The Declaration of Independence, along with the preamble ... They contended for humanity.” 4 —John P. Hale But the existence of slavery did not mean that the principle of human equality ...

The conflict continued, and on June 11, 1776, Congress resolved to form a committee to draft a declaration of independence. Members of the drafting committee included Jefferson, John Adams of ...

click image for close-up John Trumbull's life-size painting of the First Continental Congress, assembled to sign the Declaration of Independence, was copied from a miniature (21.2 x 31.2 inches ...