—J. N. Fort.

[Gestures.]

The Unknown Speaker.

It is the Fourth Day of July, 1776.

In the old State-house[1476] in the city of Philadelphia are gathered half a hundred men to strike[1477] from their limbs the shackles of British despotism. There is silence[1478] in the hall—every face is turned toward the door[1479] where the committee of three, who have been out all night penning a parchment, are soon to enter. The door opens, the committee appears.[1480] That tall man[1481] with the sharp features, the bold brow, and the sand-hued hair, holding the parchment in his hand, is a Virginia farmer, Thomas Jefferson. That stout-built man[1482] with stern look and flashing eye, is a Boston man, one John Adams. And that calm-faced man[1483] with hair drooping in thick curls

to his shoulders, that[1484] is the Philadelphia printer, Benjamin Franklin.

The three advance to the table.[1485]

The parchment is laid[1486] there.

Shall it be signed or not? A fierce debate ensues. Jefferson[1487] speaks a few bold words. Adams[1488] pours out his whole soul. The deep-toned voice of Lee[1489] is heard, swelling[1490] in syllables of thunder-like music. But still there is doubt, and one pale-faced man whispers something about “axes,[1491] scaffolds, and gibbet.”