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At the Second Continental Congress of May 1775, some of the Delegates were deeply divided on agreeing upon the best way to achieve more freedom from Great Britain. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee favored Independence from Great Britain. Others, who are now called the moderate party, favored seeking a compromise with the Mother Country.
Written in 1775, the Olive Branch Petition was the American moderates' last attempt to prevent furthur bloodshed in the Revolutionary War. It was written by John Dickinson, the leader of the moderate party. The document expressed loyalty to The King begging him for a cease fire until an agreement could be reached.
In November of 1775, the colonists found out that George III had dismissed the petition and decided to continue fighting. In June 1776 the Congress appointed a committee to formulate what is now known as the Declaration of Independence.