John Adams on signing The Declaration of Independence

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that prosperity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.” John Adams July 3, 1776, the day before signing the Declaration of Independence.

Once they signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, they were guilty of treason. Punishable by death.