(Shouts of "Three cheers for Massachusetts, and long live Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Down with the tyrant king of England!")
Secretary Thomson. Rhode Island!
Stephen Hopkins. Mr. President:—Rhode Island is a small colony. She is represented in this Congress by only two delegates. But all that we are and all we hope to be we are ready here and now to give for Independence. Rhode Island votes aye.
(Shouts of "Three cheers for brave Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins, and William Ellery.")
Secretary Thomson. Connecticut!
Roger Sherman. Mr. President and Gentlemen:—I have already addressed you at some length in favor of this Declaration. It becomes my happy duty now to cast the unanimous vote of the four delegates from Connecticut for independence. Connecticut votes aye.
(Shouts of "Long live Roger Sherman! Three cheers for Connecticut.")
Secretary Thomson. New York!
William Floyd. Mr. President and Gentlemen:—The instructions against independence for the delegates from New York have never been recalled. We, therefore, request the privilege to refrain from voting on this question. We regret the situation, gentlemen!