By signing the Declaration of Independence the fifty-six Americans pledged their lives their fortunes and their sacred honor.
It was no idle pledge—-
Nine signers died of wounds during the Revolutionary War. Five were captured or imprisoned. Wives and children were killed, jailed, mistreated of left penniless.
Twelve signers’ houses were burned to the ground.
Seventeen lost everything they owned.
No signer defected – their honor live their nation remained intact.