Behind the Ink: The Declaration of Independence
Meet the people who left their mark on the American Independence
The Declaration (1936) by Barry FaulknerU.S. National Archives
The Declaration of Independence was more than just a formal separation from the British Crown; it was a daring act of rebellion authored, printed, and preserved by a group of courageous individuals.
Oath of Secrecy (Articles of Confederation) Oath of Secrecy (Articles of Confederation) (13 July 1776)U.S. National Archives
While we often think of the document as a static piece of history, its existence relied on the secret late-night labor of printers, the meticulous handwriting of clerks, and the bravery of those who risked everything to put their names to paper, as shown by this signed oath. Let's meet some of the signers...
Declaration of Independence (Dunlap broadside) (7 April - 7 May 1776)U.S. National Archives
John Dunlap
Originally from Ireland, Dunlap owned and ran a printing shop in Philadelphia. His work for the fledgling government often required secrecy. When Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Dunlap immediately began printing it, working late into the night.
Postal riders distributed an estimated 200 copies of the newly printed document across the colonies, where they were posted on buildings and read from state houses. Only 26 copies are known to survive, and one is at the National Archives.
Charles Thomson
Above John Dunlap's name is that of another Irishman, Charles Thomson. As the Secretary of the Continental Congress, he recorded the discussions and decisions of each meeting. His name appears as a witness on the Dunlap Broadside, i.e. the first ever published version of the Declaration, as well as throughout his congressional journals.
The official engrossed handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence is housed in the Rotunda at the National Archives.
Letter from Timothy Matlack to John Jay Letter from Timothy Matlack to John Jay (19 March 1779)U.S. National Archives
Timothy Matlack
On July 19, 1776, a clerk named Timothy Matlack transcribed the Declaration of Independence onto parchment with ink and quill. He penned the Declaration with an elegant English roundhand script, but his typical handwriting can be seen on this letter.
List of Postmasters (1777) by UnknownU.S. National Archives
Mary Katharine Goddard
The Declaration's signatories kept their identities secret for months for fear of British retaliation. Their names appeared for the first time in January 1777 on the second official printing. Listed below them is the printer, Mary Katharine Goddard of Baltimore, the only woman whose name appears on the Declaration.
When Continental Congress briefly resided in Baltimore, the responsibility of printing the Declaration of Independence fell to Goddard as the city's postmaster. Her name appears at the bottom of this list. A supporter of independence, she regularly wrote about the revolution, reporting on battles and advocating for boycotts.
Behind the Ink of the Declaration of Independence is part of Road to Revolution, a series of displays highlighting National Archives records that document the journey from colonial resistance to American independence and the diverse experiences of the nation's founding generation. Road to Revolution is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble.
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