The Convention of Maryland, by a resolution adopted at about the close of May, positively forbade their delegates voting for independence; but through the influence of Carroll, Chase, Paca, and others, the prohibition was recalled on the 28th of June, and they were empowered to give a vote for Maryland concurrent with the other provinces. Delaware, South Carolina, and Georgia refrained from action on the subject, except such as occurred at small district meetings, and their delegates were left free to vote as they pleased. So rapid was the change in public opinion after the British troops were driven out of Boston, that within the space of sixty-five days, the representatives of ten of the thirteen colonies were specially instructed by their constituents to sever the political tie which bound them to Great Britain. The Continental Congress, now in permanent session, was assembled in the State House in Philadelphia, a spacious building yet standing--a relic of rarest interest to the American, because of the glorious associations which hallow it. "This is the sacred fane wherein assembled The fearless champions on the side of Right; Men at whose Declaration empires trembled, Moved by the Truth's clear and eternal light. "This is the hallowed spot where first, unfurling, Fair Freedom spread her blazing scroll of light; Here, from Oppression's throne the tyrant hurling, She stood supreme in majesty and might." [Illustration: JOHN HANCOCK.] [Illustration: ROBERT MORRIS.]