He was a strong advocate of the [[Declaration of Independence]] and grew impatience as congress members debated the merits and of the document. Witherspoon voted affirmative for independence on July 2, 1776. Five months later the British burned his library to the ground. | He was a strong advocate of the [[Declaration of Independence]] and grew impatience as congress members debated the merits and of the document. Witherspoon voted affirmative for independence on July 2, 1776. Five months later the British burned his library to the ground. |