SELLERS: Misinterpreting the Path to Independence

The Olive Branch Petition: A Precursor to Independence Before the Declaration of Independence, there was the Olive Branch Petition. Written 250 years ago on July 5, this document marked Thomas Jefferson’s first attempt to address King George III, explaining the American colonies’ rebellion while seeking reconciliation. At that time, Jefferson had been dismissed nearly three […]

Justice Will Sellers: Misinterpreting the path to Independence

Before the Declaration of Independence, there was the Olive Branch Petition. Today marks 250 years since Thomas Jefferson made his first effort to explain the American colonies’ grievances to King George III, seeking reconciliation as tensions escalated. He had been dismissed three months earlier amidst rising unrest, and the recent Battle of Bunker Hill had […]