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Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, moved that "the United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and Independent states." John Adams, of Massachusetts seconded the resolution. This was passed July 2, and the report of the committee appointed to draw up a Declaration of Independence was adopted July 4.

The Declaration of Independence was dictated by Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the most melodious English of any American of his time.

Jefferson had a vocabulary next to Noah Webster, with all of the dramatic power of Dan. He composed the piece one evening after his other work. We give a facsimile of the opening lines.

Philadelphia was a scene of great excitement The streets were thronged, and people sat down on the nice clean door-steps with perfect