Actually, most of the musical had to be invented. Historically, the Continental Congress met in secret and the history was not documented in detail. According to “Historical Accuracy in 1776,” New York delegates abstained on many motions. They abstained from both the Independence Resolution of July 2, 1776, and the vote on the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Although, in the film, Lewis Morris says that New York's legislature York was always undecided, the New York Legislature voted "Yes" after signing the Declaration. In summary, the film represents the true meaning of this nation's independence in an eloquent, musical and memorable way.