Middletown transcript., 1915-05-08
[Continued From First Page]
CAESAR RODNEY'S RIDE
at Byfeld.
VICTIM OF CANCER


which had attacked his face to such an
extent that he was compelled to wear
veil that the fearful ravages of the dis
ease might be at least partly concealed.
1t was because0f this that he had never
married.
Mexican lad calculated shrewdly and
well. He figured that if Delaware's
vote were cast for independence on the
fourth, Pennsylvania and South Carolina
might be induced to change their de-
cisions He determined on the expedi-
ent of sending for his supposedly dying
colleague and found he had estimated at
its true worth the patriotism and de-
termination of Rodney.
AS his messenger left the old State
House to carry the news of seeming de-
feat to Rodney, he was told to arrange
for relays of horses along the road,
then known as ''The Kings Highway, "
that Rodney might ride to Philadelphia,
if possible. McKean's orders were car
ried out to the letter. His messenger
reached Rodney's farm and told the dis
figured delegate of the happenings at
the State House. He told him all he
knew of the meetings which had been
held for three days, and explained that
the Tories were again arming them
selves.
The heat of that morning was terrific.
AS the messenger urged the absent
delegate to respond to the call of his
colleague, a nurse, relatives and the
family physician warned the statesman
that the ride might cost him his life
The messenger explained that relays OF
horses had been provided as Rodney
sitting on the side of his bed, called fol
boots, clothes and spurs.
With his head wrapped in a veil, the
patriotic Delawarean arose from hi
bed and set out for Philadelphia and tn
State House. So eager and determines
was he that he quickly distanced tn
messenger, who had started with hin
on the homeward ride. Rodney rod
alone through the heat of that morning
rTOul LlilC W JlIllC uC CtAdLECO iOA &c
and at each change men looked wit
borrow on the disfigured face of tn
mag who acted as though half mad wit
haSe. For his veil had become unfast
ened, although it partly held tn his hal
On the man rode. Women who caugt
sight of his face fled indoors. Will
Rodney was making his way to tn
State House, Mexican and others WEI
making speeches. They talked with til
desperation that only the hope of the
nations freedom could give them. Til
hours wore on and Mexican, thinkin
the battle had been lost went to tt
door. He looked over the sea
troubled faces about the building wal
ing as they had waited three days
know the decision of their delegate
He was about to re-enter the hall wht
his ears caught the sound of horse
hoofs.
Were the man his messenger or I'll
Rodney he had sent for, Mexican said
a letter written months later, he cou
not tell. Then Rodney emerged fro
the dust cloud and mounted the steps
the State House.
"Am / in time?" the almost e
hausted man asked as McKe took h
arm and assiste him into the buildin
'In time, but no more" Mexican !
piled as the door closed upon them.
With what was left of his streng
Rodney entered the chamber and C;
the deciding vote of Delaware
American independence. There W
not sound as the disigured man plaC
Delaware on the side of those who We
for declaring their independence at on
In letters still preserved it has be
written that not word was said
seconds nay minutes s" after the W
had been cast.
After the man from Delaware
taken his seat, Edward Rutledge,
South Carolina stepped forward &
changed the vote of his colony. ]
Sontherner was deeply moved as w
all others who watched the birth Of
nation in the next few minutes. Ag
the letters of those who afterwa
spoke of the incidents of that day tell
thOre was no cheering. There v
silence until stormy scene bel
among the delegates from Pencsylvar
Those Pennsylvania delegates v
n, were opposed to the Declaration of
dependence, left the building, and
patriotic faction with Benjamin Fra
lin at its head, promptly cast
coIony's ballot for independence.
The terrible strain of the ride
severely on Rodney, but he rallied
lived not only to wear Continel
uniform but to receive a commission
Washington's Army. He died at
farm in his forty-sixth year.
OF all the sigRers of the Declare
of independence Caesar Rodney is
only one of whom there is no pict
He was presented with a gold star
Congress as a recognition of his serv
20 his country that memorable ,
4 naorninR SO long ago, which star is
day in the possession of a descend
- John c. Rodney, of Wilmington.
lis the only honor ever conferred on
~ man who saved the Nation. His n
FosI almost forgotten among the histor
of the county, while outside of the st
of Delaware and Pennsylvania, hare