“Gum On Shoe” The Recruitment of Writers for the Declaration of Independence: A Unique Perspective

If you are a recruiter today, have you asked yourself, where any of my descendants a recruiter back in time? Did recruiters exist as far back as the 1700’s? The Declaration of Independence is an important document in American history that symbolizes freedom and democracy. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s important to look back and examine the recruitment efforts that went into creating this document. Did our forefathers need to recruit people to write the Declaration of Independence? If so, who did they recruit and how did they sell them on this being the right thing to do???The founding of America bears witness to a remarkable history of struggle, insurrection, and civil unrest. It’s very inception is marked by armed conflict, tyranny, and a desire for independence. However, what was left unrecognized was the role of the writers on the Declaration of Independence and the recruitment process behind acquiring them. These writers played a pivotal role in molding the identity and shaping the course of American history. This article focuses on the recruitment process undertaken by the founding fathers to recruit writers for the Declaration of Independence, who they recruited, and how they convinced them to participate in shaping America's future.

During the early stages of the American Revolution, the founding fathers realized the need for a document that would articulate their grievances, a case for independence, and their beliefs as a new nation. When Benjamin Franklin first proposed the idea of writing the Declaration of Independence, recruiting talented writers was crucial for this document's success. The recruitment process for writers was not a mere contractual agreement, but it constituted a passionate pursuit that sought to achieve the greater good.

Aside from the principal author, Thomas Jefferson, there were several other writers recruited who contributed to the Declaration of Independence's composition. One of the first people they recruited was Timothy Matlack, a clerk in the Pennsylvania State House who was known for his beautiful penmanship. They chose him to be the official scribe of the Declaration, and without his beautiful penmanship, the document may not have been received with the same level of respect and admiration. Another key person that was recruited to assist in the writing of the Declaration was John Dunlap, a printer with a shop close to Independence Hall. The committee tasked him with printing the first copies of the Declaration for distribution. Dunlap ultimately created 200 copies, which were distributed to members of Congress, important leaders of the time, and even foreign governments. This helped to spread the message and bring more people into the fold. Others included Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Notably, Benjamin Franklin was already established at the period as a writer of great renown, and his involvement with the document guaranteed its credibility among the public.

To sell these writers to work on the document, the founding fathers presented the significance of perpetuating the rights and freedoms of the American people. The founding fathers presented the urgency of articulating their vision in writing, which would serve as a reference point for American citizens' rights for generations to come. They created a sense of nostalgia, reminding writers of their duty to future generations to come to preserve their rights. In essence, the founding fathers appealed to the writers' sense of nationalism and patriotism.

The recruitment of writers for the Declaration of Independence was monumental, as the authors contributed to creating a national identity for the new American nation. It went beyond just putting pen to paper. The writers established a narrative that would define America's past, capture its present, and influence its future. In essence, the Declaration of Independence outlined the fundamental values, beliefs, and principles upon which America was to be constructed. The recruitment efforts also extended beyond the draft committee. They needed support from the colonies to rally behind the idea of independence, which I wasn't aware of.

Recruiting writers to pen the Declaration of Independence was not just a matter of assembling a group of individuals with the necessary writing skills. It represented an opportunity to establish an identity that would carry the weight of America's future. The recruitment process was built on a foundation of awareness of the greater good and appeal to patriotism, inspiring writers to think beyond their self-interest and strive for a common ideal.

When it came time to sign the Declaration, those who signed it risked everything. They knew the potential consequences, including financial ruin, imprisonment, and possibly even death. It was a decision not made lightly. The recruitment efforts behind getting people to sign onto this document were monumental. It took passionate speakers, each with their own set of beliefs and values, to get the colonies to come together as one. John Adams, known for his oratorical skills, gave moving speeches to sell the idea of independence to the colonies. These speeches were a tipping point, that led to the colonies pushing harder for a break from British rule.

The Declaration of Independence is a significant document in American history. The recruitment efforts were crucial in ensuring that the Declaration was written, printed, distributed, and ultimately signed. Without the help of those recruited to work on and support the creation of the Declaration, American independence may have never come to fruition.

****Full disclosure: When I came up with this concept for a July 4th?tribute and its relation to recruiting, the research was extensive, and no way to really check for accuracy. So I had to use AI to get the names, titles, and to double/triple check for accuracy, but the rest is mine.******