Rare Declaration of Independence Copy Discovered in UK

Jul 3, 2026

69 min

Jul 3, 2026 00:31

Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship

## Discovery in the UK National Archives

A rare early copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence has been found in the UK National Archives. The document was discovered by volunteer Michael Scurr while he was cataloging papers from an 18th-century Royal Navy captain. This copy was attached to a report on the capture of the American privateer Dalton in 1776.

## Historical Significance

The document is one of only 11 known copies of the Exeter printing, produced shortly after the original declaration was signed in July 1776. It is the only known copy outside the United States. Printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, between July 16 and 19, 1776, it was likely used to spread the news of American independence.

## Context of the Capture

The Dalton, an 18-gun privateer, was captured by the British ship HMS Raisonnable on Christmas Eve 1776. The Dalton's crew was imprisoned in harsh conditions in Plymouth, England. The discovery of the declaration on board highlights the importance of the document in rallying support for the American cause.

## Reaction from Historians

Historians in the United States have expressed excitement over the find. Matthew Skic from the Museum of the American Revolution emphasized the document's role as a tangible connection to the past. The discovery underscores that there are still historical treasures yet to be uncovered, even 250 years after the American Revolution.

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