24 MARYLAD.

men, and especially Dickinson, the author of
the celebrated 'Farmer's Letter, was decided-
ly of opinion that the measure was yet prema-
ture. He was the leading speaker in congress,
in opposition to the Declaration. John Adams
was the principle speaker in its support. The
question was as to its expediency—When deter-
mined, none joined with more zeal in the pledge
for its support, than those who had opposed its
adoption.

On the 25th of June, 1776, we find the follow-
ing entry recorded amongst ihe proceedings of
congress:

"A declaration of the deputies of Pennsyl-
vania met in provincial conference, was laid be-
fore congress, and read; expressing their wil-
lingness to concur in a vote of Congress, declar-
ing the united colonies free and independent
states."

On the 28th of June, we find recorded the in-
structions to the delegates of New Jersey, in the
following words:

"Francis Hopkinson, Esq. one of the dele-
gates of New Jersey, attended, and produced the

credentials of their appointment, which was

read as follows: viz:

In Provincial Congress, New-Jersey, Burlington,

June 21, 1776.

The congress proceeded to the election of

delegates to represent this colony in continental

congress, when Richard Stockton, Abraham