Page 103 - JM Book 9/2020

Friday, July 5, 1776
John Dunlap’s young apprentice delivered the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence to Charles Thomson. After the teenage boy left, Thomson carefully folded one and placed it in the Journal of the Continental Congress.
Dunlap and his apprentice had worked through the night setting type, proofreading and printing the broadside sheets.
“Mr. President,” Thomson said when Hancock arrived, “these were delivered just a short while ago. I took one and placed it in the Journal. The printed version looks good. I think John Dunlap performed this important task well and in a timely manner.”
Hancock looked at the printed copies of the Declaration as Thomson spoke. Other delegates walked up to look at them.
“I am very pleased,” remarked Hancock. “This is very impressive. I hope King George will be impressed with the Declaration that I am going to send to him.” He passed out copies to the delegates.
When the session adjourned later that day, Thomson prepared the individual packets that contained the newly printed Declaration of Independence. He had arranged for Sons of Liberty riders to deliver them to the state assemblies and conventions and to the committees of safety. A special packet with a letter from Hancock was sent to General George Washington at his New York headquarters.
Express riders rode in every direction out of Philadelphia. It would take days and sometimes weeks for the news to reach the cities and towns that stretch from New Hampshire to Georgia. News of the Declaration was greeted by public readings, the ringing of church bells, parades, bonfires, gun fire and shouts of “HUZZAH!”
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