Page 121 - JM Book 9/2020

Friday, August 2, 1776
“Gentlemen!” President Hancock said as he tapped the gavel two times on his desk.
“It is time to begin. I call the August second, seventeen-seventy-six session of the Second Continental Congress to order.” He waited for the talking to stop. “Gentlemen,” he said in a louder voice, “please take your seats ... let us have silence. We have
important business to transact this morning.” The room became quiet. “Thank you. Today is the day we set aside to sign our Declaration of Independence. I think everyone has seen the document that Timothy Matlack prepared.” Hancock held up the 241⁄4-inch by 293⁄4-inch sheet of parchment in
both hands for everyone to see.
“If everyone is ready, I will sign my name first.” He dipped the quill pen
into the ink well and signed his name in large letters in the middle of the page underneath the text. “There, I guess King George will be able to read that,” he jokingly announced. “Now it is your turn. I do not want my name to be the only one. I already have a reward of 500 pounds on my head.”
Some chuckles rippled through the room even though they knew the seriousness of their task.
At Hancock’s direction, Secretary Thomson stood and began to call the roll. The delegates from the New England colonies were called first – New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
William Ellery of Rhode Island walked to Hancock’s table. “Mr. Hancock,” he began, “I would like to stand here and watch each man sign the Declaration.”
Hancock had a puzzled look on his face but gave his approval.
Secretary Thomson calmly stood and called out the first name, “Dr. Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire.”
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