On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offers the resolution that eventually leads to the Declaration of Independence. Congress adopts the resolution with a plan to form committees to a) make foreign alliances as needed b) draft a declaration and c) wait three weeks to affirm the independence part of the resolution. The resolution, written in Lee's hand is short:
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.
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
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