And that's why New York abstained from the vote for independence on July 2. The legislature had failed to authorize them and then it got attacked by the British. The vote was 12-0. New York approved the declaration proforma about 10 days later so they'd get to sign it in August.
Today's vote, July 1, was whether the declaration could advance from committee, and was only 9-2. The overnight miracle was that John Dickinson and Robert Morris of Pennsylvania changed their no votes to abstentions after hearing an earful from John Adams; AND Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who had voted no, persuaded the 4-man delegation to vote yes due to unanimity; AND Caesar Rodney showed up overnight to break the Delaware tie.
And that's why New York abstained from the vote for independence on July 2. The legislature had failed to authorize them and then it got attacked by the British. The vote was 12-0. New York approved the declaration proforma about 10 days later so they'd get to sign it in August.
Today's vote, July 1, was whether the declaration could advance from committee, and was only 9-2. The overnight miracle was that John Dickinson and Robert Morris of Pennsylvania changed their no votes to abstentions after hearing an earful from John Adams; AND Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, who had voted no, persuaded the 4-man delegation to vote yes due to unanimity; AND Caesar Rodney showed up overnight to break the Delaware tie.
Thank YOU for making history come alive SR! 👏