Declaration of Independence: What's Up With the Closing Lines?

    Declaration of Independence: What's Up With the Closing Lines?

      We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. (46-47)

      The closing paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is probably the driest, because it's the business part where he actually gets around to, you know, declaring independence.

      In a couple of sentences, Jefferson says that all ties with Britain are gone, the United States is independent, and it can do all the things that free countries can do.

      The sentences are long and kind of wordy, as most official government documents are, because he has to be sure that the statement covers all bases, and doesn't leave any loopholes or room for doubt. It's 18th century legalese.

      Jefferson does throw some elegance in at the final line, where he says, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" (47). Not only is this a nicer way to end than a list of "all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do" (46), but it gives a sense of camaraderie and unity that is not only inspirational, but again justifies the nation's bid for independence by portraying it as a real, united country.