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Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
A Declaration…Setting Forth the Causes and Necessity [of] Taking up Arms
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

A Declaration…Setting Forth the Causes and Necessity [of] Taking up Arms

Artifact IDTL 2026.1.36
Object Type Document
Date 1775
Author (American, 1732 - 1808)
Printer (American, 1721 - 1791)
Place MadePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Medium pamphlet
DimensionsOverall W 10 3/8 in x D 8 1/4 in (26.4 cm x 21 cm )
Physical DescriptionJohn Dickinson's A Declaration . . . Setting Forth the Causes and Necessity [of] Taking up Arms
(Philadelphia: Bradford, 1775).



Historical NoteDrafted in July 1775 and adopted by the Second Continental Congress in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall, the Declaration of the Causes of and Necessity of Taking Up Arms articulated the reasons why the colonies felt compelled to take up arms. The declaration was an early, yet crucial, step on the road to independence and helped lay the groundwork for the eventual formation of the United States.
Dickinson served as one of Delaware’s delegates to both the First and Second Continental Congresses.
Additional Details
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.
In Collection(s)
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Not on view