9781422287453

24 The Declaration of Independence: Forming a New Nation

Now, on July 4, the Congress intended to vote specif- ically on the declaration drafted by Jefferson. “This morning is assigned to the greatest debate of all,” wrote John Adams. The delegates entered the Philadelphia State House through the large doorway facing Chestnut Street. Above the door hung the royal coat of arms —the final reminder to them that they were still living under the oppressive will of the King of England. The delegates met in the white-paneled meeting room on the east side of the building. Above, an elabo- rate crystal chandelier provided candle light. There were two fireplaces in the room and tall windows lining the walls. Displayed in the room were a British drum, swords, and flag captured in 1775 by Continental Army soldiers under the command of Ethan Allen at the battle of Fort Ticonderoga. At the front of the room stood the president’s dais — a raised table and chair usually occupied by the speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly. On July 4, 1776, delegate John Hancock of Massachusetts sat at that table, having been named president of the Congress by the other delegates. Hancock dropped the gavel to open the debate. One by one, delegates from the 13 colonies took turns making their arguments on independence. In the final few days leading up to July 4, there had not been unanimous support for the declaration.