Scene I.—Meeting of the Committee of Five. Livingston absent.
Benjamin Franklin. Gentlemen of the Committee, I move that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams be appointed as a sub-committee of this Committee of Five to draft the Declaration ordered by the Continental Congress.
Roger Sherman. I second the motion.
Benjamin Franklin. Gentlemen, you have heard the motion. As many as favor the same make it known by saying "aye."
(Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Adams are silent while Mr. Sherman and Mr. Franklin vote aye.)
The ayes seem to have it, the ayes have it, and Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Adams are elected.
John Adams. Gentlemen, it seems to me you have taken snap judgment on Mr. Jefferson and myself.
Thomas Jefferson. Yes, gentlemen, you have.
Benjamin Franklin. The committee has so ordered and as Congress itself gave Mr. Jefferson the highest number of votes and Mr. Adams the next highest number in the selection of this committee, I am sure that Congress will be highly pleased at our having selected you for this great work. We also feel that we should congratulate ourselves upon the choice we have made.
John Adams. Thank you, gentlemen, for the compliment.