Rare copy of the Declaration of Independence seized by the British in 1776 is found
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LONDON — A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence lost for 250 years has been discovered in London, where it is now the only known example of its kind outside the United States. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, the document was intended to spread news of American independence throughout the American colonies.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Britain’s National Archives found a rare 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence that had been hidden in its records for more than 250 years.
Key Points:
- The document is one of only 11 known Exeter printings of the Declaration, and the only one known outside the United States.
- A volunteer, Michael Scurr, found it while cataloging records from the American Revolutionary War.
- Historians say the copy was seized by the Royal Navy after it took the American privateer ship Dalton in 1776.
- Amanda Bevan said the find helps explain how privateers fought for the ideals of American independence, not just for military gain.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
No clear negative impact identified.
Positive Impact
The find at Britain’s National Archives can help US voters and students learn more about the Revolutionary War and preserve rare history.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:Michael Scurrperson
Candidate Entities9 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Michael ScurrpersonPrimaryEvaluated
Volunteer cataloger who discovered the document and is directly central to the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Britains National Archivescultural institutionPrimaryAI selected
Central institution that held, cataloged, and announced the discovery of the rare Declaration copy.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Amanda BevanpersonMajorAI selected
Leads the National Archives project and explains the significance of the find.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Eleazer JohnsonpersonMajorAI selected
Named captain of the Dalton tied to the seizure and later capture described in the story.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Royal Navygovernment agency or bodyMajorAI selected
Government body that seized the papers and captured the privateer vessel, driving the document’s archival history.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Continental Congressgovernment agency or bodyContextCandidate
Issued the commission and orders found with the document, providing historical context.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Thomas FitzherbertpersonContextCandidate
Named Royal Navy captain involved in capturing the Dalton; important context but not the main focus.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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