The eminent services of Washington throughout this arduous period, his admirable management by which, in the course of a few months, an undisciplined band of husbandmen became soldiers, and were able to expel a brave army of veterans, commanded by the most experienced generals, won the enthusiastic applause of the nation.  A unanimous vote of thanks was passed to him in Congress.

Declaration of Independence

Despatches from Canada continued to be disastrous, and the evacuation of that country was determined on in June, 1776.  The great aim of the British was now to get possession of New York and the Hudson, and to make them the basis of military operations.  While danger was gathering round New York, and its inhabitants were in mute suspense and fearful anticipations, the General Congress at Philadelphia was discussing with closed doors the greatest question ever debated in America.  A resolution was passed unanimously, on July 2, “that these United Colonies are, of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

The fourth of July is the day of national rejoicing, for on that day the “Declaration of Independence,” that solemn and sublime document, was adopted.  Tradition gives a dramatic effect to its announcement.  It was known to be under discussion, but the closed doors of Congress excluded the populace.  They awaited, in throngs, an appointed signal.  In the steeple of the state-house was a bell, bearing the portentous text from Scripture, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof.”  A joyous peal from that bell gave notice that the bill had been passed.  It was the knell of British domination.

Washington hailed the Declaration with joy.  It was but a formal recognition of a state of things which had long existed, but it put an end to all those temporizing hopes of reconciliation which had clogged the military action of the country.  On July 9, he caused it to be read at the head of each brigade of the army.  “The general hopes,” said he, “that this important event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier, to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country depend, under God, solely on the success of our arms; and that he is now in the service of a state possessed of sufficient power to reward his merit, and advance him to the highest honours of a free country.” and again:  “The general hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavour so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.”

The Winning of Independence

But the exultation of the patriots of New York was soon overclouded.  British warships, under Admiral Lord Howe, were in the harbour on July 12, and affairs now approached a crisis.  Lord Howe came “as a mediator, not as a destroyer,” and had prepared a declaration inviting communities as well as individuals to merit and receive pardon by a prompt return to their duty; it was a matter of sore regret to him that his call to loyalty had been forestalled by the Declaration of Independence.