Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-05-15
From the National lnteiligencer.

From the National lntelligencer.
The concluding volumes of the Biography Of the
Signers of the Declaration OF Independence, have
lately issued from the press, in Philadelphia, In
every respect this work is worthy of the whose
lives and virtues It commentaries, and is an honor
able addition the historical literature of the conn
try. We make the following extracts.
Mr.. Rodney.-The yivacity of Mr.. Rodney's do
mestc manners carried into his public life, and
those whose memory is stored with "reminiscences of
the old congress, and the revolutionary war, have
many tale to illustrate the gaity and humor OK
Cesar Rodney. Among others, the following one
may be recorded, from authentic source. The
delegates from the southern states, but especially
from Virginia, were remarkable, during the early
periods of the revolution, for ndulgng sectional
prepossession, not indeed maiciously, but often
castically. When it broke out in high wrought euo-
ges and preferences to Virginia, over all the other
members ofthe conederacy it was termed dominion
ism among the representatives OF that ancient and
really noble state. There was no one more de-
lighted ottner INDUCED in this compliment, but
somewhat Notifying species OF graduation than Mr.
Harrison. lie was, however, completely cured OF 1t
by an accident which occurred when his state was
threatened with an invasion by the enemy. lie had
frequently displayed the = abundant and powerful
resources of that neritorous member Of our Union,
and although he had painted them in colours brighter
than was correct he no doubt, believed them to be
just. When, however, the danger was approaching,
the picture found too glaring. He introduced
demand for supplies of arms, munitions of war, Of
every species, troops, and assistance OF every kind
and declared the state destitute in every point and
circumstance. When he sat down there was a mo
mentary silence, all being surprised that such de
velopement should come from him. Cesar Rodney
rose from his seat, in a style peculiar to him. lie
was, at that time, animated skeleton; decorated
with bandage, from which was suspended the green
silk covering over eye, to hide the ravages OF his
he indeed all spirit, without corporeal
teg,lment. le was thin, emaciated, and every way
the antthcsis Of his friend Harrison, who porty,
inclinlng TO corpulency, and OF mien commanding,
though without fire. Both of the members were
really representatives of their respective states.
| Rodney, who was endowed, we have mentioned,
with a natural and highly amusing VEIN OF humor,
began, with crocodile sympathy, to deplore the
melancholy and PROSTATE condition of his neighbor
ing, extensive, and heretofore powerful state of
| Virginia 'But," said he, in voice elevated an
octave higher than concert pitch, ''let her be Of
good cheer; she has friend in need Delaware
will take her under its protection and ensure her
sefety." Harrison was astounded; but joined (or
he relished good bit for OF against him. in the
laugh and the subject lay over to another day.
i Mr.. Hancock-The eye of Congress imme-
daley fixed on Mr. Hancock as the successor OF
Mr.. Randolph, and he was unanimously elected
PRESIDENT. w TIN lnouesty not unnatural at mis-
years, and consciousness of the difficulty he might
experience in filling station of such high import
ance and responsibility, he hestated to take the seat
to which he had been elected. Mr. Harrison was
standing beside him, and with ready good humor
that loved Joke, even in the Senate house, he seiz
ed the modest candidate in his athletic arms and
placed him in the presidential CHAIR then turning
to some of the members around, he exclaimed, s'we
will show mother Britain how little we care for her,
| by making Massachusetts man our President,
whom she has excluded from pardon by public
proclamation"
Mr. Harrison.---An anecdote has been preserved
of Mr.. Harrison, which, if it appears somewhat in
consistent with the solemnity of the scene, yet
serves, in no slight degree, to exemplity the bold
and lively character of the man. Mr. Gerry, Del
egate from Massachusetts, slender and spare as
MIR. Harrison was vigorous and portly, stood beside
him at the table, while, singing the Declaration of
Independence. He turned round to him with smile,
as he raised his hand from the paper, and said,
I" w hen the hanging scene comes to be exhibited l
shall have the advantage over you. 1t will be over
with me in mnute but you will be kicking in the
air, half an hour after am gone.''
Mrs .4doms.--There has been preserved a letter
written by Mrs. Adams TO friend, at one of the
most gloomy periods of the Revolutionary War, in
which she thus expresses the noble patriotism which
she cherished in common with her husband
is Heaven is our witness that do not rejoice in
the ehusion of blood, or the carnage Of the human
species and having been forced to draw the sword
we are determined never to sheath it slaves of Bril-
tain. Our cause, Sir, is, trust, of truth and
Justice, and will finally prevail, though the combi-
med force Of earth and hell shall rise against it. To