In the quiet halls of the National Archives in Kew, London, a remarkable discovery unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Thursday morning. Michael Scurr, a dedicated volunteer, stumbled upon a treasure that would ignite a spark of excitement in the historical community. Among the stacks of 18th-century correspondence, he found a document that would forever change his perspective on the American Revolution. This is the story of a 'vanishingly rare' copy of the US Declaration of Independence, a find that challenges our understanding of the revolution's history and its global impact.
What makes this discovery truly extraordinary is the journey of the document itself. It is one of only 11 known copies of the Exeter printing, a version of the declaration that holds immense historical significance. The fact that it has survived for over two centuries, hidden in the archives of the Royal Navy, is a testament to the power of historical preservation. Graham Moore, a records specialist, emphasizes the 'amazingly complete story' behind this document, revealing how it became entangled in the web of the American Revolution.
The tale begins with the Dalton, an American privateer vessel captured by the British off the coast of Spain in December 1776. Among the captured papers, the Declaration of Independence stood out, yet it was overlooked in favor of more significant documents. This oversight is not uncommon, as the declaration was just one of many documents on board. However, its fate took an unexpected turn, as it was eventually recorded in the naval archives, only to be forgotten for generations.
The Exeter printing, printed between July 16 and 19, 1776, was designed to spread the news of the declaration as quickly as possible. This 'broadsides' phenomenon was a common practice in major cities, allowing the message of independence to reach as many people as swiftly as possible. The fact that the Dalton, despite not docking in Exeter, likely acquired a copy in nearby Portsmouth, highlights the far-reaching impact of the declaration.
Eleazer Johnson, the ship's captain, played a pivotal role in this narrative. His commitment to the American cause was evident in his declaration of citizenship upon capture, a statement of defiance against the crown. It is easy to imagine Johnson reading the declaration to his diverse crew, a moment of unity and purpose. The crew, a melting pot of nationalities, included Daniel Cottle, a free black man, a reminder of the diverse forces that fueled the revolution.
The discovery of this document raises profound questions about the transatlantic nature of the American Revolution. Saul Nassé, the chief executive of the National Archives, emphasizes that this find is a 'powerful reminder' of the revolution's global reach. The document's journey from a print shop in Exeter to the high seas and eventually to the archives underscores the interconnectedness of the revolutionary era.
What makes this copy truly exceptional is its provenance. The chain of ownership, from the print shop to the privateer and its capture, is a rare and captivating narrative. It invites us to reconsider the traditional narrative of the revolution, one that is often confined to the borders of the United States. This document serves as a bridge between continents, cultures, and historical perspectives.
In my opinion, this discovery is a call to embrace a more nuanced understanding of history. It challenges us to explore the global dimensions of the American Revolution, recognizing the impact of events on both sides of the Atlantic. The story of this document is a reminder that history is not confined to textbooks and museums; it is a living, breathing narrative that continues to unfold. As we reflect on this find, we are reminded of the power of historical preservation and the importance of uncovering hidden stories that shape our understanding of the past.
