clear that, so far from the Declaration of Independence being the
spontaneous uprising of the colonies, as represented by so many American
historians, that when it was first mooted in Congress the majority of
the General Congress itself were startled at it, and were opposed to it.
"On the 15th day of May, only four of the colonies had acted definitely
on the question of independence. North Carolina had authorized her
delegates to concur with the delegates from the other colonies 'in
declaring independency;' Rhode Island had commissioned hers 'to join in
any measures to secure American rights;' in Massachusetts, various towns
had pledged themselves to maintain any declaration on which Congress
might agree; and Virginia had given positive instructions to her
delegates that Congress should make a declaration of independence. These
proceedings were accompanied with declarations respecting a reservation
to each colony of the right to form its own government, in the
adjustment of the power universally felt to be necessary, and which was
to be lodged in a new political unit, designated by the terms,
'Confederation,' 'Continental Constitution,' and 'American
Republic.'"[390]

"On the 7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, in behalf of the Virginia
delegates, submitted in Congress resolves on independence, a
confederation, and foreign alliances. His biographer says that
'tradition relates that he prefaced his motion with a speech,'
portraying the resources of the colonies and their capacity for defence,
dwelling especially on the bearing which an independent position might
have on foreign Powers, and concluded by urging the members so to act,
that the day might give birth to an American Republic. The motion was:--

"'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.'

"'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.'

"John Adams seconded the motion. The Journal of Congress says, 'that
certain resolutions respecting independency being moved and seconded,
they were postponed till to-morrow morning,' and that 'the members were
enjoined to att