Well, George I can’t believe that you’re still angry about that. It was twenty-five years ago. You yourself reminded us thousands of times that the Continental Congress wasn’t about individuals but rather the unity of all of the colonies and all Americans. We signed the Declaration of Independence almost twenty-five years ago now. Let bygones be bygones. Look, we all wanted to be the first person to sign but John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress, it was his right. I think we all agree that his signature was unnecessarily large and flamboyant, but the future citizens of this great country aren’t going to remember that.
Look, George you don’t need to worry. Your place in the history of this great young country has already been solidified. Goodness, you’re George Wythe! Even though both of your parents died young and you grew up without the wealth of so many of your colleagues you’ve become one of the most educated people in America. You became a lawyer at the age of 20! You were this nation’s first Professor of Law. You taught Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, James Monroe, and John Marshal! I can’t think of a man of greater honor and integrity than you.
Someday when America becomes the most powerful country in the world, the name of George Wythe shall echo endlessly throughout its hallowed halls while the name of John Hancock will be recognized by only the most dedicated of historians. After all its our accomplishments that are important, not who signed something first.