^Aitken, R. (1777). "I". Journals of Congress. Philadelphia. pp. 143–8. A Declaration by the Reprensentatives of the United Colonies of North-America, now met in Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms.
^ abNCC Staff (September 9, 2019). "On this day, the name 'United States of America' becomes official". National Constitution Center. National Constitution Center. Archived from the original on 2017-09-09. Retrieved September 9, 2017. That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words 'United Colonies' have been used, the stile be altered for the future to the 'United States.'
^"Lee Resolution presented to Continental Congress". HISTORY. July 27, 2019. Archived from the original on March 31, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2019. 'That these United Colonies are, and of right out 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; that measures should be immediately taken for procuring the assistance of foreign powers, and a Confederation be formed to bind the colonies more closely together.'
^Smith, Michael Lane (September 10, 2015). "The United States Was Called The United Colonies Until Sept. 9, 1776". Task and Purpose. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, 'United Colonies,' have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States.
^"Founders Online: [Monday September 9, 1776.]". founders.archives.gov. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, 'United Colonies,' have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States.
^"John Adams autobiography, part 1, "John Adams," through 1776". February 27, 2014. Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Resolved, that in all Continental Commissions, and other Instruments where heretofore the Words, 'United Colonies,' have been used, the Stile be altered for the future to the United States.