The Second Continental Congress delayed finalizing the Declaration of Independence on June 22, 1776, to allow the Committee of Five to refine the document. The resolution, introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, declared the Thirteen Colonies independent from Great Britain. Meanwhile, Congress president John Hancock requested an inquiry into alleged misconduct during the Canadian campaign, directing General George Washington to oversee the investigation.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Second Continental Congress voted to postpone finalizing the Declaration of Independence to allow the Committee of Five—comprising Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston—to complete the formal document. The delay aimed to secure unanimous approval from the colonies. Separately, Congress ordered an inquiry into the Canadian campaign, citing "very gross Misconduct" by officers involved.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
The Lee Resolution and Independence Debate
Richard Henry Lee’s resolution, introduced on June 7, 1776, sparked intense debate. The Virginians coordinated with New England radicals before formally presenting the motion. The delay allowed delegates to consult their home colonies for unanimous support.
The Committee of Five’s Task
The Committee of Five was tasked with drafting a formal declaration to accompany the Lee Resolution. The committee, led by Thomas Jefferson, worked to refine the document’s wording, which would later become the Declaration of Independence.
Inquiry into Canadian Campaign
Congress president John Hancock wrote to General George Washington on June 21–22, 1776, requesting an inquiry into alleged misconduct during the Canadian campaign. The letter cited concerns over the "Honour of the United Colonies" and directed Washington to oversee the investigation.
Spies and Intrigue in Philadelphia
The Washington Examiner reported that spies were active within Washington’s guard, adding to the intrigue surrounding the independence debate. The article highlighted the tension and secrecy during the deliberations.