Second Continental Congress

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, following the instructions of the Virginia Convention adopted on May 15, introduced the following Independence Resolution to the Second Continental Congress:Resolved,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.That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation. John Adams seconded the resolution. After debate on Friday, June 8 and Monday, June 10, the Congress decided to postpone debate on the motion until July 1, giving time for state delegations to get instructions from their states and “in case the Congress agrees thereto for an appointed” for the appointed committee consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, to prepare a declaration associated with the resolution.On July 1, the debate continued. South Carolina announced that it would vote for independence if their vote was needed to make it unanimous. John Dickinson of Pennsylvania spoke in opposition as he had in the past. John Adams of Massachusetts spoke in favor as he had in the past.At the end of July 1, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware were still undecided. A very large British Army had landed in New York, so the state’s leaders were unable to meet to give final instructions. As a result, New York decided to abstain on the Independence Resolution.The Delaware delegation was split one to one, and the pro-independence delegate, Thomas McKean, sent for the sick, absent, Caesar Rodney, who proceeded to ride 80 miles through a storm during the night to dramatically show up on July 2 in time for the vote.The Pennsylvania delegation persuaded the anti-resolution John Dickinson and Robert Morris (who later became a major financier of the Revolution), to abstain from voting, allowing Pennsylvania to vote for independence.And so, on July 2, twelve colonies voted for the Lee Independence Resolution, with New York abstaining.John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3 about the momentous event. In it he said:“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”Because the wording of the Declaration was approved by vote on July 4, that date became the day we celebrate. But I don’t mind celebrating both days – July 2 and July 4!