The question is therefore up to the colony of Pennsylvania, whose delegation is polled at Franklin's request. Franklin votes for the declaration, but Dickinson votes against it; the outcome is now in the hands of their fellow delegate, Judge James Wilson. Wilson has always followed Dickinson's lead, but, in this case, he votes in favor of the declaration, not wanting to be remembered by history as the man who voted to prevent American independence. When Hancock insists that no man be allowed to sit in Congress unless he signs the Declaration, Dickinson resigns from Congress to accept an officer's commission in the army. After receiving word of the destruction of his property by British troops from General Washington, Morris finally withdraws New York's abstention and agrees to sign the document. Finally, with the Declaration of Independence ready to be signed, Hancock places his signature first, whereupon the others (including New York) affix theirs to the Declaration, establishing the United States on July 4, 1776.