Page 82 - JM Book 9/2020

When the names of the five Pennsylvania delegates were called, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton and James Wilson voted “yea.” Charles Humphreys and Thomas Willing voted “nay.” Thomson recorded a “yea” vote for Pennsylvania.
After everyone had voted, Charles Thomson took a minute to confirm the vote total. He then handed the sheet of paper with the recorded votes to Hancock, who rose from his chair and with a smile on his face said, “The votes of the delegates have been counted. The resolution establishing America’s freedom has been approved by the yea vote of twelve colonies. The delegates from New York abstained.”
In a strong and clear voice he continued, “Gentlemen, we have done the impossible. We have freed the colonies from British rule. We have set America on a new course.”
The large white-paneled room erupted with excitement. The usually reserved and stately delegates jumped to their feet and began shaking hands, pounding each other on the back and exchanging words of congratulation.
Like many delegates, Jefferson walked across the room to express his appreciation to John Adams, who was surrounded by his colleagues.
“Congratulations, John,” he said when his opportunity came to speak. They shook hands while Jefferson spoke: “Your years of hard work have been rewarded. With the adoption of this resolution, our new country was born this day. I thank you on behalf of the free people of Virginia.”
This celebration continued for several minutes until Hancock gaveled the Congress back into session. When order was restored, he yielded the chair to Benjamin Harrison to begin consideration of the declaration of independence.
Harrison instructed Secretary Thomson to read the declaration. Thomson picked up the declaration and began to read.
“When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
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