The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1906-01-10
A HISTORIC Courtney
CAESAR RonNeY's GREAT HORSE
~... BACK RIDE IN 1776. -


Session OF the Provisional Congress-
In Philadelphia.
1t happened on that famous Fourth
or July, 17T6, the day on which the
American colonies were declared free
and independent states. If Caesar Rod
ney had not made his histeric rldc there
might not have been any free America
today. ~.
The provisional congress was in ses-
sion at Philadelphia, each of the thir-
teen colonies having representatives
there. 1t was Il great congress. and n
momentous question was before the
distinguished body. The great charter
Of cur freedom had been written by
Jefferson, and Benjamin Harrison, fa-
ther and great-grandfather Of presi-
dents, had presented 1t to congress on
Monday, July /. What wouJa tho Con-
tinental congress do? =.
In order that our country should be
free and independent the declaration
must be adopted. This could be done IL
only the colonies were divided, and
there were some good men who did not
believe 1t best to take this step ut this
time Four Of the seven delegates Of
Pennsylvania were opposed to 1t, and,
of the two Delaware delegates present,
Thomas McIIean was In favor Of inde-
pendence, but George Read was op-
posed to the measure. Caesar Rodney,
the other member, was in the southern
part Of his state in the capacity Of
brigadier general, organizing and drill.
Ing troops for the coming struggle,
Two OF the opposing Pennsylvania
delegates were persuaded to absent
Themselves, and thus the keystone
State would favor the declaration, but
the vote Of Caesar Rodney was .neces-
sary to carry the state Of Delaware.
A messenger was dispatched in hot
haste to summon him to Philadelphia,
and then for four days the patriots
of '7G" talked md maneuvered to de-
lay the final vote. On Thursday, July
d, congress was to vote on the mo-
mentous question. ..
Z On the afternoon Of the Sd the
messenger found Cnesar Rodney in
Sussex county, more than eighty miles
from Philadelphia. General Rodney
was ut that time forty-six. years old.
with tall, lean, worn figure, his face
SCARED by q cancer TINT was finally
to cause his death. The brave patriot
did not hesitate. Saddle the black!'
he commanded, and IN ten minutes be
had mounted his faithful steed and
was galloping as II for life to the
northward. ...... .'3si..i = - -. ..'
:. Eighty miles away from congress,
of0tn III 41
the independence of the colonies. The
thought caused him to drive his spurs
deep into his horses tanks and sent
him flying along the long, dusty high.
way that stretched away toward the
Quaker City. 1t was one Of the great
rides Of history. That black steed
bore the destnies of America, and his
rider knew 1t, and, there was neither
halt nor delay. -. ...,. Z: Z.
The =. n went down, and the stars
came out one by one: in the blue vault
Of heaven, and that solitary rider rush
ed on his. way. All through the cool
summer night Caesar Rodney kept up
bic reckless pace. : ., 5;*5% : '::= =
sky, and the san came up red and fiery,
the herald Of a sultIy day. And still
Caesar Rodney: kept on his why. He
was yet many miles from Philadelphia;
His horse was Jaded, and he was travel
worn and covered with dust, but the
patriot did not slacken his rein He
must be there to vote for the inii.1,enfii. iniii.!li
epces Of: America. And he::Was there.
all that hot, tsweItefine 1nIys dny tI.e,
delegates Of. the colonial congress were
talking and voting in Independence
hall. The session had begun, The pres
ident, John Hancock; was In the chair,
and the clerk, !, ] ohm 4 ID Dickinson, was
calling the colonies one by one. Viz
ginia had voted and MASSACHUSETTS, and
the great .stete Of News York and the
little Etntet cf Rhode Island, and now
New Jersey was voting, and Caesar
Rodney had not come. & $g
5a anxious md !! worried, Thomas Nc
iKean went; out ito the door; OF Inde.
pendencs hall. Nv opld his friend and
comp patriot be l; M toe % late q & His face. |
Frightened us he heard the sound of |
hnrrying $$hoof beats coming {up Chest, i
mt sna atssi
dashed into the yard. Its dusty rider
leaped tos the ground > Booted and spur.
red md the dust iof his long ride thick 1
on his long liapped coat. anu iron gray
hair Caesar Rodney entered the hall OF |
congr ieanina 8 on tis 4 friend isA Me.
Ke8n's arm. I
ne wRss Just III time. Is The vote of |
DeiaWare was being called. IS George |
ReRd voted I :. Ayeys called 7theI
clehfs voice of Thomas McKean. 1t was
:a fiG. 81, III eyes turned To- Cnasar Rod.