Facilitator Prep Sheet: "Lee's Resolutions"

--Who is writing?
Richard Henry Lee is writing.

--Who is the audience?
This declaration is a proposition to the Continental Congress; therefore, the audience is the Continental Congress.

--Who do the writers represent?
Richard Henry Lee represents himself and all other colonists who agree with him in declaring independence.

--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
There are two primary requests. One, by proposing a declaration of independence he is requesting that the colonies declare themselves independent of Great Britain. Two, upon presenting his written document, Richard Henry Lee is requesting that his declaration of independence be approved and put into effect.

Two secondary requests:
In addition to proposing a declaration of independence, Richard is proposing that it is expedient and advantageous to gain foreign allies. Also, he proposes that a plan of confederation or unison be issued to all the colonies for their approbation.

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
Other than being a proposition in itself, Richard’s writing is very official and assertive, being that it is a declaration.

--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
The only justification used in the text is Richard’s repetition of the phrase, “of right ought to be,” meaning that the colonists already possess the right to declare independence, and therefore already ought to have it (already ought to be independent). In other words, the fact they already have these rights justifies their action of enforcing them.