June 26, 1776

This news from Williamsburg, dated June 15, said that Georgia delegate George Walton had arrived in town that day. His travel was delayed by illness, and, as he spent a few days in Williamsburg to recover his health, he worried that he might miss out on the vote for independence. However, he arrived in Philadelphia a few days after this report appeared in the Pennsylvania Journal, just in time to be part of the debate and to vote in favor of independence with the Georgia delegation. The article from Williamsburg explains that “the Convention of Georgia” had “authorised their delegates in Congress to concur in any scheme which may be proposed for the benefit of the United Colonies, even to a total separation from Great-Britain.”

The Pennsylvania Journal; and the Weekly Advertiser
Printed by William and Thomas Bradford

WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) June 15.
[...]
This day arrived in town from Georgia, on his way to the General Congress, George Walton, Esq; one of the delegates from that province; also Lieutenants Walton and Pannell, on the recruiting service. By these gentlemen we learn, that the Convention of Georgia have authorised their delegates in Congress to concur in any scheme which may be proposed for the benefit of the United Colonies, even to a total separation from Great-Britain; and that, in the mean while, a form of government had been established in the province.

We also learn, that the islands upon the coast of Georgia, which abound with live stock, are continually infested by the British pirates; but that, by the vigilance and activity of the soldiers, and adjacent inhabitants, they have not been able as yet to obtain any supplies, and, in the frequent skirmishes, the pirates have always been soundly drubbed—as they ought to be.