News of Declared Independence Reaches the Netherlands

“The zealous Americans, think, on their side, that this hope is not so chimerical”

by Elizabeth F. Gay and Cheves Leland

If you have wondered what the reaction in Europe was to the Declaration of Independence, read on. This is the first of several articles we have found in the Dutch and English papers.

News of the Declaration of Independence was published in Leyden, Netherlands on August 20, 1776. The image provided displays the page from the Gazette de Leyde. The text was translated by HSSC staff.

The declaration of Independence, passed by Congress, & announced by Mr. Howe, is confirmed equally by special news. The Resolution of it took place the 4th of July; & we are assured, that it contains at the same time a formal Declaration of War of the British Colonies against their Mother-Country.

This step (says one of the Letters which speak of it) is the most unwise measure of which the Colonies could decide upon: It has already distanced from their counsel the least passionate Members; it will cause a general desertion in their Armies; it will alienate the affection of those who were already on their side in Great Britain; & if this declaration of Independence is founded with the hope of forming Alliances with several powerful Nations of Europe, the absurdity of this idea will soon be made known. The zealous Americans, for their part, pretend that this hope is not chimerical; but that the Powers, who are interested in the weakening of Great Britain, could not decently work with them until declare themselves free and independent States.

Elsewhere, (they say) to what good, as long as we are strong enough to take care of ourselves, to what good keep some ties, of which the Country will only use to chain us?

Ten days later, on August 30, 1776, the Gazette published the full Declaration of Independence.

Colophon, Gazette de Leyde, August 30, 1776

Etienne Luzac (8 March 1706 – 9 January 1787) was the editor and publisher of the Gazette de Leyde which was founded by a Huguenot in the late 17th c.. Luzac was part of a generational printing family of Huguenot origin.

Gazette de Leyde du August 20, 1776

Number LXVII, Page 4, Column 1-2 (after the break)

“La déclaration de l’Indépendance, faite par le Congrès…”

Gazette de Leyde du August 30, 1776

Number LXX, Page 3

“Voici la Traduction de la Déclaration d’Indépendance…”

Gazette de Leyde du August 30, 1776

Number LXX, Page 4