A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence—once seized by the British in 1776—is finally emerging from obscurity after being discovered in the archives of the United Kingdom. This document, known as the "Exeter Declaration," was printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the formal adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Its purpose was to disseminate the message of American independence across the colonies. Now, nearly 250 years later, it has resurfaced in the holdings of the British National Archives, making it the only known copy of this type outside the United States.
The document was part of the cargo seized from the American privateer vessel *Dalton* on Christmas Eve 1776 by the British Royal Navy ship *HMS Raisonable*. The *Dalton*, commanded by Captain Eleazer Johnson, had been engaged in a seven-hour chase with the British warship before being captured near the coast of Portugal. After its capture, the *Dalton* was brought to Britain, where its contents—including the Declaration, the ship’s commission, and other official orders—were stored among thousands of other captured documents. These papers were categorized simply as "another paper" in the Royal Navy’s inventory, leading to their long period of neglect in the archives.
Michael Scurr, a retired insurance executive who has volunteered at the National Archives for 11 years, stumbled upon the document while cataloging correspondence related to the *Dalton*’s capture. During his routine work, he noticed an unusual item marked only as "another paper." Upon unfolding it, he recognized the familiar phrase "Declaration of Independence" and realized he had uncovered something extraordinary. His excitement led him to alert his supervisor, who confirmed the document’s historical value. The National Archives has since undertaken careful conservation efforts to preserve the fragile paper, repairing minor damage and stabilizing the document for future study.
The *Exeter Declaration* is one of just 11 known surviving copies of this particular printing, and it stands out as the sole example outside the United States. Historians emphasize the significance of its presence aboard the *Dalton*, suggesting it played a symbolic role in inspiring the crew. Amanda Bevan, who oversees the National Archives’ project cataloging Royal Navy correspondence from the American Revolution, notes that such documents were often read aloud to crews to reinforce discipline and morale. She speculates that the captain of the *Dalton*, Eleazer Johnson, may have read both the ship’s commission and the Declaration to his men, thereby linking their actions to a broader revolutionary ideal.
The *Dalton* itself was a privately owned vessel authorized by the Continental Congress to engage in naval warfare against British interests. As a privateer, it operated under the guise of state-sanctioned piracy, targeting British merchant ships to disrupt trade and weaken enemy supply lines. The *Dalton*’s mission ultimately ended in defeat, with its crew imprisoned in Plymouth, England, where some endured harsh conditions. Despite these hardships, many survivors returned home, having witnessed firsthand the struggle for American independence.
The discovery of the *Exeter Declaration* has sparked renewed interest in the role of privateers during the American Revolution. While much attention has focused on the Continental Army’s battles, the contributions of seafarers like the *Dalton* remain less well-documented. Historians argue that the presence of the Declaration on board the *Dalton* underscores the ideological motivations behind the conflict, revealing how the ideals of liberty and self-governance were carried across the Atlantic by those willing to risk everything for a cause greater than themselves.
Looking forward, the National Archives plans to make the document available for research and display, ensuring that its story continues to inspire future generations. The *Exeter Declaration* serves not only as a physical artifact of the American Revolution but also as a testament to the enduring power of ideas—and the lengths to which individuals will go to defend them.
5 reports
NBC NewsIndependentCenter13 hr. agoA rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, known as the 'Exeter Declaration,' was recently discovered in the UK's National Archives after being hidden for over 250 years. Printed in New Hampshire shortly after the Declaration was adopted in 1776, it was part of a collection seized by the Royal Navy from the American privateer vessel 'Dalton' in 1776. The document, along with other official papers, was stored in British archives and remained undiscovered until a volunteer cataloger named Michael Scurr found it while organizing historical records. The find provides new insight into the role of privateers during the American Revolution and their connection to the ideals of independence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the historical discovery without overt ideological framing. While the subject involves U.S. history and national identity, the tone remains neutral, focusing on the historical significance rather than promoting a particular political agenda. The narrative is
National ReviewIndependentCenter15 hr. agoThe article discusses Benson John Lossing's account of the lives of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting their personal sacrifices and challenges. It revisits the historical narrative of these 56 individuals, focusing on their contributions and the difficulties they faced during the American Revolution. The piece emphasizes the personal costs endured by those who signed the document, including imprisonment, exile, and loss of property. While the article provides historical context and personal stories, it does not present new information or offer contemporary commentary on current political issues.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a historical overview of the signers of the Declaration of Independence without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. It focuses on factual recounting of past events rather than taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing historical,
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter16 hr. agoA rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, known as an 'Exeter Declaration,' was discovered in the UK's National Archives by a volunteer. This document is one of only 11 known surviving copies and is believed to be the only one outside the United States. It was reportedly seized from an American ship, the Dalton, by the British Royal Navy in 1776 during a seven-hour chase off the coast of Portugal. The document was later cataloged by volunteer Michael Scurry while organizing correspondence at the National Archives. Experts noted that the document provides insight into the motivations of those aboard the Dalton during the American Revolution.
Bias read (Center): The article presents historical findings without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the discovery and significance of a rare document related to the American Revolution, providing context about its origin and preservation without taking a stance on political issues.
The Washington TimesParty-alignedCenteryesterdayA rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence was discovered by volunteers at Britain's National Archives while examining documents related to the capture of an American privateer ship during the American Revolutionary War. The document, dated July 16–19, 1776, is one of only 11 known copies of the Exeter printing of the Declaration and the first identified outside the United States. It was found among the papers of the captured ship Dalton, which had been operating under the authority of the Continental Congress. Researchers believe the document may have been used by the ship's crew to understand the purpose of their mission and to inspire commitment to the revolutionary cause. The discovery highlights the role of maritime forces in the American Revolution and provides insight into how the Declaration was disseminated during the conflict.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the discovery of a historical document without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the significance of the document within the broader context of the American Revolution, emphasizing its historical value rather than taking a stance on contemporary or的政治
RealClearPoliticsIndependentCenteryesterdayThe article references a 'Forgotten Scot' associated with the Declaration of Independence, though no specific details are provided due to the lack of body text. The focus appears to be on highlighting a lesser-known historical figure connected to the American Revolution. The mention of a Scottish individual suggests an exploration of international influences on early American history. Without further information, the significance of this person’s role remains unclear.
Bias read (Center): The headline does not present any overtly political content or biased framing. It refers to a historical figure without taking a stance or emphasizing any particular ideological perspective.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
United States
