We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in
General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by
Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and
declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought 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; […]
Source: The Declaration of Independence
I understand "and of Right" as "and of course". Am I on the right track?
Best Answer
The "right" here means a statute of law or morality, as in 'human rights'.
In this context, it means that the colonies had the right to be free.
A more modern way to say it would be "and by right ought to be", but this is from an old document.