07/02/2026
An American Moment, 250 years ago, July 2, 1776. “That these United Colonies are, and, of right, ought to be, Free and Independent States”
The Continental Congress approved Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution to declare the United Colonies, Free and Independent States. Thomas Jefferson, a member of the Committee of Five was the main writer of the presented Declaration of Independence. The final wording of the Declaration of Independence would be worked out over the next couple days.
The Congress resumed the consideration of the resolution agreed to by and reported from the committee of the whole; and the same being read, was agreed to as follows:
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 connexion between them, and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved…
The next day John Adams writing Abigail:
Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was de¬bated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony “that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do.” You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell’d Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days.
Journals of the Continental Congress --Tuesday, July 2, 1776.
John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, Founders Online.
© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments
