A priceless piece of American history, a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, has been unearthed in the United Kingdom after languishing for more than 250 years, Britain's National Archives announced on Friday. This extraordinary discovery marks the only known copy of its kind to exist outside the United States, according to reports by The Hill.
Dubbed the 'Exeter Declaration' – not for its discovery in Exeter, England, but because it was printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, just days after the groundbreaking document's adoption – its provenance and journey across the Atlantic remain a captivating mystery.
A Colonial-Era Enigma
Unlike the more famous, elaborately handwritten engrossed parchment copy signed by the Founding Fathers, this Exeter Declaration is an unassuming print, likely distributed to proclaim the nascent nation's independence to its citizens. Historians believe these early printings, often commissioned by state governments to disseminate the revolutionary news, were produced in limited quantities and, due to their ephemeral nature, few have survived to the present day. The National Archives described its unearthing as a "stunning find," confirming its authenticity and immense historical value.
Initial findings suggest the Exeter Declaration was commissioned by the then-colony of New Hampshire, intended for local distribution. Its presence in the UK raises fascinating questions about how it travelled across the Atlantic, perhaps carried by a loyalist fleeing the colonies, a British officer, or even as a curiosity brought back by a traveller. The exact circumstances of its journey and subsequent concealment for centuries are now the subject of intense scholarly investigation.
Unravelling a Transatlantic Journey
The declaration was discovered amongst a collection of records belonging to a descendant of the powerful and aristocratic Duke of Richmond, Charles Lennox. This connection has provided an initial lead for researchers attempting to trace the document's path. The Dukes of Richmond were prominent figures in British society with significant political influence during the 18th century, and delving into their archives could yield clues about how this American revolutionary document came to reside within their family's possession.
Experts from the National Archives and other institutions are now painstakingly examining historical records, correspondence, and ledgers for any mention of the document or its acquisition. The potential for uncovering new insights into transatlantic relations, political intrigue, and personal stories from the revolutionary era is considerable. The discovery is valued, hypothetically, at several million Australian dollars, though its true worth lies in its irreplaceable historical significance.
Implications for Historical Understanding
The uncovering of the Exeter Declaration not only adds another valuable artefact to the historical record but also offers crucial insights into the immediate aftermath of the Declaration's adoption. Early printings like this one provide a direct window into how the revolutionary message was communicated and received at the local level. Studying its typography, paper, and any marginalia could reveal subtle variations or local interpretations that differ from the more standardised versions.
The document is expected to become a subject of intense academic study, potentially leading to new understandings of the American Revolution's dissemination and impact in both the American colonies and Britain. While specific exhibition plans are yet to be announced, there is considerable international interest in showcasing this remarkable piece of history to the public, potentially offering a rare opportunity for Australians to view such an important document without travelling to the US.
