Thomas Hutchinson, Letter to a Noble Lord (1776)
They begin, my Lord, with a false hypothesis, That the Colonies are one distinct people, and the kingdom another, connected by political bands. The Colonies, politically considered, never were a distinct people from the kingdom.
Petition from New York Loyalists (1776)
We cannot help lamenting that the number of Subscribers to this Address is necessarily lessened, by the unhappy circumstance that many of our Fellow-Citizens, who have firmly adhered to their loyalty, have been driven from their Habitations, and others sent Prisoners into some of the neighbouring Colonies.
Lemuel Haynes, Liberty Further Extended (c. 1776)
And the main proposition, which I intend for some Breif illustration is this, Namely, That an African, or, in other terms, that a Negro may Justly Chalenge, and has an undeniable right to his Liberty: Consequently, the practise of Slave-keeping, which so much abounds in this Land is illicit. . . .
Petition from Free Black Men in Massachusetts (1777)
They therefore humbly beseech your Honors, to give this Petition its due weight & consideration, & cause an Act of the Legislature to be passed, whereby they may be restored to the enjoyment of that freedom which is the natural right of all Men—& their Children (who were born in this land of Liberty) may not be held as Slaves after they arrive at the age of twenty one years.
French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789)
Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be based only on considerations of the common good.
Samuel Adams, Address to Mass Legislature (1794)
May we not from hence conclude, that the doctrine of Liberty and Equality is an article in the political creed of the United States.
Noah Webster, July Fourth Oration in New Haven (1802)
But if by equality, writers understand an equal right to distinction, and influence; or if they understand an equal share of talents and bodily powers; in these senses, all men are not equal. Such an equality would be inconsistent with the whole economy of nature.
Haitian Declaration(s) of Independence (1803, 1804)
LIBERTY OR DEATH!—
Venezuelan Act of Independence (1824)
And that this, our solemn Declaration, may be held valid, firm, and durable, we hereby mutually bind each Province to the other, and pledge our lives, fortunes, and the sacred tie of our national honour.
Mecklenburg Declaration (c. 1775 / 1819)
Resolved, That we the citizens of Mecklenburg County, do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the Mother Country, and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown, and abjure all political connection, contract or association with that Nation, who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties.
John Quincy Adams, July Fourth Address in Congress (1821)
Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence, has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, final letters (1824)
Daniel Webster, Address at Faneuil Hall, Boston (1826)
[As John Adams] Sir, before God, I believe the hour is come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off, as I begun, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment; independence, now; and INDEPENDENCE FOREVER.