Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, part of the anti-independence faction, calls the question without a majority of positive votes present. The New Jersey delegation, led by Reverend John Witherspoon, arrives just in time to provide a vote supporting independence. In a move intended to defeat the resolution, Dickinson moves that the vote on independence be unanimous. After a tie amongst the delegates, with New York still abstaining, John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, votes in support of Dickinson's motion, arguing that without unanimity, those opposing independence would fight for England against their fellow colonists. Stalling for time to rally support for the resolution, Adams and Franklin call again for a postponement, stating the need for a declaration describing their grievances. Once again, the vote is tied (New York abstains "courteously" yet again, since its delegates have never been given specific orders by the disorganized New York legislature) and ultimately decided by Hancock in favor of Adams' motion.