The printing of "Common Sense" solidified American support for Independence. The second Continental Congress, then in session, opened American trade to every country but Britain, which it was embargoing. On June 7th, the Congress debated a resolution introduced by Richard Henry Lee, declaring the colonies independent. There were lingering doubts about this motion. One group of opponents was concerned about whether the the colonies could prevail. A committee was appointed to write a Declaration of Independence. The committee consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was the major drafter of the Declaration of Independence. To acheive the unanimity required for the approval of the Declaration it was agreed to remove all references to slavery and freedom. On the fourth of July 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.