8 July 1776  Philadelphia:  Carrying copies of the Declaration of Independence from John Dunlap’s printshop (200 at last count) couriers are galloping to towns and cities in every colony with glorious news from the Continental Congress.   Since Great Britain has not “secured our Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” the American people are claiming their right to break away.

Colonel John Nixon read the Declaration in Philadelphia.  Amidst the cheers and gun salutes the State House Bell tolled the good news.  All of the colonies will also soon enjoy copies of the Declaration; it will be posted on Liberty Trees and read aloud on street corners.  Let the illuminations begin.