Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1906-01-08

cAEsAR RoDNEVs GREAT HORSE
\ BACK RIDE IN i775.

rnce Was Saved by Vote In the
sr-.fon OF the Provisional Congress
In philadelphia.
It happened on that famous Fourth
III July, 1776, the day on which the
American colonies were declared free
and independent states. II Caesar Rod
new had not made his historic ride 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. II was a great congress, and
momentous question was before the
distinguished body. The great charter
of our freedom had been written by
jefferson, and Benjamin Harrison, IA
ther and great grandfather Of presi-
dents. had presented It to congress on
Monday, July j. What would the Con
tinental congress DOT
In order that our country should be
free and independent the declaration
must be adopted. This could be done II
only the colonies were divided, and
there were some good men who did not
believe It best to take this step at this
ame. -Four Of the seven delegates Of
Pennslyvania were opposed to It, and
.of the two Delaware delegates present
lThomas Mexican was In favor Of indie
lpendence, 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 a |
Ibrigadier 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.
IA messenger was dispatched IN hot
haste to summon him TO Philadelphia,
and then for four days the patriots
OF '7G' talked and Unanswered to de-
lay the final vote. on Thursday, July
a. congress was to vote on the mo-
montous question.
On the afternoon OF the 30 the
messenger found Caesar Rodney In
Sussex county, more than eighty miles
from Philadelphia. General Rodney
was at that time forty-six years old,
with a tall. lean, worn figure, his face
SCARED by a cancer that was finally
to cause his death. The brave patriot
ala not hesitate. Saddle the bacllF
he commanded, and in ten minutes he
had mounted his faithful steed and
was galloping as II for life to the
northward.
Eighty miles away from congress,
which was waiting for him to declare
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. II was one Of the great
rides OF history. That black steed
bore the destiuies OF America, and his
rider knew Il. and there was neither
halt nor deiny.
Tho sun went down. and the stars
came out ono tY one An the blue vault
OF heaven, and TINT solitary rider rush
ed on his way. An through the cool
summer night Caesar Rodney kept up
his reckless pace.
The stars faded out OF the morning
sky. and the sun came up red and fiery,
the herald Of a sultry day. And still
Caesar Rodney kept on his way He
was yet many miles from Philadelphia.
His horse was jnded, and he was travel
worn and covered with dust but the
patriot did not slacken bis rein. He
must be there 10 vote for the independ-
ence OF America. And he was there.
All that hot, sweltering July day the
delegates Of the colonial congress were
talking and voting IN Independence
han. The session had begun The pres
ddent. John Hancock. was IN the chair.
and the clerk, John Dickinson. was
calling the colonies one by one. Vir-
ginia had voted and Massachusetts and
the great state OF New York and the
little state OF Rhode Island, and now
New Jersey was voting, aud Caesar
Rodney had not come.
Anxious and worried. Thomas Nc
Kean went out to the door OF hide
pendence hall. Would his friend and
compatriot be too later His face
frightened as he heard the sound OF
hurrying hoof beats coming up Chest.
nut street. A foaming, painting steed
dashed into the yard. It's dusty rider
leaped 70 the ground. Booted and spur.
red and the dust of his long ride thick
on his long Tapped coat and iron gray
hair. Caesar Rodney entered the hall OF
congress leaning on his friend Nc
Kean's arm.
He was just IN time. The vote OF
Delaware was being called. George
Read voted "Nay" Aver called the
clear voice OF Thomas Mexican. It was
a de. An eyes turned to Caesar Rod
ney. The famous rider cleared his
throat and many patriot heart beat
with pride as he declared in firm tone
The voice Of my constituents and OF
all sensible and honest men. / believe
as IN favor OF independence. and my
own Judgment concurs with them
therefore I vote for the Declaration"
And 30 Caesar Rodney by his famous
ride and by his noble vote helped .,
settle the question OF Independence and
insured the future celebrations OF III,
Fourth OF July.
He Ate often.
Doctor-You must take a quarter M