DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Though Thomas Jefferson is known as the author of the Declaration of Independence, it was put together by a committee appointed by the Continental Congress which included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman.  Jefferson wrote the first draft and the others made changes including shortening it.  In the end, Livingston refused to sign it because he didn't think the country was ready for independence. 

The Continental Congress formally declared independence on July 2, 1776.  The final text of the Declaration was approved on July 4th and the document was signed on August 2, 1776. 

:-)