PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Lee’s Resolution (1776)

ORIGINAL IMAGES
Lee Resolution
CONTEXT

In this resolution delivered to the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposes independence for the thirteen North American British colonies. Congress approved Lee’s resolution on July 2, 1776, and incorporated a revised version of the resolution into the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776.

FULL TEXT

Lee Resolution

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

CITE THIS ENTRY
APA Citation:
Lee, Richard. Lee’s Resolution (1776). (2020, December 07). In Encyclopedia Virginia. https://encyclopediavirginia.org/primary-documents/lees-resolution-1776.
MLA Citation:
Lee, Richard. "Lee’s Resolution (1776)" Encyclopedia Virginia. Virginia Humanities, (07 Dec. 2020). Web. 25 Aug. 2026
Last updated: 2026, June 24
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