> The formality and skill of the engrossed copy strengthened the persuasiveness of the Declaration by distancing its arguments from any individual. The document

> The formality and skill of the engrossed copy strengthened the persuasiveness of the Declaration by distancing its arguments from any individual. The document [also] helped protect the identities of the signers — the names were kept secret until 1777 This is a fascinating aside that I'd never considered before (and I did not know that the signatories were kept secret for some time). Thanks for the link. I wonder if keeping the signatories secret was done to temporarily give the appearance of unanimity, since some congressmen refused to sign.