Chapter XXV
Congress of 1776: Proceedings preliminary to, and adoption of the Declaration of
Independence; a copy of the Declaration itself. 479-491
Meeting of Congress at Philadelphia, the 12th of May, 1776; state of the Colonies 479
Formidable preparations in England; effect of them upon the Colonies different from that expected in
England 479
The thirteen Colonies a unit for the defence of their constitutional rights and liberties 479
Separation from England not even yet contemplated; though resisting the King they were loyal to the
constitution and liberties of the Kingdom, as were the Barons at Runnymede when they resisted
King John to maintain constitutional rights; the words of Washington and the New York
Provincial Congress (in a note) 480
The question of questions with the Congress; one Republican, but the others professedly Monarchists;
Samuel Adams, his character and writings 481
Independence first moved in Congress, May, 1776; how manipulated and promoted; not the
spontaneous uprising of the people 482
Agitation to prepare the minds of the people for independence 482
The writings of Tom Paine the chief instrument of creating hatred to monarchy and a desire for
independence (in a note) 483
Congress itself divided on the question of independence; what Provinces opposed to or not
prepared for independence 483
Resolution for independence; long debates; postponed for three weeks, by a vote of seven to
five Colonies 484
Committee to prepare a Declaration appointed 485
Agitation to promote independence 485
Three days’ debates on the question of independence 485
Decision to vote by Colonies, and that the decision on each question should be reported to the
world as unanimous, whatever might be the votes in Congress 486
On the question of independence, six Colonies were in the affirmative and six in the negative;
how Pennsylvania was brought over to vote for independence, by one of its members being
induced to absent himself; and how the votes of other Colonies were obtained for the affirmative
(in a note) 486
The Declaration of Independence reported, discussed, amended, and adopted, but not unanimously,
though so reported (in a note) 487
Remarks on the voting of Congress on the Declaration of Independence 487
Copy of the Declaration of Independence 488