A volunteer at the UK National Archives has discovered a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, one of only 11 surviving copies of the 'Exeter printing' and the only one known outside the US. The document was found attached to a report detailing the capture of the American privateer ship Dalton on Christmas Eve, 1776.
The discovery sheds new light on the history of the American Revolution and its global impact, particularly the role of privateers in disrupting British trade and the spread of news about American independence. This find comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence, providing a unique link to the past.
The 'Exeter printing' of the Declaration of Independence was printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, between July 16-19, 1776. According to the UK National Archives, the copy was likely captured by the British when they took the American privateer ship Dalton. The Dalton was a privately owned vessel that fought under the auspices of the Continental Congress.
The ship's crew was imprisoned in Plymouth, England, under harsh conditions after its capture. The discovery has significant implications for historians and researchers studying the American Revolution. Michael Scurr, the volunteer who found the document, noted that the discovery provides a tangible connection to the past.
The role of privateers in the American Revolution is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Privateers, such as the crew of the Dalton, played a crucial role in disrupting British trade and spreading news about American independence. The discovery provides new insights into the activities of these privateers and their impact on the war.
The UK National Archives has announced plans to display the rare document as part of its celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Historians and researchers will have the opportunity to study the document in detail, providing a new perspective on the American Revolution and its global impact.
The discovery serves as a reminder of the significance of this event in American history. The document's discovery raises important questions about the role of privateers in the American Revolution and the spread of news about independence, and its study is likely to continue for years to come.