Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1906-01-07
A HISTORIC JOURNEY
cAEsAR c,RoDHsa,ss GREAT HORSE.
BACK Ride IN 177e.

d0Fv tnc DectGraii0a OF IndepenI-
ence Wan Saved by Vote Ih the
sessioh OF the Provisional Consresa
7n philadelphia
It happened Oh that famous Fourth
OF July. 1770, the day on which the
American colonies We're 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 ut Philadelphia, each OF the thir-
teen colonies having representatives
there. 1t was great congress, and q
momcDtous question was before the
distinguished body. The great charter
of our freedom had been swritten by
Jefferson, and Benjamin Harrison, fa-
ther and great grandfather of presi-
dents, had presented it to congress on
Monday, July /. 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 e
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 1t, and,
of the two Delaware delegates present,
Thomas Mexican was In favor of indie
pendence, but George Read wGs op-
posed to the measure. Caesar Rodney,
the other member, was In the southern
part OF his state In the capacity of
brlgadler 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 &c" 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
wns Nnt that time forty-six years old
With tall, lean, worn figure, his face
SCARED by n cancer that was finally
TO cause his death. Tie brave patriot
did not hesitate Saddle the black!'
he commanded, and In ten minutes he
had mounted his faithful steed and
was galloping as Il for life to tho
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 TINT 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
Tile sun went down, and the stars
cande out oije by one In the blue vault
OF heaven, and that solitary rider rush
ed on his woy. All through the cool
summer flight Caesar Rodney Kept up
his reckless pace.
Tile stars faded out Of the morning
sky, aud the sun came up red and fiery,
the Herald Of Il sultry day. And still
Caesar, Rodney kept on his way. He
vas yet mauy miles from Philadelphia.
His horse Was jaded. and he was travel
Worn and covered with dust, but the
bntrlot, did not slacken his rein. He
must be there to vote for the independ-
ence Of America. And he was there.
All that hot, swelterlng July day the
delegates of the colonial congress were
talking and voting In Independence
hall. The session had begun. The pres
ident, John Hancock, WINS In the chair,
and The clerR, John Dickinson, was
calling the colonies one by one Viz
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
Henn went out to the door Of hide
pendence hall. Would Ills friend and
compatriot be too late? His face
frightened rs he heard the sound Of
biirrSitS hoof beats coming up Chest
nut street. A foamlng, painting steed
dashed into the yard Its dusty rider
leaped to the ground Booted mud spur
red and the dust Of his long ride thick
on his long tapped coat and iron gray
nair, Caesar Rodney entered the hall Of
congress leaning on his friend Me-
Kehn's ef1i.
SHe was Just in time. The vote Of
Delaware was being called. George
Read voted .Nny." "Ayep called the
clear voice of Thomas McKenn. It was
a tie. All eyes turned to Caesar Rod
ney. The famous rider cleared his
throft, and many a patriot heart beat
Elth pride MS he declared in firm tone: