Saint Mary's was built in 1763, which eventually was granted to be Philadelphia's first cathedral in 1810. As the Catholic Church continued to grow, Saint John the Evangelist was eventually made the new cathedral in 1838 when a larger church was needed, and Saint John's remained the cathedral until Bishop Kenrick began work on the current Cathedral.
The construction began less than 2 years after the Philadelphia Nativist Riots of 1844, which represented the height of Anti-Catholicism and according to local lore, greatly influenced the design of the building. The cathedral was built with only very high clerestory windows that according to parish histories would inhibit vandalism. In order to protect the windows of the Cathedral Basilica from possible future riots, the builders would throw stones into the air to determine the height of where the windows would be placed.
Information Source:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Basilica_of_Saints_Peter_...(Philadelphia)
happy independence day! 4th of July
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they 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; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12168026
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-453
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12168026
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12168000
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-443
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12168000
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12167980
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-427
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12167980
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." (the 56 signers of the Declaration, 1776). View On Black
I made this montage with two of my original photos of a cypress tree and the St. John's River in Florida at sunrise. This was combined with a B&W photo of John Trumbull's painting. Thanks to Marion Doss for placing this photo in the Creative Commons:
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12167972
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-423
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12167972
I had never been to Mount Rushmore, so a visit was obligatory. During Sturgis week, the place was crawling with bikers. Now, I have friends who ride motorcycles, and I don't try to judge, but when we heard one biker telling the others, "Well, that's Washington, then Jackson, and Roosevelt and Lincoln," I started to laugh. It wasn't funny as he continued to "educate" his comrades, "If it was Jessie Jackson, they'd have to use a different color rock!" Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk. "But for Michael Jackson, this would be fine." Har, har, har.
My son and I were trying to figure out which Jackson he really meant. The Andrew Jackson on the $20 US bank note, or Thomas Jackson, who...well, who is no one. It's a sad country when its citizens cannot correctly identify the man who wrote so eloquently for their freedom. It's also sad that race still figures so prominently in this country, especially considering Jefferson's DNA in the African American population:
www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/thomas-jef...
Of course, I may not be helping matters with my photo. I told my son that I wanted to pose in front of Jefferson with a confused look on my face. He took the opportunity to pose me with my finger up Thomas Jefferson's nose. Nyuk, nyuk.
Note that he and others are provided a quill pen and ink to write with. That's a learning experience in itself.
Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776
The summer of 1776 was a harrowing time for the British colonies in America. Open warfare with the mother country had erupted a year earlier and the future was filled with political and military uncertainties.
In this tense climate, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia with the intention of voting for independence from England. In anticipation of this vote, the Congress selected a committee to draft a declaration of independence. The committee, composed of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman, in turn instructed Thomas Jefferson to write the declaration.
Jefferson began his work on June 11 and toiled in seclusion writing a number of drafts. After presenting his final draft, the committee further revised the document and submitted it to the Continental Congress on June 28. On July 2, the Continental Congress voted for independence and refined its Declaration of Independence before releasing it to the public on July 4th.
History in the Making
The Declaration of Independence stands with Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address as one of the noblest of America's official documents. In 1822, John Adams wrote a letter to Timothy Pickering responding to Pickering's questions about the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Adams' letters were published in 1850:
"You inquire why so young a man as Mr. Jefferson was placed at the head of the committee for preparing a Declaration of Independence? I answer: It was the Frankfort advice, to place Virginia at the head of everything. Mr. Richard Henry Lee might be gone to Virginia, to his sick family, for aught I know, but that was not the reason of Mr. Jefferson's appointment. There were three committees appointed at the same time, one for the Declaration of Independence, another for preparing articles of confederation, and another for preparing a treaty to be proposed to France. Mr. Lee was chosen for the Committee of Confederation, and it was not thought convenient that the same person should be upon both. Mr. Jefferson came into Congress in June, 1775, and brought with him a reputation for literature, science, and a happy talent of composition. Writings of his were handed about, remarkable for the peculiar felicity of expression. Though a silent member in Congress, he was so prompt, frank, explicit, and decisive upon committees and in conversation - not even Samuel Adams was more so - that he soon seized upon my heart; and upon this occasion I gave him my vote, and did all in my power to procure the votes of others. I think he had one more vote than any other, and that placed him at the head of the committee. I had the next highest number, and that placed me the second. The committee met, discussed the subject, and then appointed Mr. Jefferson and me to make the draft, I suppose because we were the two first on the list.
The subcommittee met. Jefferson proposed to me to make the draft. I said, 'I will not,' 'You should do it.' 'Oh! no.' 'Why will you not? You ought to do it.' 'I will not.' 'Why?' 'Reasons enough.' 'What can be your reasons?' 'Reason first, you are a Virginian, and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second, I am obnoxious, suspected, and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third, you can write ten times better than I can.' 'Well,' said Jefferson, 'if you are decided, I will do as well as I can.' 'Very well. When you have drawn it up, we will have a meeting.'
A meeting we accordingly had, and conned the paper over. I was delighted with its high tone and the flights of oratory with which it abounded, especially that concerning Negro slavery, which, though I knew his Southern brethren would never suffer to pass in Congress, I certainly never would oppose. There were other expressions which I would not have inserted if I had drawn it up, particularly that which called the King tyrant. I thought this too personal, for I never believed George to be a tyrant in disposition and in nature; I always believed him to be deceived by his courtiers on both sides of the Atlantic, and in his official capacity, only, cruel. I thought the expression too passionate, and too much like scolding, for so grave and solemn a document; but as Franklin and Sherman were to inspect it afterwards, I thought it would not become me to strike it out. I consented to report it, and do not now remember that I made or suggested a single alteration.
We reported it to the committee of five. It was read, and I do not remember that Franklin or Sherman criticized anything. We were all in haste. Congress was impatient, and the instrument was reported, as I believe, in Jefferson's handwriting, as he first drew it. Congress cut off about a quarter of it, as I expected they would; but they obliterated some of the best of it, and left all that was exceptionable, if anything in it was. I have long wondered that the original draft had not been published. I suppose the reason is the vehement philippic against Negro slavery.
As you justly observe, there is not an idea in it but what had been hackneyed in Congress for two years before. The substance of it is contained in the declaration of rights and the violation of those rights in the Journals of Congress in 1774. Indeed, the essence of it is contained in a pamphlet, voted and printed by the town of Boston, before the first Congress met, composed by James Otis, as I suppose, in one of his lucid intervals, and pruned and polished by Samuel Adams."
References:
Adams, John (Charles Francis Adams ed.), The Works of John Adams, vol II, The Diary (1850) reprinted in Commager, H.S. and Nevins, A., The Heritage of America (1939); Maier Pauline, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence (1997).
How To Cite This Article:
"Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (1999).
This is a draft manuscript of He W[h]akaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, known in English as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/10430000633).
The main text of this draft was written by the missionary Henry Williams, and a final paragraph was added by the CMS printer William Colenso. It is thought that Colenso may have added this paragraph in 1836, when he made the first printed copy of He Whakaputanga.
The text of the draft is almost identical to the document first signed on 28 October 1835, which was written out by Eruera Pare Hongi (www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/10430000633). There are some differences of wording or formatting, but most are minor. The draft also contains a number of corrections – words have been either deleted or inserted, and these corrections are reflected in Eruera Pare’s final text.
When exactly the draft was written, and when the corrections were made, is a matter of debate. Dr Phil Parkinson considered whether the draft could have been a copy made for printing purposes after the hui of 28 October 1835, but concluded that it was not. Rather, both he and Dr Mānuka Hēnare saw it as a first draft. In Parkinson’s view, Williams translated and corrected the draft prior to the hui, and then Eruera Pare made his copy, ready to be signed by the rangatira.
For Hēnare, however, the differences between Williams’s draft and the final, signed document, are evidence that changes may have been made as a result of discussion at the hui. He notes that the draft refers to ‘Ko te W[h]akaminenga o Nu Tirene’, but Eruera Pare’s final version includes ‘Ko te W[h]akaminenga o nga Hapu o Nu Tireni’. For Hēnare and others of Ngāpuhi, this shows that Eruera Pare Hongi had an influence on He Whakaputanga’s phrasing and the concepts it expressed.
The draft remained with Colenso's papers and was inherited by his daughter Frances Simcox on his death 1899. The document remained with the Simcox family until 1950, when it was acquired by historian Dr G C Peterson. The document is believed to have been purchased from Peterson's estate by Brian Groshinski, an Australian art dealer, from whom it was purchased by the New Zealand Government in September 1989, alongside a copy of the 1837 printed version of He Wahakaputanga.
Archives Reference: ZZZZ 6248 W5243 Box 1 [Side 1b]
collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search#/?q=R21407328
Material from Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend. bomber photographed through the viewfinder of the dirty duaflex ll at a Little Rock air base.
©2010. all images property of Bob Merco. Do not use without my permission.
Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd United States President. He was also the 2nd United States Vice President, 1st Secretary of State, the 2nd Governor of Virginia, the founder of the University of Virginia, and the author of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson was born into a wealthy influential family in Virginia. He would become a lover of books and spend all free time reading and learning. At age 16, he would attend William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va. Jefferson would become a well known lawyer taking only well known clients. We would also become familiar with drawing up drafts and papers for his cases.
In 1775, Jefferson would be elected to serve as a delegate from Virgina on the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pa. Jefferson would soon meet and become friends with Massachusetts delegates John Adams and Samuel Adams, who seemed to be the voices of the Revolution. Congress decided to draft a declaration to let England know that America was declaring their freedom. John Adams helped lead a group of 5 delegates who would decide on how to wright this declaration. Many though Adams should write it but Adams picked Jefferson for his knowledge of drawing up drafts as a lawyer.
Over the next 17 days, Jefferson would right a copy of this declaration. When he presented it to Congress, it was read carefully. Over the next couple days, Congress would make changes to Jefferson's document, and although Jefferson did not like the changes, he thought it was for the greater good and said nothing. Almost a quarter of the writing by Jefferson was removed. On July 4, 1776, the document was ratified and signed by 56 men. The Declaration of Independence was now official and America cut off ties with England.
When Jefferson returned back to Virginia in 1776, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. There, he would set out to change Virginia's system of laws and help reform Virginia from British control to a democratic state. In his 3 years in the House, Jefferson would draft 126 bills which would establish freedom of religion and highlight a higher Judicial system for Virginia. In 1779, Jefferson would be elected as the 2nd Governor of Virginia. There, he would move the capitol from Williamsburg to Richmond. He would also start to develop an idea of higher education for all people in the state of Virginia.
In 1789, George Washington was elected our 1st President of the United States. He would ask Jefferson to take a job on his cabinet. Jefferson became the 1st Secretary of State. Jefferson would try to help Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton come up with ways to pay off the debt caused by the war. Jefferson and Hamilton had different views and ideas and would cause problems that would lead Jefferson to undermine Hamilton on many occasions causing problems with President Washington. Washington almost kicked Jefferson off the cabinet on many occasion... Jefferson, along with James Monroe, were able to form the Democratic-Republican party which would be Jefferson's biggest success on the cabinet. After 3 years, Jefferson stepped down from the cabinet leaving bitterness between him and Washington. The 2 men never spoke again.
In 1796, Jefferson would run for President against long time friend John Adams. Adams would win the election, but Jefferson would become the 2nd Vice President. As Vice President, Jefferson's only job was to see over the Senate, but was not able to contribute in discussions or debates. This would cause problems for Jefferson and Adams because Jefferson did not believe in Adams policies. It would destroy their friendship and they would not be able to reconcile it till later in life.
In 1800, Jefferson would defeat Adams becoming the 3rd President of the United States. While President, Jefferson would double the size of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson would buy New Orleans and the area for change but would not officially become property of the United States until Spain and England quit claiming it in President James Polk's administration. With the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson would hire explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis to head west looking for alternate water supplies for shipping goods out west. They were also suppose to map out the area and do scientific research in hopes to start expanding westward. Jefferson was able to open up the west and allow the United States to grow.
After his terms as President were up, Jefferson would retire to his home Monticello, in Charlottesville, Va. Jefferson's library consisted of over 6000 books. After the Library of Congress caught fire burning most of its collection, Jefferson donated his books to start the Library again. In 1825, Jefferson saw his dream come true when he was able to open the University of Virginia. He had finally started a college affordable to all people that can offer knowledge to any person willing to learn.
This statue of Thomas Jefferson is located inside the American History Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.
"The Library 2.0 has been working with the Library of Congress on a Declaration of Independence display that was officially announced and which opened yesterday on Info Island in Second Life. The exhibit includes dioramas, streamed audio, text in the form of larger-than-life documents and SL notecards, information kiosks and even period furniture."
Read about it here, and visit it here.
Walking among larger-than-life photo scans of the documents, listening to them being read aloud, browsing the text, and sitting in the period furniture...there's something special about the immersiveness of this exhibit.
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Scope and Content: This is a photograph of the program of ceremonies for the unveiling of the Charters of Freedom.
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 23856503
Local Identifier: 64-NA-5074
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/23856503
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Scope and Content: This is a photograph of the invitation to ceremonies for unveiling the shrine for the Charters of Freedom.
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 23856497
Local Identifier: 64-NA-5071
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/23856497
Transcript of Declaration of Independence (1776)
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they 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; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Original Caption: Cover for program of Unveiling of Shrine ceremonies on December 15, 1952
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 3493277
Local Identifier: 64-NA-5072
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/3493277
Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd United States President. He was also the 2nd United States Vice President, 1st Secretary of State, the 2nd Governor of Virginia, the founder of the University of Virginia, and the author of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson was born into a wealthy influential family in Virginia. He would become a lover of books and spend all free time reading and learning. At age 16, he would attend William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Va. Jefferson would become a well known lawyer taking only well known clients. We would also become familiar with drawing up drafts and papers for his cases.
In 1775, Jefferson would be elected to serve as a delegate from Virgina on the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pa. Jefferson would soon meet and become friends with Massachusetts delegates John Adams and Samuel Adams, who seemed to be the voices of the Revolution. Congress decided to draft a declaration to let England know that America was declaring their freedom. John Adams helped lead a group of 5 delegates who would decide on how to wright this declaration. Many though Adams should write it but Adams picked Jefferson for his knowledge of drawing up drafts as a lawyer.
Over the next 17 days, Jefferson would right a copy of this declaration. When he presented it to Congress, it was read carefully. Over the next couple days, Congress would make changes to Jefferson's document, and although Jefferson did not like the changes, he thought it was for the greater good and said nothing. Almost a quarter of the writing by Jefferson was removed. On July 4, 1776, the document was ratified and signed by 56 men. The Declaration of Independence was now official and America cut off ties with England.
When Jefferson returned back to Virginia in 1776, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. There, he would set out to change Virginia's system of laws and help reform Virginia from British control to a democratic state. In his 3 years in the House, Jefferson would draft 126 bills which would establish freedom of religon and highlight a higher Judicial system for Virginia. In 1779, Jefferson would be elected as the 2nd Governor of Virginia. There, he would move the capitol from Williamsburg to Richmond. He would also start to develop an idea of higher education for all people in the state of Virginia.
In 1789, George Washington was elected our 1st President of the United States. He would ask Jefferson to take a job on his cabinet. Jefferson became the 1st Secretary of State. Jefferson would try to help Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton come up with ways to pay off the debt caused by the war. Jefferson and Hamilton had different views and ideas and would cause problems that would lead Jefferson to undermind Hamilton on many occasions causing problems with President Washington. Washington almost kicked Jefferson off the cabinet on many occasion... Jefferson, along with James Monroe, were able to form the Democratic-Republican party which would be Jefferson's biggest success on the cabinet. After 3 years, Jefferson stepped down from the cabinet leaving bitterness between him and Washington. The 2 men never spoke again.
In 1796, Jefferson would run for President against long time friend John Adams. Adams would win the election, but Jefferson would become the 2nd Vice President. As Vice President, Jefferson's only job was to see over the Senate, but was not able to contribute in discussions or debates. This would cause problems for Jefferson and Adams because Jefferson did not believe in Adams policies. It would destroy their friendship and they would not be able to reconcile it till later in life.
In 1800, Jefferson would defeat Adams becoming the 3rd President of the United States. While President, Jefferson would double the size of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson would buy New Orleans and the area for change but would not officially become property of the United States until Spain and England quit claiming it in President James Polk's administration. With the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson would hire explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis to head west looking for alternate water supplies for shipping goods out west. They were also suppose to map out the area and do scientific research in hopes to start exspanning westward. Jefferson was able to open up the west and allow the United States to grow.
After his terms as President were up, Jefferson would retire to his home Monticello, in Charlottesville, Va. Jefferson's library consisted of over 6000 books. After the Library of Congress caught fire burning most of its collection, Jefferson donated his books to start the Library again. In 1825, Jefferson saw his dream come true when he was able to open the University of Virginia. He had finally started a college affordable to all people that can offer knowledge to any person willing to learn.
This painting of Thomas Jefferson was painted by famous colonial painter Charles Wilson Peale. It hangs in the 2nd Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, Pa.
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12167954
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-413
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12167954
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12168006
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-455
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12168006
Creator(s): General Services Administration. National Archives and Records Service. Office of Educational Programs. Education Division. ?-4/1/1985
Series: Historic Photograph File of National Archives Events and Personnel, 1935 - 1975
Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, 1789 - ca. 2007
Production Date: 1935 - 1975
Access Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS)
National Archives at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-0561
Fax: 301-837-3621
Email: stillpix@nara.gov
National Archives Identifier: 12167952
Local Identifier: 64-NA-1-412
Persistent URL: catalog.archives.gov/id/12167952
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain Inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the President George Bush is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these United States. To prove this, let the Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved the integrity of the Representative House repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges Alito and Roberts dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of Homeland Security Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Armies of Spies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military in the Iraq War independent of and superior to the Civic Discourse.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering a global warming among us:
For torturing them, at Abu Graib, by mock and punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Unions with all parts of the world:
For imposing our Taxes upon the wealthy without our Consent:
For depriving free people in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of Laws by Signing Statements that seek to avoid the Rule of Law, and establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring the Vice President invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Circle of Protection and waging war against others thrusting us into massive debt, disrespect and ruin.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our forests, and destroyed the lives of our salmon.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny in Iraq, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Savages whose known rule of war, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, human rights and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Buy a print here: shishir-sathe.artistwebsites.com/featured/liberty-shishir...
A close shot of the "tabula ansata", a keystone shaped tablet inscribed with the date of American independence, placed in the Statue of Liberty's left hand.
A shot from last year's trip..I feel really bad about the thousands of tourists being denied entry to this magnificent monument due to some really stupid politics...
The Franklin Fountain in the Old City district of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, USA.
The Franklin Fountain is that most wonderful of things, an old-fashioned American ice cream parlour. Although only existing for 2005 it recreates an authentic turn-of-the-century 20th Century ice cream parlour and soda fountain. It’s a lovely spot, with a mosaic, tiled floor, old tinned walls and ceilings and two belt-driven ceiling fans. It serves some truly gorgeous ice cream, with 20 different flavours, as well as sorbets and various sundaes.
It’s also extremely popular with frequent queues out of the door. It does a brisk trade, a lot of it takeaway, but there is limited seating inside and a couple of tables out front, not that there’s much chance of getting a seat in the evenings.
Information Source:
Happy 4th of July!
It's the Biggest U.S. Fireworks Day of the Year!
What did the American President do every 4th of July?
After much painstaking research.. here is an accurate annual chronology of what happened every fourth of July while George W. Bush has been in office:
From the White House:
2001- Bush and the First Lady address at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and is presented a keepsake box from Philadelphia Mayor John Street.
(The box was made out of wood from the last surviving "liberty tree" that stood on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland).
2002- The president visits Ripley, West Virginia, where he gives a speech in which he says, "People need to celebrate freedom and . . . go about their business knowing full well that our government is doing everything we can to protect them."
In the evening, Bush is back in the White House viewing the fireworks taking place.
2003- Bush is at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of powered flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright, and Bush gives a speech with comments on the U.S.-led Global War on Terror.
The president returns to Washington after spending about an hour in Dayton and watches fireworks from the balcony of the White House.
2004- The president is in Charleston, West Virginia, presenting a 24 minute speech in which he praises U.S. troops in Iraq for their efforts there and thanks National Guard members for their services.
2005- President Bush is in Morgantown, West Virginia, at West Virginia University, asking an audience to hold firm and that America should "finish the fight" in Iraq.
2006- The president addresses troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, advising against setting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.
Independence Day, 2007
President Bush said, "Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence."
In his 2007 State of the Union Address, President Bush addressed the major issues facing our nation and discussed opportunities for both parties to work together to accomplish big objectives for the American people. The President unveiled a positive, comprehensive agenda that will improve the daily lives of the American people and explain how our actions in the world will make our Nation safer and more secure:
ENERGY: Strengthening America's Energy Security
HEALTH CARE: Affordable, Accessible, And Flexible Health Coverage
EDUCATION: Building On Results: A Blueprint For Strengthening NCLB
IMMIGRATION: President Bush's Plan For Comprehensive Immigration Reform
HIV/AIDS: Leading The Worldwide Fight Against HIV/AIDS
MALARIA: The President's Malaria Initiative Is Saving Lives
DEFENSE: Strengthening Our Military
SPENDING REFORMS: Reforms To Spend Tax Dollars Wisely.
The President believes we can find practical ways to advance the American Dream and keep our Nation safe without either party compromising its principles.
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Copyright: © 2011 Melissa Goodman. All Rights Reserved.
(Please, while I appreciate the idea of sharing, no multiple invitations .. thanks!)
a fruitful, healthy tribute to this holiday!
Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library
Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University
Title: Signing of the Declaration of Independence Ribbon, ca. 1876
Date Made: ca. 1876
Measurement: Ribbon: 7 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.; 19.05 x 6.35 cm
Classification: Costume
Persistent URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1813.001/60mj
There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.
Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library
Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University
Title: United States Centennial Ribbon, 1876
Date Made: 1876
Measurement: Ribbon: 12 1/2 x 2 1/8 in.; 31.75 x 5.3975 cm
Classification: Textiles
Persistent URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1813.001/60m2
There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.
Title: Engrossed Declaration of Independence, 08/02/1776
Creator(s): Congress of the Confederation. (03/02/1781 - 03/04/1789) (Most Recent), Second Continental Congress. (09/05/1775 - 03/02/1781) (Predecessor)
Persistent URL: arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=1419123
Access Restrictions: Unrestricted
Use Restrictions: Unrestricted
Knott’s Berry Farm's Independence Hall, commissioned by Walter Knott, is an exact replica of the original structure in Philadelphia. It is the nation’s only exact replica of the Philadelphia landmark. The building was dedicated by Walter on July 4, 1966 after two years of research and numerous trips to Philadelphia. Independence Hall is the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.
Nashville, Tennessee (est. 1806, pop. 1.8MM)
• 19th c. home of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge & Henry Middleton Rutledge, then known as Rose Hill [1970s photo]
• Septima Sexta Middleton (1783-1865) was born at Middleton Place plantation, outside Charleston, SC • her name, derived from Latin, is believed to represent her being the family's sixth daughter & seventh child • some biographies speculate that "Septima (seven) Sexta (six)" was chosen to honor the 1776 U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed by her father, Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) seven years before her birth
• on 15 Oct. 1799 Septima, aged 16, married lawyer Henry Middleton Rutledge (1775-1844) • like Septima, Henry's father, Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) was a South Carolina signer of the Declaration • bride & groom were first cousins — at the time marriages were often arranged; marriage to a first cousin was a way to keep wealth within the family
• the couple's granddaughter & namesake "Seppie," — Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge Forney (1836-1920) [photo] — was the wife of John H. Forney (1829-1902) [photo], a Confederate Maj. Gen. memorialized by a statue at Vicksburg Battlefield • a son, West Point grad Maj. Arthur Middleton Rutledge (1817-1876), also fought for the Confederacy as commander of Rutledge's Battery • daughter Mary Middleton Rutledge Fogg (1801-1972) was a Nashville civic leader & writer, with 7 books published
• in 1816 Sexta & Henry [photo], choosing to forego the inherent advantages & celebrity enjoyed by members of elite Charleston families, headed west to Tennessee, site of a 73,000 acre Revolutionary War grant they had inherited
• led a caravan that included their 5 children (ages 4-15), 30 slaves, an elegant carriage, a dozen cows, teamsters & 20 wagons carrying food, clothing, furniture & books • traveled a circuitous route through Georgia to elude the perils of an Appalachian Mountain transit • after a 6-week journey they arrived at the Elk River in Franklin County, TN • built their new home & business, the ~50,000 acre Chilhowee Plantation (Place of the Running Deer) —The Tennessean, 04 Jul 1976
• c. 1820 Henry & Septima purchased a 7 yr. old Nashville town house — with about 20 acres of surrounding property— from Joseph Coleman (1795–1848), the city's 1st mayor (1806-09) • the 1-story brick, Federal style structure was located atop what was then College Hill (now Rutledge Hill), overlooking Nashville & the Cumberland River
• the Rutleges expanded the structure with Federal style additions & Septima created a terraced garden with a trellised, rose covered walkway that descended 300' to the river • named the property Rose Hill • for many years the couple split their time between their Nashville home & Chilhowee —Chosen Exile: The Life and Times of Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge, American Cultural Pioneer
• Septima established a house rule mandating that only French be spoken on Fridays • on musical evenings Septima played an Italian harp, backing her daughter Mary's vocals • entertainment at Rose Hill also included Sunday afternoon musicales
• the Rutledges hosted notable friends at their city house, including Sam Houston, Rachel & Andrew Jackson and Sarah & James K. Polk • in 1825, a Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, visited Nashville for two days • though he is said to have been lodged by the Rutledges, his two nights in town were actually spent elsewhere —New Study Recounts Life of Rutledge, The Tennessean, 29 Jun, 1980
• the house was nearly destroyed by fire near the end of the Civil War • the rear (oldest) portion of the structure — thought to be the kitchen — survived • purchased by Nashville attorney Edmund Baxter (1838-1910), graduate of nearby University of Nashville • during the Civil War Baxter rose to to the rank of Captain in the Confederate States Army • commanded an artillery battery that fought in major engagements such as Chickamauga, Shiloh & Atlanta
• in the 1880s he restored & expanded the surviving structure & reoriented the entrance — which originally faced Rutledge St. [photo]— toward Lea Ave, creating the present Victorian style mansion • surviving remnants of the original house are at the rear facing Rutledge St —Nashville Scene
• now houses Foundations Recovery Network
• Rutledge family gravesite • Septima Sexta Middleton Rutledge inscription
• Rutledge Hill Historic District National Register # 80003793, 1980
From The American Adventure attraction at Epcot:
Ben Franklin: I may have invented these bifocals I'm wearing,
but I can assure they are not rose-colored. Mr. Twain, the
golden age never was the present age, but with human
liberty we can fulfill the promise and meaning of America.
To everyone a chance, believed Thomas Wolfe, to all people
regardless of their birth, a right to live, to work, to
be themselves, and to become whatever their
visions can combine to make them. This is the promise
of America! Mr. Twain, 'tis easy to see, hard to foresee,
but I foresee the American Adventure to continue a long,
long time!
The Municipal Services Building in the Centre City District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Built in 1962, the building won numerous accolades from architectural critics, who praised the compact, efficient design that was in global vogue at the time. But even back then, the blocky, Brutalist structure rubbed people the wrong way — and not just because it’s where they were sent to pay bills.
“There are differences of opinion about the design of the Municipal Services Building and how much beauty it radiates,” the Inquirer reported upon its opening in 1965. To some, it was a depressing ode to government mundanity; to others, an underappreciated landmark of Center City’s post-World War II rebirth. On a more practical level, MSB exists because the city was growing — and its government needed room to expand beyond City Hall.
Part of a global trend in architecture at the time, MSB was considered revolutionary for downtown Philadelphia. It was, to some extent, a symbol of the post-war rebirth of big city centers in the U.S.
Around the same time that Edmund Bacon was fashioning Philly’s Brutalist downtown, other local architects were drafting ideas that appeared radical in contrast. Philly’s famed Louis Kahn and Anne Tyng came up with an idea in the mid-1950s called “City Tower,” a zig-zagging juggernaut of a skyscraper that looked like it crawled off the storyboard for a Blade Runner spinoff.
Information Source:
billypenn.com/2020/04/05/how-the-municipal-services-build...