Page 105 - JM Book 9/2020

Saturday, July 6, 1776
Before leaving his home for the Pennsylvania State House, Hancock wrote a letter to King George III. The letter stated:
“Altho it is not possible to forsee the Consequences of human Actions, yet it is nevertheless a Duty we owe ourselves and Posterity in all our public Councils, to decide in the best Manner we are able, and to trust the load to that Being who governs both Causes and Events, so as to bring about his own Determination.
“Impressed with this Sentiment, and at the same Time fully convinced that our Affairs may take a more favorable Turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all Connection between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States; as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you. . . .”
Later that afternoon when everyone had left, Secretary Thomson prepared the letter and the Declaration for King George. He addressed the packet to Lord George Germain, who was Secretary of State for the American Colonies. Germain was responsible for the administration of the thirteen colonies. He was expected to deliver the letter to the king.
Since King George III had closed the American colonies to all commerce and trade on December 23, 1775, Thomson had to arrange for Hancock’s letter to be smuggled into England. He arranged for it to be delivered to Silas Deane in France. Congress had sent Deane to France in early 1776 to try to convince the French government to lend money to the colonies.
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