Independence Day - July 2

"In Philadelphia, the same day as the British landing on Staten Island, July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress, in a momentous decision, voted to "dissolve the connection" with Great Britain. The news reached New York four days later, on July 6, and at once spontaneous celebrations broke out. 'The whole choir of our officers... went to a public house to testify our joy at the happy news of Independence. We spent the afternoon merrily,' recorded Isaac Bangs.

"A letter from John Hancock to Washington, as well as the complete text of the Declaration, followed two days later: '[Hancock: That our affairs may take a more favorable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and the American colonies, and to declare them free and independent states...'

"The delegates at Philadelphia had committed treason and embarked on a course from which there could be no turning back."

Pgs 135-136.