country. But with faith in the
people and in God to carry our cause through to a glorious victory, the
delegates from Massachusetts stand as one man for Independence.
Massachusetts, therefore, votes _aye_.

(_Shouts of "Three cheers for Massachusetts, and long live Samuel
Adams and John Hancock. Down with the tyrant king of England!"_)

SECRETARY THOMSON. Rhode Island!

STEPHEN HOPKINS. Mr. President:--Rhode Island is a small colony. She is
represented in this Congress by only two delegates. But all that we are
and all we hope to be we are ready here and now to give for
Independence. Rhode Island votes _aye_.

(_Shouts of "Three cheers for brave Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins,
and William Ellery."_)

SECRETARY THOMSON. Connecticut!

ROGER SHERMAN. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--I have already addressed
you at some length in favor of this Declaration. It becomes my happy
duty now to cast the unanimous vote of the four delegates from
Connecticut for independence. Connecticut votes _aye_.

(_Shouts of "Long live Roger Sherman! Three cheers for
Connecticut."_)

_Secretary Thomson._ New York!

WILLIAM FLOYD. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--The instructions against
independence for the delegates from New York have never been recalled.
We, therefore, request the privilege to refrain from voting on this
question. We regret the situation, gentlemen!

PRESIDENT HANCOCK. New York is excused from voting on this question.

SECRETARY THOMSON. New Jersey!

RICHARD STOCKTON. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--I am happy to say that
New Jersey has given her five delegates in this Congress instructions to
vote for independence. New Jersey, therefore, votes _aye_.

(_Shouts of "Three cheers for New Jersey."_)

SECRETARY THOMSON. Pennsylvania!

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--From the beginning of
this Congress the delegates from Pennsylvania have labored under
instructions against independence. But during the past three months the
friends of independence in this commonwealth have worked in season and
out of season to have these instructions canceled and permission given
us to vote for independence. At a mass meeting in Philadelphia on June
18, presided over by that distinguished and influential radical, Colonel
Daniel Roberdeau, and attended by over 7,000 citizens from all sections
of the state, a public sentiment was created and started that resulted
in the overthrow of the o