On June 7, 1776, the
Lee Resolution was proposed to the Continental
Congress. It is called the Lee Resolution because it was submitted to
Congress by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. He was acting on the orders
of the Virginia Convention, which had unanimously voted that its
delegates to Congress should submit a resolution that they should
consider a formal declaration of independence from Great Britain. In
only one month's time, the Congress was ready and the Declaration of
Independence was passed.
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.