From New York “mechanics” to Massachusetts farmers to southern gentry, a wide swath of the colonials declared in favor of independence. Reflecting the will of their constituents, assemblies or conventions for each colony, de facto ruling bodies since the outbreak of armed rebellion, then instructed their delegates at the Continental Congress to finalize a break from British rule.
New Hampshire House of Representatives, on June 15, 1776:
Our delegates at the Continental Congress . . . are hereby instructed to join with the other colonies in declaring the 13 United Colonies, a free and independent state, solemnly pledging our faith and honour that we will, on our parts, support the measure with our lives and fortunes; and that in consequence thereof, they, the Continental Congress, on whose wisdom, fidelity, and integrity, we firmly rely, may enter into and form such alliances with foreign states for aid and assistance as they may judge most conducive to the present safety and future advantage of these American Colonies: Provided the regulation of our internal police be under the direction of our own Assembly.
On June 12, 1776, the Virginia Convention, in its “Declaration of Rights,” made a forceful case for independence, initially drafted by George Mason:
I. That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
II. That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.
III. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community; of all the various modes and forms of government that is best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and that, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
Virginia’s Declaration of Rights appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette the day after Thomas Jefferson and four others were appointed to a committee charged with composing a national declaration. Committee members no doubt examined Mason’s wording. Two weeks later, they presented a refinement, the finalized Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.