1. Definitions and Scope.

2. Standards of Practice

2.1. Roof
2.2. Exterior
2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
2.4. Heating
2.5. Cooling
2.6. Plumbing
2.7. Electrical
2.8. Fireplace
2.9. Attic & Insulation
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

4. Glossary of Terms

1. Definitions and Scope

1.1. A Home Inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling.  Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

I. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.

II. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

 

III. A home inspection can include a survey and/or analysis of energy flows and usage in a residential property if the client requests it.

1.2. A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property, or any portion of it, that would have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

1.3. An Inspection Report shall describe and identify, in written format, the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling, and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

2. Standards of Practice

2.1. Roof

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

A. the roof covering;
B. the gutters;
C. the downspouts;
D. the vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof
    penetrations; and 
E. the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. walk on any pitched roof surface.
B. predict the service life expectancy.
C. inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.

E. move insulation.
F. inspect antennae, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.

G. walk on any roof areas that appear, in the opinion of the inspector, to be unsafe.

H. walk on any roof areas if it might, in the opinion of the inspector, cause damage. 

I. perform a water test.

J. warrant or certify the roof.

K. confirm proper fastening.

2.2. Exterior

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the siding, flashing and trim;
B. all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias;

C. and report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter;

D. a representative number of windows;
E. the vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure;
F. and describe the exterior wall covering.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.
D. inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
E. inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. inspect for safety-type glass.
H. inspect underground utilities.
I.  inspect underground items.
J.  inspect wells or springs.
K. inspect solar, wind, or geothermal systems.
L.  inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. inspect septic systems or cesspools. 
N. inspect sprinkler systems.
O. inspect drain fields or drywells.
P. determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.

Q. inspect any damaged glass.

2.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the basement;
B. the foundation;
C. the crawlspace;
D. the visible structural components;

E. and report on the location of under-floor access openings;
F. and report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector; 

G. for wood in contact or near soil;

H. and report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as, but not limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor slopes;

I.  and report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.
B. move stored items or debris.
C. operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. identify size, spacing, span, location or determine adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
E. provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

2.4. Heating

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the heating systems using normal operating controls, an describe the energy source and heating method;
B. and report as in need of repair heating systems which do not operate;
C. and report if the heating systems are deemed inaccessible.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh air intakes, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems or solar heating systems.
B. inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
C. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
D. light or ignite pilot flames.
E. activate heating, heat pump systems or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
F. override electronic thermostats.
G. evaluate fuel quality.

H. verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.

2.5. Cooling

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
B. inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation, or may damage the equipment.
D. inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks.
E. examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.

2.6. Plumbing

I. The inspector shall:

A. inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private;

B. verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shut-off valve;
C. inspect the water heating equipment, including venting, connections, energy source supply system, and seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves;
D. flush toilets;
E. water-test sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
F. inspect the interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets;
G. inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures;
H. describe any visible fuel storage systems;
I.  inspect the drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats;
J.  inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves;
K. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
L. inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets;
M. inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs; and
N. inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. light or ignite pilot flames.
B. determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems or fire sprinkler systems.
D. determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
E. determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
F. open sealed plumbing access panels.
G. inspect clothes washing machines or their connections.
H. operate any main, branch or fixture valve.

I.  test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
K. determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
L. determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
M. evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.

N. inspect any underground or concealed fuel supply systems. 
O. inspect any private sewage waste disposal system or component thereof.
P. inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
Q. inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps or bladder tanks.

R. evaluate wait-time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.

S. evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.

T. test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves and/or temperature or pressure relief valves.

U. examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar water heating, hot water circulation.

V. determine the existence or condition of polybutylene plumbing.

2.7. Electrical

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the service drop/lateral;
B. the meter socket enclosures;
C. the means for disconnecting the service main;
D. and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled;
E. panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses);

F. and report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled;
G. the service grounding and bonding;
H. a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using the AFCI test button, where possible;

I. and test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible;

J. and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible;
K. and report on any tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall; 
L. the service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation;
M. and report the absence of smoke detectors; and 
N. service entrance cables, and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
B. operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead front covers, if they are not readily accessible.
D. operate or reset overcurrent protection devices or overload devices.
E. operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.

G. inspect the fire or alarm system and components.
H. inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized. 
J. inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
K. verify the service ground.
L. inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
M. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.

N. inspect or test de-icing equipment.
O. conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. determine the accuracy of labeling.

Q. inspect exterior accent lighting. 

2.8. Fireplace

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the fireplace, and open and close the damper door, if readily accessible and operable;
B. hearth extensions and other permanently installed components;
C. and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including fireplace opening clearance from visible combustible materials.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect the flue or vent system.
B. inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.
C. determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. light pilot flames.
F. determine the appropriateness of any installation.
G. inspect automatic fuel-feed devices.
H. inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
I.  inspect heat distribution assists, whether gravity controlled or fan-assisted.
J.  ignite or extinguish fires.
K. determine adequacy of draft or draft characteristics.
L. move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. perform a smoke test.

N. dismantle or remove any component.

O. perform a National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)-style inspection.

P.  perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.

2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the insulation in unfinished spaces;
B. the ventilation of attic spaces;
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
D. and report on the general absence or lack of insulation in
    unfinished spaces.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector, in his or her opinion.
B. to move, touch, or disturb insulation.
C. to move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. identify the composition or exact R-value of insulation material.
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers and wiring.

H. determine the adequacy of ventilation.

2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior

I. The inspector shall:

A. open and close a representative number of doors and windows;
B. inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings;

C. and report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter;
D. inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available), and then by the installed automatic door control;
E. and report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door;
F. and report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use;
G. and report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. inspect central vacuum systems.
C. inspect safety glazing.
D. inspect security systems or components.
E. evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures. 
F. move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. move drop-ceiling tiles.
H. inspect or move any household appliances.
I.  inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
J.  verify or certify safe operation of any auto-reverse or related safety function of a garage door.
K. operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their compliance with local, state or federal standards.
L. operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
M. operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.
N. inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
O. operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.
P. inspect elevators.
Q. inspect remote controls.
R. inspect appliances.
S. inspect items not permanently installed.

T. discover firewall compromises. 
U. examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise non-permanently installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.
V. come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.
W. determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
X.  determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

 

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

3.1. Limitations:

I.     An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
II.    An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III.   An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be 
       deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
IV.   An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
V.    An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.

VI.   An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
VII.  An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
VIII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
IX.   An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
X.    These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer
       dwelling units.

3.2. Exclusions:

I. The inspectors are not required to determine:

A. property boundary lines or encroachments.
B. the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. the service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. the size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system.
E. the cause or reason of any condition.
F. the cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. future conditions.
H. compliance with codes or regulations.
I. the presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. the presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. the presence of air-borne hazards.
L. the presence of birds.
M. the presence of other flora or fauna.
N. the air quality.
O. the existence of asbestos.
P. the existence of environmental hazards.
Q. the existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. the presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. any hazardous waste conditions.
T. any manufacturer’s recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes.
U. operating costs of systems.
V. replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. the acoustical properties of any systems.
X. estimates of the cost to operating any given system.

II. The inspectors are not required to operate:

A. any system that is shut down.
B. any system that does not function properly.
C. or evaluate low-voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to: 
      1. phone lines; 
      2. cable lines; 
      3. antennae;  
      4. lights; or 
      5. remote controls.
D. any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E. any shut-off valves or manual stop valves.
F. any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
G. any alarm systems.
H. moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.

III. The inspectors are not required to:

A. move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
      1. throw rugs; 
      2. furniture;
      3. floor or wall coverings; 
      4. ceiling tiles; 
      5. window coverings; 
      6. equipment; 
      7. plants; 
      8. ice; 
      9. debris; 
      10. snow; 
      11. water; 
      12. dirt; 
      13. foliage; or 
      14. pets.

B. dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
C. enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, be unsafe.
D. enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used.
F. do anything which, in the inspector’s opinion, is likely to be unsafe or dangerous to the inspector or others, or damage property, such as, but not limited to: walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces, or negotiating with pets.
G. inspect decorative items.
H. inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I.  inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled security devices, or lawn irrigation systems.
J.  offer guarantees or warranties.
K. offer or perform any engineering services.
L. offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection.
M. research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
N. determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements.
O. determine the insurability of a property.

P. perform or offer Phase 1 environmental audits.

Q. inspect on any system or component which is not included in these standards.

 

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.