JOSEPH HEWES. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--We have had a hard struggle in North Carolina between aristocracy on one hand and democracy on the other. But at last the people have won and North Carolina votes _aye_.
(_Shouts of "Three cheers for North Carolina!_")
[Illustration: From the painting by Trumbull
EDWARD RUTLEDGE. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--When Richard Henry Lee's resolution declaring for independence was first introduced I was opposed to its adoption _at that time_. I feared that the people of my colony were not then ready for it. I thought also that for the general welfare of all the colonies it was then too early to declare for independence. The contest in South Carolina for independence has been as bitter among her own people as it has been in any of the other colonies. But opinions alter and conditions change with the passing of time. Therefore, South Carolina now has a solid delegation here ready to walk through the fiery furnace of war, though it be seventy times heated, to make this Declaration good. South Carolina votes _aye_.
(_Shouts of "Three cheers for South Carolina and Edward Rutledge!"_)
LYMAN HALL. Mr. President and Gentlemen:--Georgia is here with three delegates who stand as one man for independence. Though last on the roll of states on this question she will be among the first in her efforts for American independence. Georgia votes _aye_.
(_Shouts of "Three cheers for Georgia!"_)
PRESIDENT HANCOCK. Gentlemen of the Continental Congress:--Twelve of the thirteen colonies having voted for the Declaration of Independence, and with no colony going on record against it, I consider our action unanimous for I am confident that the New York Assembly[18] will give her delegation instructions to sign this document in the near future.
JOHN ADAMS. Mr. President, I move that this Congress do now adjourn.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Mr. President, I second the motion.
PRESIDENT HANCOCK. Gentlemen of the Continental Congress, it has been moved by Mr. Adams of Massachusetts and seconded by Mr. Franklin of Pennsylvania that we do now adjourn. As many as favor this motion make known by saying _aye_.
The motion to adjourn has been carried unanimously and this Congress is therefore adjourned.