The evening before independence

The resolution for independence has been postponed once already, and Adams has spent weeks working the delegations one by one. Tonight he has gathered the men whose votes he needs: Franklin, the oldest and most famous; Jefferson, who has been asked to draft the declaration; Washington, down from the army; and Henry, whose oratory has already carried Virginia.

They talk about what the declaration must say and what it must not, and about the long war that will follow either way. Henry argues for the boldest language; Franklin counsels prudence; Jefferson says little and thinks about the draft waiting at his lodgings. They eat oyster stew, fried oysters, and johnnycake, finish with a baked rice pudding, and drink spruce beer. Within days the Congress will vote.