In a remarkable discovery, a retired insurance executive named Michael Scurr stumbled upon a previously unknown early copy of the United States' Declaration of Independence while volunteering at Britain’s National Archives. The document, identified as one of just 11 original copies known to exist, was found attached to a report on the capture of the American privateer Dalton in December 1776. This version, printed in Exeter, New Hampshire between July 16 and 19, 1776, is significant not only for its age but also because it was captured from a ship under the Continental Congress, providing an intriguing insight into the early days of the American Revolution. The Dalton's captain would likely have read out his orders and the declaration itself on board, underscoring the importance of this document in galvanizing the crew's resolve during wartime. This discovery offers a tangible connection to the past, transporting us back to 1776, and serves as a reminder that there is still much for historians to uncover about the American Revolution.