Rare ‘Exeter’ copy of Declaration of Independence discovered in UK
Rare Exeter copy of Declaration of Independence – Britain’s National Archives made a groundbreaking announcement on Friday, revealing the recovery of a rare printing of the Declaration of Independence that had been lost for over 250 years. This unique document, known as the Exeter Declaration, is the only known surviving copy of its kind outside the United States, shedding new light on the historical narrative of the American Revolution.
The Forgotten Manuscript
The Exeter Declaration, originally printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, was created shortly after the original Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776. It was recently uncovered during a routine cataloging effort by a dedicated volunteer, who stumbled upon the document while examining records tied to the capture of an American privateer ship. The find, buried within the Royal Navy’s inventory for centuries, was initially dismissed as just another paper among a collection of captured documents. However, its rediscovery has now redefined its place in history.
Historians speculate that the document remained unnoticed for so long due to a lack of recognition from British officials at the time. They suggest that the Exeter copy was considered less significant compared to the primary version, leading to its relegation to the margins of historical records. This oversight, combined with the passage of time, allowed the document to slip into obscurity until now.
The Dalton Connection
The Exeter Declaration was found in connection with the American privateer ship *Dalton*, which played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The ship, operating under American command, targeted British vessels across the Atlantic before being intercepted off the coast of Portugal in 1776. The document, likely part of the ship’s cargo, was stored in the Royal Navy’s archives and remained unidentified until its recent discovery.
Michael Scurr, the volunteer researcher responsible for unearthing the Exeter copy, shared his astonishment upon realizing its significance. “I thought, oh, right, this is definitely a Declaration of Independence,” Scurr told The Associated Press. “How exciting is this?” His discovery came after years of meticulous work cataloging records from the American Revolution, with the document slipping through the cracks during his 11-year tenure at the Archives.
Amanda Bevan, who leads the project cataloging Royal Navy correspondence from the American Revolution, emphasized the importance of the find. “It was an amazing addition to the story of the *Dalton* and the many other privateers that fought the British at sea,” she said in a quote to NBC News. The Exeter Declaration not only fills a gap in the historical record but also highlights the role of smaller American vessels in the broader conflict against British naval dominance.
A Historical Rarity
Only a small number of copies of the Exeter Declaration are believed to have survived the chaos of the Revolutionary War. Historically, all 11 known copies were thought to reside exclusively in the United States, making this UK discovery particularly noteworthy. The document’s presence in British archives suggests it may have been taken as spoils of war or captured during an engagement, offering a new perspective on how the Declaration of Independence spread beyond American shores.
The Exeter Declaration is one of several variant versions of the original document, each with its own historical significance. While the primary version is preserved in the U.S., these copies often reflect the efforts of American printers to distribute the Declaration across the colonies and beyond. The discovery in the UK adds a compelling chapter to this story, illustrating the interconnectedness of the American Revolution’s events with British naval operations.
As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Exeter Declaration’s rediscovery aligns perfectly with the nation’s historical milestones. The document’s survival through centuries of conflict and neglect is a testament to its enduring importance. For historians, it represents a rare opportunity to study an alternative version of the Declaration, potentially revealing insights into how it was perceived and used by those outside the American colonies.
The Process of Uncovering History
The journey to this discovery was both painstaking and serendipitous. Scurr’s work involved sifting through thousands of documents, many of which were digitized or stored in archives with minimal contextual analysis. The Exeter Declaration, labeled as a routine entry in the Royal Navy inventory, was overlooked for centuries. Its significance only became apparent when Scurr recognized the document’s unique features and cross-referenced it with historical records.
Volunteer efforts have long been crucial to uncovering hidden treasures in archival collections. Scurr’s 11-year commitment to the National Archives exemplifies how such dedication can lead to extraordinary finds. His ability to connect disparate pieces of information—such as the *Dalton*’s capture and the Exeter Declaration’s origin—demonstrates the value of thorough research and an eye for detail. The document’s journey from a forgotten inventory item to a celebrated historical artifact underscores the importance of preserving and reevaluating historical records.
The Exeter Declaration’s rediscovery also raises questions about the preservation of other similar documents. With only a handful of surviving copies, it is vital to ensure that these historical artifacts are protected and accessible for future study. The National Archives has since taken steps to highlight the document’s importance, integrating it into their collection of American Revolutionary War materials. This act of preservation not only safeguards the document but also allows it to contribute to ongoing historical discussions.
Implications for American History
The Exeter Declaration’s presence in the UK provides a unique lens through which to view the American Revolution. It suggests that the Declaration was not only a symbol of American independence but also a document that circulated through military and diplomatic channels. The fact that it was found in the Royal Navy’s inventory implies it may have been used as evidence of American resistance or shared with British officials to understand the colonies’ revolutionary fervor.
For scholars, this discovery offers new avenues of research. It challenges the assumption that all significant copies of the Declaration were confined to the United States, opening the door to exploring how it was disseminated internationally. The document’s journey from Exeter to the UK’s National Archives is a reminder of the interconnected nature of historical events and the roles played by both allies and adversaries in shaping them.
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this find serves as a powerful symbol of the document’s lasting legacy. It highlights the global impact of the American Revolution, reminding us that the fight for independence was not limited to the American colonies. The Exeter Declaration, now restored to prominence, will undoubtedly inspire further study and appreciation for the era’s complexities and achievements.
In conclusion, the Exeter Declaration’s rediscovery is a significant event in the field of American history. It not only fills a gap in the historical record but also underscores the importance of volunteer efforts and archival work in uncovering overlooked stories. As the document is studied and displayed, it will continue to enrich our understanding of the past, connecting the American Revolution to the broader tapestry of global history.
