The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-02-01
4 HISTORIC JOURNEY
tAESAR RODNEY'S GREAT HORSE
BACK RIDE IN 1776.

Session of the Provisional Congress
In Philadelphia.
1t happened on that famous Fourth
Of July, 1776, the day on which the
American colonies were declared free
and independent states. If Caesar Rod
ney 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. 1t 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 1. What would the Con-
tinental congress do?
In order that our country should be
free and independent the declaration
must be adopted. This could be done If
only the colonies were divided, and
there were some good men who did not
believe it best to take this step at this
time. Four of the seven delegates Of
Pennsylvania were opposed to it, and,
of the two Delaware delegates present,
Thomas Mexican was in favor Of indie
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 a
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 re- talked and unanswered to de-
lay the final vote. On Thursday, July
4, congress was to vote on the mo-
mentous question.
On the afternoon of the Sd 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
did not hesitate. Saddle the black!'
he commanded, and in ten minutes he
had mounted his faithful steed and
was galloping as if 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. 1t was one of the great
rides of history. That black steed
bore the destinies of America, and his
rider knew it, and there was neither
halt nor delay.
The sun went down, and the stars
came out one by one in the blue vault
ed On his way. All 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 sultry day. And still
Caesar Rodney kept on his way. 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 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
hail. The session had begun. The pres
ident, 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, and Caesar
Rodney had not come.
Anxious and worried, Thomas Nc
Kean went out to the door of indie
pendence hall. Would his friend and
compatriot be too late? 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. Its dusty rider
leaped to 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 tie. All 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,
is in favor of independence, and my
own judgment concurs with them;
therefore 1 vote for the Declaration"
And SO Caesar Rodney by his famous
ride and by his noble vote helped to
settle tho OuoStiOn If jndopopdopoo ood