The Lee Resolution

While the weather outside Independence Hall was cool and mild. Inside, revolutionary fever was about to take another step forward 250 years ago on this date. The Second Continental Congress was in session, and Richard Henry Lee, delegate from Virginia, raised his hand to be recognized by John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress.

The First Continental Congress was in session for only a short time, from September 5th, 1774, to October 26th, 1774. The Second Continental Congress was established on May 10th, 1775, and it was the governing body until March 1st, 1781, when it changed its name to the Congress of the Confederation as per the text of the Articles of Confederation. This legislative body would govern the country until March 3rd, 1789, when it was replaced by the one formed under the U.S. Constitution.

Back to June 7th, 1776. The desire for independence was growing both in Congress and amongst the population. The question being debated was what to do next. In many ways, our Founding Fathers were venturing into new territory by seeking total independence from the mother country, Merry Olde England.

While there is no actual transcription of what was actually said, and Robert’s Rules of Order had yet to be created, Lee asked, “Mr. President, I would like to propose that the Second Continental Congress consider a formal resolution on independence.”

Hancock asked, “Mr. Lee, do you have the words, sir?”

“Aye, Mr. Hancock, sir. I do.” Lee read from a sheet of paper, which did not have the Royal Tax Stamp, and offered the following: Resolved: 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.

This was the first time in the Second Continental Congress that a delegate actually proposed a formal resolution of independence. Lee’s Resolution goes beyond mere independence. It also implies that the newly declared nation should be free to form its own alliances, and the Second Continental Congress needs to figure out how to govern the colonies.

The resolution passed with 12 of the 13 Colonies voting for it. New York did not vote because its delegation was still in New York.

Lee’s resolution set in motion three actions by the Second Continental Congress. First, a committee of five men – Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman – was assigned to write the declaration on June 11th.

Also on that date, committees were formed to evaluate potential foreign alliances and to create a governing document. The committee’s plan for making treaties was not approved until September of 1776, and the plan of confederation was delayed until November of 1777, when the Articles of Confederation were adopted.

The Second Continental Congress directed the committee assigned to write what became the Declaration of Independence to clearly state why the 13 Colonies wanted to become independent. At first, the committee wanted Adams to write the Declaration with their input. He deferred, suggesting that Thomas Jefferson be the author of the first draft.

Jefferson retired to his rented house at 700 Market Street in Philadelphia and went to work. He  showed the committee his first full draft on June 28th. Both Franklin and Adams suggested changes,, and it took until July 2nd, 1776, for the committee to agree on the final wording.

Then, on July 2nd, the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Continental Congress. Two full days of debate on the wording ensued. On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the document, and it was published throughout the 13 Colonies.

Ultimately, 56 members of the Second Continental Congress signed it, but oddly, one of the committee members, Robert Livingston did not because he was recalled to New York to form a new state government.

Charles Wilson Peale portrait of Richard Henry Lee.