Michael Scholar has devoted 11 years of his time to volunteering at the UK National Archives, where he spends his Thursday mornings cataloging documents for future researchers.
Last May, while immersed in the letters of an 18th-century British naval captain, he stumbled upon something intriguing.
He found a report detailing the capture of an American privateer named Dalton on Christmas Eve in 1776, which was accompanied by a document labeled simply as “Another Paper.” Curiosity piqued, Mr. Scholar carefully unfolded it and paused when he noticed the word “Declaration” at the top.
“I thought, oh, I see, I see—this is definitely a declaration of independence. How exciting is this?” he shared with The Associated Press.
This document spreads the news of independence
Researchers from the National Archives later confirmed that this was indeed a rare early copy of America’s foundational document, printed shortly after the original was signed on July 4, 1776. It announced that the thirteen rebellious colonies had cut ties with Britain.
This document is one of only 11 known original copies of the Exeter Printed Manifesto; it’s particularly notable because it’s the only one found outside the U.S. The National Archives revealed this significant find ahead of the weekend’s 250th anniversary of American independence. This specific version was printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, between July 16-19, 1776.
Yet, beyond just its age, this document carries weight because it was captured from a ship under orders from the Continental Congress, including a directive signed by its president, John Hancock. Amanda Bevan, who leads the project in the National Archives cataloging British naval captains’ letters during the Revolutionary War, highlighted this context.
Despite the nation often focusing on the hardships of the Continental Army in places like Valley Forge, little attention is given to those Americans who took to the seas to disrupt British trade and confront the formidable Royal Navy, Bevan remarked.
Discovery hints at what was at stake
Finding this copy of the Declaration of Independence aboard the ship reveals its potential use, according to Bevan. She thinks that the captain of the Dalton likely announced the orders aloud, which was standard practice, and would have read the proclamation too.
“They know why they’re fighting, but this frames it as something larger than themselves,” Bevan stated. “They’re fighting for their ideals, and I think it’s really significant to locate this declaration on the battlefield, where individuals are committed to fighting for their homeland on the vast seas.”
The Dalton, armed with 18 guns, was a private ship operating under the Continental Congress to bolster the fledgling nation’s small navy.
On Christmas Eve 1776, Captain Thomas Fitzherbert of the HMS Resonable pursued the Dalton for seven hours before capturing it off the coast of Portugal. The 120 crew members faced harsh imprisonment conditions in Plymouth, England.
One young captive, Charles Hébert, just 19 at the time, documented starvation, illness, and severe mistreatment in his diary throughout more than two years before eventually being exchanged for other prisoners.
Against the odds, many of the crew managed to survive.
The joy of discovery is shared by Americans
American historians have also expressed enthusiasm over this discovery by the National Archives.
Matthew Skick, who heads collections and exhibitions at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, emphasized that this version of the Declaration of Independence provides a direct connection to the captain of the Dalton, who helped disseminate news of American independence globally.
“This isn’t just a document; it’s an artifact,” he commented. “It serves as a solid link to the past, allowing us to connect with 1776. In a sense, the baton is being passed.”
Skick also pointed out that this discovery illustrates that historians still have plenty to uncover. “Even after 250 years, there’s still so much we don’t know about the American Revolution, and further discoveries are waiting to be made.”
