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Richard Henry Lee

Name: Richard Henry Lee
Uploaded: 2025-06-26T15:42:12+00:00
Duration: 1 min 7 s
Channel: Your Advisor
Description: Richard Henry Lee recounts introducing the June 7, 1776 resolution declaring the colonies free and independent states, seconded by John Adams. He was…

26 Jun 2025 · 1 min

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1:07

Richard Henry Lee recounts introducing the June 7, 1776 resolution declaring the colonies free and independent states, seconded by John Adams. He was absent when Congress voted but signed the Declaration later, then helped draft the Articles of Confederation and served as president of Congress.

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Good day. I am Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. I stood in the pews at St. John's Church when Patrick Henry cried, give me liberty or give me death. He and I believed that it was time for Virginia to lead. And we did. On June 7, 1776, I rose in Congress and declared, these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states. John Adams seconded. Congress postponed a debate till July 1, but the words stood. A committee led by Jefferson shaped the declaration. From my resolution, though absent for the final vote, I returned to sign the document that began our nation. I would go on to help draft the Articles of Confederation and serve as president of Congress. A man who loves liberty should never grant to rulers an atom of power that is not necessary for the safety and well being of society. It is now yours to guard that liberty and grant to no government more power than is truly necessary.