2106. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, Action in Congress.—[continued].
It appearing in the course
of these debates [on Independence], that the
Colonies of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina
were not yet matured for falling from
the parent stem, but that they were fast advancing
to that state, it was thought most
prudent to wait a while for them, and to postpone
the final decision to July 1st; but, that
this might occasion as little delay as possible,
a committee was appointed to prepare
a Declaration of Independence.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 17.
Ford ed., i, 24.
(1821)