Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren: we have

an unwarrantable

warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend a juris

-diction over

our

us

one

[these our states] we have reminded them of the circumstances of
emigration & settlement here, [no of which could warrant so strange a
pretension: that these were effected at the expence of our own blood & treasure,
unassisted by the wealth or the strength of. Great Britain: that in constiketing
indeed our several forms of government, we had adopted one common king, thereby
laying a foundation for perpetual league & amity with them: but that submission to their
parliament was no part of our constitution, nor ever in idea if history may be
credited: and fue appealed to their native justice & magnanimity [as well as to the ties
would inevitably
of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations which were likely to inserrupt
our correspondenced connection. they too have been deaf to the voice of justice &
We must Verotone
of consanguinity. [& when
occasions have been given them, by the regular.

connection &

& we have comured themby

FAC SIMILE OF A PORTION OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

course

f

The amendments were made by Dr. Frank

lin and John Adams. The alterations, by interlining, in the portion here given, are in the handwriting of Mr. Adams. It will be perceived, by a comparison, that nearly the whole of this paragraph was omitted NOTE. This draft is in the handwriting of Mr. Jefferson. in the Declaration adopted on the 4th of July.