This Declaration was signed, on the day of its adoption, by John Hancock, the President of Congress, only; and, with his name alone, it was sent forth to the world. It was ordered to be entered at length upon the journal; and it was also ordered to be engrossed upon parchment for the delegates to sign it. This solemn act was done on the second day of August following, by fifty-four delegates, and two others signed it subsequently, (they not being present at that time,) making the whole number of the signers, fifty-six.³⁴

[Editor's Note: There are two historical problems with the paragraph above. First, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress, signed the Declaration when Hancock did. And second, there were five signers—not two—that did not sign with the others on August 2nd (http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/declaration_history.html ). -John Vinci]

The Declaration was received with public demonstrations of approbation throughout the whole land. Processions were formed; cannons were fired; bells were rung; orations were pronounced; and everything which delight could suggest was exhibited. Everywhere, the hearts of the patriots were gladdened,³⁵ and, although long years of trial, and misery, and bloody strife, appeared before them, they felt that by this act half the work was accomplished, for, as "union is strength," they were then strong.³⁶

Having thus briefly glanced at the events immediately connected with the conception, preparation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, we now propose to examine, and prove the truth, of the various specific charges made therein against the King of Great Britain. It must be borne in mind that the royal governors—the King's deputies—acting as his representatives, were regarded, in these charges, as the King himself; and, whenever they were guilty of a sin of omission or commission, in the exercise of their authority, it was considered as the act of the Sovereign.

³⁴ It is said that after the Declaration was signed, a deep solemnity rested upon all present, and profound silence pervaded the assembly. It was at length broken by Dr. Franklin, who remarked, "Gentlemen, we must now all hang together, or we shall most assuredly hang separately."

³⁵ Washington, then encamped upon York Island, received a copy of the Declaration on the ninth of July, and at six o'clock that evening the regiments of his army were paraded, and the document was read aloud in the hearing of them all. It was greeted with the most hearty demonstrations of joy and applause.

³⁶ Samuel Adams, in a letter to Richard Henry Lee, dated at "Philadelphia, July 15th, 1776," said, "Our Declaration of Independence has given vigor to the spirits of the people. Had this decisive measure been taken nine months ago, it is my opinion that Canada would by this time have been in our hands. But what does it avail to find fault with what is past? Let us do better for the future."