The Lee
Resolves
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed several resolves in the
Continental Congress. These resolves set the stage for the American
Colonies to finally separate from Great Britain. And while the
Continental Congress did not immediately vote on Lee's resolves, after
some discussion it did move forward with appointing three committees
(one for each piece of the resolves) to begin constructing the
documents required by the resolves.
Many delegates to the Continental Congress wanted to correspond
with the legislatures that sent them, to get instructions on how to
proceed. The delegates were generally agreed that this was the only
recourse left to the Colonies, but things needed to proceed in an
orderly, legal fashion.
The resolves by Lee were clear and clean as to independence and as
to the next steps to take.
Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right 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.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual
measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to
the respective Colonies for their consideration and
approbation.
When you forward please
delete bottom portion which says unsubscribe or someone will
unsubscribe for you.
|