Richard Vaux to ——— (unpublished)
[July 26, 1782]

I do acknowledge the thirteen United States of America, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, to be free, Independent and Sovereign States; and declare that the People thereof owe no Allegiance to George the third King of Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any Allegiance or Obedience to him. And I Solemize sincerely and trully Affirm and declare that I will to the utmost of my Power support, maintain and defend the said United States, against the said George the third, King of Great Britain, and his Heirs and Successors, and his and their abbettors, assistants and Adherents.

Rich: Vaux

Affirmed before me at Passy this 26th Day of July 1782

B Franklin

Endorsed: R. Vaux’s Oath
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