Page 123 - JM Book 9/2020

Everyone understood the risk they were taking. They knew the penalty for treason against the British crown was hanging. Their signatures were confirming the last sentence in the Declaration:
“And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”
Later, when Caesar Rodney’s name was called, John Hancock took the Declaration from Thomson and carried it to the Delaware table. Thomson followed with the quill pen and ink well. Hancock placed the Declaration in front of Rodney, dipped the pen in the ink well and handed it to him. Rodney accepted the pen and thanked Hancock and Thomson. Slowly, he held the Declaration with his left hand and proudly signed his name.
Hancock leaned over and shook Rodney’s hand before returning to the president’s chair.
Only five colonies remained – Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
The first southerner to sign was Samuel Chase of Maryland. He was an ardent patriot, who had aggressively worked for independence for many long years. Charles Carroll, William Paca and Thomas Stone were the other Maryland signers.
After Virginia’s George Wythe and Richard Henry Lee had signed, Thomas Jefferson’s name was called.
Realizing the importance of the day, Jefferson decided to wear one of his best suits. He wore a black coat, copper-colored waistcoat and knee breeches.
After Thomson called Jefferson’s name, he rose from his chair, adjusted his coat and waistcoat and swiftly walked to the front of the room. Hancock handed him the quill pen. Jefferson dipped the pen into the ink well and let the excess ink drop back into the well. He looked up at Hancock and smiled. Then, he signed “Th Jefferson” in large letters. He laid the pen on the desk, turned and walked back
to his chair by the window.
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