twelve colonies
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Twelve of the colonies voted to support independence, but the representatives from New York abstained.It was important for the declaration to be unanimous.
The resolution had originally been presented to Congress on June 7. it however became clear that some colonies like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and South Carolina were not ready to declare independence,but would consider it in a matter of time.
