Caesar Rodney's Ride

Excerpt

On July 1, 1776, the Continental Congress of the American Colonies faced one of the most important crises this country has ever passed through. Upon what happened that night depended the fate of the resolution before Congress which declared that: "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." This was known as the Lee Resolution, the fate of which was to be decided by one of the most famous rides in history—Caesar Rodney's ride.

Let us begin our story on the morning of July 1, 1776, in the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. For nearly three hours the Lee Resolution has been the subject of furious debate. The members are all excited, anxious, overwrought. The debate has become bitter, for some of the members are unalterably opposed to independence. It is about noon when Dr. Franklin rises to address the Chair:

FRANKLIN

Mr. President—

HANCOCK

Dr. Franklin.

FRANKLIN

I have sat uneasily, sir, during the furious debate, hoping that the storm would subside, and the bright sun of reason would shine upon us through the parting clouds. But, sir, I am fearful that the storm is gathering with new fury, and that we may be blown too far from our course to steer safely into harbor. Perhaps, sir, we should end this debate which seems to bid fair to wreck our unity. I move you, sir, that we lay the Lee Resolution on the table.

ALL

No, no, bring it to a vote!
Yes, lay it on the table!
Let's vote on it now!
Have it over with! [etc.]

HANCOCK [sound of gavel]

Order! Order! Do I hear a second to Dr. Franklin's motion?

VOICE

Second!

HANCOCK

You have heard the motion—are there any remarks?

RUTLEDGE

Mr. President—

HANCOCK

Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina.

RUTLEDGE

I believe, sir, with Dr. Franklin, that the debate has lasted too long; but, sir, I am hopeful that with only a little more delay we may secure unanimous action on the most important question which has ever been before this body. With Dr. Franklin's permission, I suggest an amendment, sir, that the resolution be laid upon the table until tomorrow morning. [murmurs and comments]

HANCOCK

Does Dr. Franklin accept the amendment?

FRANKLIN

Mr. President, I have only one desire in this matter, and that is to see this body united and of one mind. If in the peace of a quiet July afternoon and the tranquillity of a night's rest we can find that bond which will unite us and hold us together, I say, yes—I accept Mr. Rutledge's amendment. Let us vote upon the Lee Resolution tomorrow morning.

VOICE

But the first thing tomorrow morning!

FRANKLIN

Yes—the first thing tomorrow morning. [murmurs of assent]

HANCOCK [sound of gavel]

You have heard the motion. Are there any further remarks?

ALL

Question! Question! Question!

HANCOCK

Those favoring?

ALL

Aye—aye—aye—

HANCOCK

Contrary minded?—Carried! [sound of gavel]

RUTLEDGE

And now, sir, I move we adjourn until nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

VOICE

Second!

HANCOCK

Before putting Mr. Rutledge's motion to adjourn, I wish to caution all the members to the greatest secrecy. Whatever the outcome of our deliberation, we can only cause harm to ourselves and to our country by divulging what has been done here. The motion to adjourn is before the Congress. Those favoring?

ALL

Aye—aye—aye—

HANCOCK

Contrary minded?—Carried! [sound of gavel] Congress is adjourned until nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

ALL [confusion and noise]

It can't be done!
It's useless!
We can never get them to vote with us...!