Mr.R.H.Lee, the mover of the resolution, had been compelled by the illness of Mrs.Lee to leave congress the day on which the committee was appointed.] [Footnote 36: See note No.VI.at the end of the volume.] [Footnote 37: Mr.Jefferson's Correspondence.] [Sidenote: Independence declared.] {July 4.} This declaration was immediately communicated to the armies, who received it with enthusiasm.

It was also proclaimed throughout the United States, and was generally approved by those who had engaged in the opposition to the claims of the British Parliament.

Some few individuals, who had been zealous supporters of all measures which had for their object only a redress of grievances, and in whose bosoms the hope of accommodation still lingered,--either too timid to meet the arduous conflict which this measure rendered inevitable, or, sincerely believing that the happiness of America would be best consulted by preserving their political connexion with Great Britain, viewed the dissolution of that connexion with regret.

Others, who afterwards deserted the American cause, attributed their defection to this measure.

It was also an unfortunate truth, that in the whole country between New England and the Potowmac, which was now become the great theatre of action, although the majority was in favour of independence, a formidable minority existed, who not only refused to act with their countrymen, but were ready to give to the enemy every aid in their power.
It can not, however, be questioned, that the declaration of independence was wise, and well-timed.