Existing comment:
The Declaration of Independence 1776
"[America]... hath a blank sheet to write upon."
-- Thomas Paine, 1776
The Declaration of Independence immortalized the great essentials upon which just government must depend. With an admirable economy of words, it captured many of the basic precepts of American political thought and wrapped them in unforgettable language. Intended to convince, it continues to inspire.
The John Nixon Copy:
Printed on July 4-5, 1776, by John Dunlap, in Philadelphia
This copy of the Declaration of Independence is the equivalent of a modern news flash. On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon read from this broadside when he announced independence from a platform in the square behind Independence Hall. For this first time, Philadelphia heard the actual words of the Declaration.
Similar readings, using other broadsides printed by John Dunlap, occurred throughout the former colonies. |