American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-08-31
CESAR A. RODNEY.

has spread affection and mourning through wide circle of
friends who attached to him by common ties of
affection, born in Kent County, in this Sate in the
month OF January, 1772. His family ranks among the
distinguished in the annals of Delaware for patriot
ism, talents and public virtue His uncle, 9 Rodney,
took The lead among the patriots of his native State in OPP
position to the unjust professions of Great Britain IN the
revolutionary war He was able, firm and decided man.
and by his example and influence, contributed more than
any other individual to support the cause OF freedom in
this State, and to inspire the wings of Delaware with de-
termination and energy throughout that perous contest
He member OF the first Congress which assembled
New York in 1765, and of that ustrios band of pa
and statesmen Who in the memorable year of 76, cut
asnder the which bound to the mother country, and
gave and rank in the family OF nations lie was
repeatedly elected Governor of the State and performed
several tours of duty brigaer general of its orces and
in both capacities enjoyed distinguished place in the con-
fdencc of Wasngon appears from the letters of that
Iustrious individual published in Mr. Niles valuable col
lection of papers, entited-Iincie and 3cts Of the Rero
ition The following anecdote related of this gentleman
by the late Governor MKean places in strong relief the
energy of his character and the enthusiastic patriotism
which animated his bosom at that critical moment of the re-
yoliion which, more than any other, called Tor display
OF ess and decision. AT the period OF the declaration
OF Independence this State repres.ned in Congress
by Caesar Rodney, Thomas APkean aud George Read
In the preliminary stages OF the question, Mr. Rodney
happenedto be absent consequence of which the vote
of Delaware undecided, Mr. MKcan and MIR. Readl
being dlYded in opinion the former favor Of ndcpen
dence, the latter not deemng it eXpedient Governor
AlKcan despatched for Mr. Rodney, who was
thea his residence Dover informing him OF the Cir
cunstauce, and requesting his attendance. Without al
moments delay, he repaired 10 Philadelphia aud spring
ing from his horse in his boots and spurs he entered Con
gress Hall while the question pending, and decided
the of Delaware, by the brief and emphatic declaa
ton that he not only expressed his own sentiments but
those of his constituents, by recording his vote Tor ndepen
dence. Thomas Rodney, the father OF the subject OF
this article, also active and influential whig the
revolutionary He commanded company in the
Delaware regiment and was engaged in the battles OF
Trenton and Princeton. He also member of the re-
vouonay congress. and Judge OF the Court OF Admiral
ty Of ibis State.
Mr. Rodney received liberal educaon aud graduated
nj he q
1890 Having completed his collegiate course, he enter
upon the study of the law in Philadelphia in the Office
Of the present Judge Mkean. In the year 1873, lie was
admitted the bar; and established his residence in the
Borough Of Wilmington, where he commenced the prac
tice the law. He soon acquired an extensive and nca
tive practice, and the solid basis Of high integrity Ia
Tents and erudion, established professional reputation of
the first order, which he maintained unimpaireG through
life.
Amid the political dssentions which at that time aga
ted the country, and marshaled one half its population in
array against the other, Mr. Rodney could moi remain All
indifferent spectator. He had been educated at the ee
Of men who had acted deep and important part III the
of independence and their lessons were fresh IN his
memory the critical period when his matured reflection
and The posture of public affairs called upon him to decide
upon the course he should pursue At the period OF MIR
Adams administrations he took his stand against course
of policy which appeared to HIM 10 threaten evil to the
constitution Of the Unon and to endanger the happiness
of the people. lie repeatedly elected to the State
Legislatures and from the first moment OF his public life
he enjoyed popularity which never alter shaken
diminished In 1902 he elected after warm contest
BY majority fifteen votes over hs able and eminent po
cal opponent, the late Mr. Bayard, to the Congress
the United States. During his bref continuance IN mat no.
norable body his talents and probiy gained him lstn
guished standing He appointed one OF the managers
the part of the House of Representatives in the I'M
parchment Of Judge CHAsE and his speech in support OIL
the articles of impeachment has been considered the ables
argument delivered that side of the question In 1901
Mr. Rodney called by Mr. Jefferson to fill the impor
situation of Attorney General of the United States IN
which he continued upwards OF four years In 1911, he
resigned the Office and returned to the pursuit of his pro
fesson Soon after Mr. Monroes accession to the Pres
dency, Mr. Rodney summoned from his retirement by
that excellent Chief Magistrate whose confidence and re
gard he enjoyed in an degree and placed at the
head of commission the object ct winch was 10 oo'ahl
hy personal observation and communication with the Bo-l
vernments of South America which had recently rownI
off the yoke of Span authentic information in relation to
their condition and resources, by which our government
might regulate its future policy towards these states ihe
sentiments of Mr.. Rodney in relation to this Interestingly
subject, disclosed in his official report, accorded whI
those which now inspire every American bosom and hsl
opinions have been realized in the formal recognlon
n by government OF the independence OF Inc soulI
American Republics.
In 1920, MIR Rodney was second time elected to Al
in Congress and in January 1922 he was chosen by
the Legislature of Delaware represent the state IN hel
Senate of the Union In the following January he was
appointed by President Monroe, Minister PenpoentiaryI
to the Republic Of Buenos Ayres. At the period OF hlsl
departure from this country, and for some years Previous
Mr. Rodneys health exceedingly precarous and nj
fondy hoped by his anxious friends, that Fesdence
Of few years the bengnan climate OF luenos Ayres
would renoyate his constitution and restore hm IN heat
\ to his country. The event has eXemphed the vanity
of human expectations. The fiat of Providence has IN
brief space removed him from the ct life, the bosom
IN Of his family and the hopes and wishes of his friends lie
expired at Buenos Ayres the 10th OF June, 1874 IN the
n SD year of his age amented and honored by The gene
M rous people among whom he resided, as the ieho ana
M guest of the nation.
hi "By foreign hands thy monument adornd,
ri BY strangers honord, and by strangers mournd"
The character of Mr. Rodney will be admired long as
probty talents, and public virtue are held up for our APP
# nrova or imitation. No public more dsdained
VI the of intrigue, and no one ever enjoyed among hsl
Lie m ne