The German (and German native language speakers) immigration to the United States was substantial in a number of eastern areas. Pennsylvania seemed to attract Germans. These were mostly Lutherans and German Reformed.By 1779, it is reported that one-third of the population of the state was German and probably was close to that in the preceding years. Thus it makes sense that the Declaration of Independence was also published in German. Still it is doubtful that German had a chance at becoming the "official" language. See http://www.loc.gov/rr/european/imde/germchro.html Gloria Ishida Domaine de Curé Luxury Gîtes (vacation apartments) in centuries old farmhouse near Carcassonne, France Jean-Noël Ishida and Agathe Moréchand-Ishida http://www.domaine-cure.com/