Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/429

] these colonies," they added, " has, during the whole course of this fatal controversy, been our first wish; their reconciliation with Great Britain our next. Ardently have we prayed for the accomplishment of both. But, if we must renounce the one or the other, we humbly trust in the mercy of the Supreme Governor of the universe, that we shall not stand condemned before his throne, if our choice is determined by that overruling law of self-preservation, which his divine wisdom has thought fit to implant in the hearts of his creatures." The Assembly were not unanimous in this vote, nor did the vote itself expressly instruct the delegates of that colony to assent to a declaration of independence. It was deemed important, that the sense of the people of Pennsylvania, on this great question, should be taken. For this purpose, a Convention or Conference, consisting of Committees chosen by each county, was called, and met at Philadelphia, on the 24th of June. The members of this meeting passed a resolution, in which, as the representatives of the people of Pennsylvania, they expressed "their willingness to concur in a vote of Congress, declaring the United Colonies free and independent states." They, at the same time, asserted, that this measure did not originate in ambition, or in an impatience of lawful authority, but that they were driven to it, in obedience to the first principles of nature, by the oppressions and cruelties of the king and Parliament, as the only measure left to preserve and establish their liberties, and transmit them inviolate to posterity.

The delegates from Maryland, though personally in favor of the measure, were bound by their instructions. Through their influence, another Convention was held in that colony; and on the 28th of June, following the example of Pennsylvania, the members of this Convention recalled their former instructions, and empowered their delegates, "to concur with the other colonies in a declaration of independence, in forming a union among the colonies, in making foreign alliances, and in adopting such other measures, as should be judged necessary for securing the liberties of America." These new instructions were immediately sent by express to Philadelphia, and on the 1st of July, were laid before Congress. On the same day, the resolution relating to independence, was resumed in that body, referred to a Committee of the Whole, and was assented to by all the colonies, except Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The Committee appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence, as noted above, reported it to Congress just as Thomas Jefferson had written it. After being discussed, and amended in several respects, it received the vote of every colony, on the 4th of July, and was published to the world. Having been engrossed, by order of Congress, it was, on the 2d of August, signed by all the members then present, and by some who