<P> Among the changes was the simplification of the phrase Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, which Jefferson had phrased "preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness". This was a return to wording closer to John Locke's original description of private property as a natural right, in the phrase "life, liberty, and estate". </P> <P> On June 28, 1776, the committee presented this copy to the "Committee of the Whole" Congress, which was commemorated by one of the most famous paintings in US history (shown). The title of the document was "A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled ." </P> <P> Although not officially noted, the estimated time was 18: 26 LMT (6: 26pm local) for the recording of this historic vote . The Congress then heard the report of the Committee of the Whole and declared the sovereign status of the United Colonies the following day, during the afternoon of July 2 . The Committee of the Whole then turned to the Declaration, and it was given a second reading before adjournment . </P> <P> On Wednesday, July 3, the Committee of the Whole gave the Declaration a third reading and commenced scrutiny of the precise wording of the proposed text . Two passages in the Committee of Five's draft were rejected by the Committee of the Whole . One was a critical reference to the English people and the other was a denunciation of the slave trade and of slavery itself . The text of the Declaration was otherwise accepted without any other major changes . </P>

Which member of the committee of five refused to sign the declaration of independence