On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to formally vote to declare independence from Great Britain. The vote of the states was 12 yes, 0 no, and 1 abstention. New York failed to vote because its delegates claimed they lacked direction from their state government.
After the vote, the delegates fell into a heavy, almost solemn silence when it became clear that the result had been unanimous. They knew the weight of their decision. They literally signed their death warrants. I wouldn't doubt that every man silently prayed to God for protection.
