Did King George III Receive a Copy of the Declaration of Independence?
Yes, King George III did receive a copy of the Declaration of Independence, marking a significant moment in the American Revolution. The Declaration was formally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and copies were distributed widely. One of these copies, likely one of the Dunlap broadsides, was sent to Britain. However, the king viewed this document with disbelief and anger. This essay explores the details of how and when King George III received the Declaration, addressing common misconceptions and examining the actual situation.
A Common Misconception
It is often assumed that the Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence to solely send to King George III. However, the reality is quite different. The Declaration was intended as a statement to the world, declaring the independence of the United States from British rule. France was of particular interest to Congress, which hoped that if the conflict was not seen as a domestic rebellion, they might receive more backing from France.
Original Copies and Signatures
The concept of an "original copy" of the Declaration of Independence is actually open to interpretation. The engrossed version, which was signed by members of the Continental Congress, is often considered the closest to an original. This copy was written and available in August 1776, but by then, dozens of newspaper printings had already circulated across the newly independent states.
The first printing of the Declaration was done by John Dunlap in early July 1776. Approximately two hundred copies of this Dunlap broadside were distributed, each without signatures, bearing only the name of John Hancock and Charles Thomson as the President and Secretary of Congress, respectively. The Continental Congress made no effort to send any copy to the king or any British official.
How King George III Received the Declaration
British officials became aware of the Declaration when the British Army landed in New York. The officers promptly collected three copies of the Dunlap broadside and sent them to London. It is unclear if King George III ever personally examined these documents. Likely, he received a brief update from his Prime Minister regarding the Declaration.
The three copies collected by the British officers now remain in the custody of the National Archives in London. This serves as an example of how the Declaration of Independence reached the British royal and government officials, albeit indirectly and not as an official document sent by the Continental Congress.
Conclusion
The Declaration of Independence not only marked a significant turning point in the American Revolution but also had far-reaching consequences beyond its initial distribution. The story of King George III and the Declaration is complex and often misunderstood. The actual path of the Declaration to the king's ears highlights the broader implications of this historic document and its role in the shaping of modern democracy.