Agreeable to the order of the day, the Congress resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into their farther consideration, the declaration; and, after some time, the president resumed the chair. Mr. [Benjamin] Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole Congress have agreed to a Declaration, which he delivered in.

The Declaration being again read, was agreed to as follows:

[Here is inserted the complete text of the Declaration of Independence]

The foregoing declaration was, by order of Congress, engrossed...

Ordered, That the declaration be authenticated and printed.²

That the committee appointed to prepare the declaration, superintend and correct the press.

That copies of the declaration be sent to the several assemblies, conventions and committees, or councils of safety, and to the several commanding officers of the continental troops; that it be proclaimed in each of the United States, and at the head of the army.

Ordered, That Mr. [Robert] Morris and Mr. [Joseph] Hewes determine the hire of Mr. [Charles] Walker's vessel, which was employed by Commodore Hopkins in the service of the continent.3