On this Day: The Second Continental Congress moves closer to a declaration of independence

The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

With John Adams playing a key role, the Second Continental Congress moves closer to independence, adopting resolutions authorizing privateers to attack British ships.

This declaration of war allows colonists to arm vessels against British interests and signals a shift toward sovereignty. 

From John Adams’s autobiography:

Saturday March 23. 1776. The Congress resumed the Consideration of the Declaration, which was agreed to as follows.

Whereas the Petitions of the United Colonies to the King, for the redress of great and manifold grievances, have not only been rejected, but treated with Scorn and contempt, and the Opposition to designs evidently formed to reduce them to servile Submission,