Page 81 - JM Book 9/2020

The delegates had decided that all thirteen colonies would have to approve the Virginia Resolution before independence could be declared. They realized that a split vote would not be sufficient on a matter of this magnitude. They would all have to vote together and stand together in their quest for independence.
Thomson began the roll call in the north with New Hampshire and moved south to Georgia. Each colony had one vote and the majority vote of that colony’s representatives determined the vote for the colony. When the name of each delegate was announced, the delegate would stand and say either “yea” or “nay.”
Jefferson wanted to keep a record of the votes so he took a clean sheet of paper from his leather case. Using his silver pen, he carefully wrote the name of each delegate and how he voted.
Adams fidgeted in his chair and tapped his fingers on the table during the voting. Franklin sat calmly with his eyes closed and listened to the delegates’ voices. Sam Adams put his hands behind his head and slumped in his chair. John Hancock carefully watched each person cast his vote.
Everyone’s eyes turned to the Delaware table when Thomson said, “Mr. Read.”
George Read stood and without hesitation announced, “I vote nay.”
“Mr. McKean,” announced Thomson.
The second generation Scotsman, slowly stood until he was standing very
erect and in a clear voice said, “Aye, my vote is aye.”
When Caesar Rodney’s name was called, he needed the help of McKean to
be able to stand. It was evident to everyone that Rodney was a sick man and was still tired from his long ride. He used his hands to lean against the table. In a weak but audible voice, he stated, “As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men are in favor of independence, my own judgment concurs with them. I vote for independence.” The exhausted and mud-covered patriot sat down to the applause of his fellow delegates.
Rodney had just cast the deciding vote that gave Delaware’s approval to the Virginia Resolution.
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