
ALT On June 7, 1776, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced the Lee Resolution, which proposed independence for the American colonies. The Lee Resolution contained three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan of a confederation.

ALT Because many members of the Congress believed Lee's actions to be premature or wanted instructions from their colonies before voting, approval was deferred until July 2. On that date, Congress adopted the first part (the declaration). The words of the Lee Resolution are echoed in the Declaration of Independence. The voting record for the Lee Resolution is displayed in this document, with 12 colonies providing affirmative votes as noted on the right. New York did not vote until the newly elected New York Convention upheld the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776.





































