They wanted to show the King what they were going to do. This was actually intended to gain other countries help in the Revolution. The Declaration of Independence is directed to the other countries bordering Great Britain, the colonist wanted to get as much help as they could to defeat the British and gain independence. They wanted to show the other countries and powers what was going on in the colonies, and also to promote other colonies under the British or any other power to rebel if they feel their right was stripped away.