June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced to Congress a resolution,(which was adopted July 2) and presented the proclamation that the United Colonies are and have every right to be free and independent States.  A committee, including  Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were assigned to draft the Declaration of Independence

    A formal parchment copy of the Declaration, adopted in Congress on July 4, 1776, was available for signing on August 2, and most of the 55 signatures were inscribed upon it on that date