The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caesar Rodney's Ride, by Henry Fisk Carlton This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Caesar Rodney's Ride Author: Henry Fisk Carlton Editor: Claire T. Zyve Release Date: February 11, 2009 [EBook #28051] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAESAR RODNEY'S RIDE *** Produced by Colin Bell, Joseph Cooper, Diane Monico, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
DRAMATIC HOURS IN REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY
BY
HENRY FISK CARLTON
Edited by CLAIRE T. ZYVE, Ph.D.
Fox Meadow School, Scarsdale, New York
BUREAU OF PUBLICATIONS
TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK CITY
The play in this book has actually been produced on the radio. Possibly you have listened to this one when you tuned in at home. The persons whose voices you heard as you listened, looked just as they did when they left their homes to go to the studio, although they were taking the parts of men and women who lived long ago and who wore costumes very different from the ones we wear today.
The persons whose voices you heard stood close together around the microphone, each one reading from a copy of the play in his hand. Since they could not be seen, they did not act parts as in other plays, but tried to make their voices show how they felt.
When you give these plays you will not need costumes and you will not need scenery, although you can easily arrange a broadcasting studio if you wish. You will not need to memorize your parts; in fact, it will not be like a real radio broadcast if you do so, and, furthermore, you will not want to, since you will each have a copy of the book in your hands. All you will need to do is to remember that you are taking the part of a radio actor, that you are to read your speeches very distinctly, and that by your voice you will make your audience understand how you feel. In this way you will have the fun of living through some of the great moments of history.
There are some directions in this play which may be new to you, but these are necessary, for you are now in a radio broadcasting studio, talking in front of a microphone. The word [in] means that the character is standing close to the microphone, while [off] indicates that he is farther away, so that his voice sounds faint. When the directions [off, coming in] are given, the person speaking is away from the microphone at first but gradually comes closer. The words [mob] or [crowd noise] you will understand mean the sound of many people talking in the distance.
Both the English and the dialect used help make the characters live, so the speeches have been written in the way in which these men and women would talk. This means that sometimes the character may use what seems to you unusual English. The punctuation helps, too, to make the speeches sound like real conversation; for example, you will find that a dash is often used to show that a character is talking very excitedly.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
JOHN HANCOCK
JOHN RUTLEDGE
THOMAS MCKEEN
URIAH CLARKE
CAESAR RODNEY
PRUDENCE RODNEY
TOM
VOICES
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:[Pg 2]
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[Pg 3] 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][Pg 4]
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!
We must be united!
We can never unite on independence!
We must bring this thing about!
Will you join me?
We have no power to vote. [etc.]
FRANKLIN
Oh, Mr. Rutledge—
RUTLEDGE [off]
Yes, Dr. Franklin?
FRANKLIN
Please—may I speak to you?[Pg 5]
RUTLEDGE [coming in]
Of course, Doctor—what is it?
FRANKLIN
Sit down here, my boy.
RUTLEDGE
Thank you.
FRANKLIN
Do you think you can swing the South Carolina delegation for independence?
RUTLEDGE
I don't know, Dr. Franklin, but I've invited them to my lodging to dine with me and talk over the question.
FRANKLIN
Good, good! Often an excellent meal and a taste of fine wine carry more conviction than hours of argument. As I see it now, we must swing South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Delaware into line before tomorrow morning.
RUTLEDGE
Count on me for South Carolina.
FRANKLIN
And I'll take care of Pennsylvania. I think I'll try your strategy—I'll invite the delegation to dinner.
RUTLEDGE
Then that leaves Delaware.
FRANKLIN
I wonder if McKeen of Delaware, who favors independence—
RUTLEDGE
Yes, I know.[Pg 6]
FRANKLIN [going on]
—can't swing Dr. Reed in the same way.
RUTLEDGE
Perhaps.
FRANKLIN
Oh, there's McKeen now. Call him over here—will you, Rutledge?
RUTLEDGE
Of course. [calling] Oh, Mr. McKeen! Mr. McKeen!
MCKEEN [off]
Yes?
RUTLEDGE
Come over here a moment—will you, please?
MCKEEN
Why, certainly. [coming in] Well, Dr. Franklin, we had a stormy session this morning.
FRANKLIN
All that will be forgotten—
MCKEEN
In victory.
FRANKLIN
If only we can make our victory complete.
MCKEEN
True.
FRANKLIN
What chance is there for Delaware to join us?
MCKEEN
None, I'm afraid. Dr. Reed and I are the only delegates here—and he is as unalterably opposed to independence as I am in favor of it. The vote of Delaware won't count.[Pg 7]
FRANKLIN
What about getting another favoring delegate here by tomorrow? Could you do that?
MCKEEN
Well, Doctor, I'm afraid it's out of the question. Caesar Rodney favors the resolution, I know, but he's at home in Dover, Delaware.
FRANKLIN
Send a postrider for him!
MCKEEN
It's eighty miles.
FRANKLIN
Well, that's not impossible. We have until nine o'clock tomorrow morning—it's now—let's see—just a little after twelve—that's nearly twenty-one hours.
MCKEEN
But Rodney was very ill when he went home last week.
FRANKLIN
Perhaps he's better by now. Write him a letter—send it by the postrider—urge upon him the enormous importance of his getting here by tomorrow morning.
MCKEEN
Well, I can try it.
FRANKLIN
Do, Mr. McKeen, for we must have unanimous action on this question! We must hang together on this, or we'll all hang separately!
MCKEEN
All right, sir, I'll go to the postrider's at once! Good day.
FRANKLIN
Good day. And let us pray that Rodney gets here![Pg 8]
So McKeen hurried to the postrider's stable. Now the postrider was to the people of Revolutionary days what the telegraph or the telephone is to us today. He carried messages at a very rapid rate, for those days, by changing horses every ten or fifteen miles.
As McKeen came up to the post stable, he saw the stableman sitting on a bench, hard at work cleaning a saddle.
MCKEEN
Good day, sir.
URIAH
Day to ye.
MCKEEN
I want a postrider.
URIAH
Wal', postriders are all out, sir.
MCKEEN
Oh, too bad! When do you expect one back?
URIAH
Dunno fer certain. Mebbe three or four hours—mebbe longer.
MCKEEN
But look here—I can't wait that long—I want one right away!
URIAH
I'm right sorry, sir, but thar ain't nawthin' I kin do about et. Come back this evenin' and I kin hev a man fer ye, but not before.
MCKEEN
But, look here, my man[Pg 9]—
URIAH
My name's Uriah Clarke—at yer service.
MCKEEN
All right, Mr. Clarke, I've got to have a postrider to carry a very important message to Dover, Delaware, to get a man back here from Dover by nine o'clock tomorrow morning.
URIAH
Dover, Delaware, and back?
MCKEEN
Yes, by nine tomorrow morning!
URIAH
Why, sir, it's nigh onto eighty mile to Delaware.
MCKEEN
I know it.
URIAH
Eighty mile thar and eighty mile back—why, pshaw, sir, we couldn't do thet under a whole day—even ef we hed a rider to send out right now—which we ain't.
MCKEEN
Twenty-five pounds if you'll do it!
URIAH
But how kin we? Ain't I jest told ye we ain't got no riders?
MCKEEN
Why can't you go?
URIAH
Law, sir, I ain't rode a trip like thet fer years. It 'ud more than likely kill me.
MCKEEN
Fifty pounds if you'll do it![Pg 10]
URIAH
No, sir!
MCKEEN
Name your own sum.
URIAH
Ye couldn't pay me, sir—not fer thet ride. I know thet road like a book—bad, slow, hard on hoss flesh when ye take it easy. I'd stave up half my hosses—not to mention myself, sir, and I hev a mind fer myself, too.
MCKEEN
Change riders—change your horses oftener—but make it you must!
URIAH
Not ef 'twas a matter of life and death, sir.
MCKEEN
It's more than that!
URIAH
Eh? What? What ye talkin' about?
MCKEEN
It's a matter of life and death for a nation—our country!
URIAH
Is et somethin' to do with Congress, sir?
MCKEEN
It is.
URIAH
Wal', sir, I'm a Son of Liberty, and et's my sworn duty to go whar I'm wanted fer liberty, and ef thet's et—
MCKEEN
It is.[Pg 11]
URIAH
Then I'll go.
MCKEEN
I'll pay your price.
URIAH
Thar won't be no price! I'll git yer man to Philadelphia tomorrow mornin' ef I hev to carry him myself. Who's yer man?
MCKEEN
Caesar Rodney of Dover, Delaware. Here's a letter for him.
URIAH
Caesar Rodney—I'll fetch him!
MCKEEN
Good!
URIAH [going]
Hey, Jim! Throw a saddle on thet bay mare! [orders fade out]
For our next scene let us look in at the home of Caesar Rodney in Dover, Delaware. It is nearly eight o'clock on the evening of July 1, 1776. Rodney, pale and drawn, with the languid air of a man but recently out of a sick bed, is sitting in an easy chair. Mrs. Rodney is hovering over him with a protecting anxiety—
PRUDENCE
You're sure you feel strong enough to sit up, Caesar?
RODNEY
Yes, yes, Prudence, I'm all right, I tell you.[Pg 12]
PRUDENCE
You're sure you're not in any pain?
RODNEY
No, no, dear, I'm all right—just weak, that's all.
PRUDENCE
Now, Caesar, you just mustn't overtax your strength—remember this is only the second day you've been out of bed.
RODNEY
Yes, dear.
PRUDENCE
And the physician said you mustn't overdo.
RODNEY
All right, dear. I wonder what's happening in Philadelphia.
PRUDENCE
You must get your mind off Congress. You mustn't worry.
RODNEY
I know, but—what date's today?
PRUDENCE
July first—why?
RODNEY
July first. Why, today the Lee Resolution was to come up for final action! Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't there!
PRUDENCE
What's the Lee Resolution?
RODNEY
It's the most important motion that's come before the Continental Congress in the two years Congress has been sitting.[Pg 13]
PRUDENCE
What's it about?
RODNEY
Independence.
PRUDENCE
You mean to say they're even considering such a thing?
RODNEY
Of course. It's the only thing left for us. We've got to declare our independence.
PRUDENCE
Well, I'm mighty glad you weren't there today to vote for it.
RODNEY
Why?
PRUDENCE
You'd just have put a rope around your neck.
RODNEY
My dear, I've done that long ago. [knocking] See who's at the door, dear.
PRUDENCE
All right. [knocking] Yes, yes, I'm coming. [door opens]
URIAH [off]
Does Caesar Rodney dwell here?
PRUDENCE
Yes, what's wanted?
URIAH
Kin I see him, ma'm?
PRUDENCE
He's just out of a sick bed and not very strong.[Pg 14]
URIAH
Et's very important, ma'm.
RODNEY [calling]
Ask him to come in, Prudence.
PRUDENCE
Well, just a minute—and don't excite him. Right in this way.
URIAH
Be ye Caesar Rodney?
RODNEY
Yes.
URIAH
Here's a letter fer ye.
RODNEY
A letter—where from?
URIAH
Philadelphia. I fetched et all the way since noon today.
RODNEY
Indeed! [sound of tearing paper]
PRUDENCE
Now, Caesar, do you think you ought to read that?
RODNEY
Why not?
PRUDENCE
It might be something exciting—something you oughtn't to read—it might upset you—let me read it first!
RODNEY
Oh, nonsense! [rattle of paper][Pg 15]
PRUDENCE
I do wish people could leave a sick man alone—always bothering you!
RODNEY
Quiet! What's this—what's this? They haven't voted on the Lee Resolution yet! They need me! Prudence, my riding boots!
PRUDENCE
Your riding boots! Have you gone crazy, Caesar?
RODNEY
Don't stand and argue! Please get my boots—there isn't a moment to lose! I've got to be in Philadelphia before nine o'clock tomorrow morning!
PRUDENCE
You can't go! It'll kill you!
RODNEY
Where's my riding coat? Hurry up—get my boots!
PRUDENCE
You shan't go—I won't let you!
RODNEY
I've got to go—I'm needed. If you won't get the boots, I will!
PRUDENCE
Oh, please, sir, whoever you are—
URIAH
I'm Uriah Clarke, ma'm—at yer service.
PRUDENCE
Please, please, don't let him go! He can't stand it—he's too weak. He's been terribly ill—the physician told him he must rest—he could never stand a trip like that![Pg 16]
URIAH
But, ma'm, he's got to git thar. And I give my word thet I'd hev him thar tomorrow mornin'.
PRUDENCE
Your word—what's your word to a man's life!
URIAH
What's a man's life to the life of his country!
RODNEY [coming in]
All right, I'm ready—let's start!
PRUDENCE
Caesar!
RODNEY
Good-bye, Prudence.
PRUDENCE
If I can't persuade you to give up this mad—
RODNEY
You can't, my dear—
PRUDENCE
Good-bye, and God be with you. [door opens]
URIAH
Here ye be, sir—this is yer hoss.
RODNEY
You'll have to give me a hand up—I'm a little weak.
URIAH
All right, sir. [sound of mounting horses] Ready?
RODNEY
Ready!
URIAH
Then we're off. [horses' hoofs, Prudence's fading "Good-bye, good-bye!"][Pg 17]
And so out into the July night rode Caesar Rodney and the postrider, bound for Philadelphia eighty miles away—an hour—two hours—past the first remount station—it is nearing eleven o'clock. [sound of horses' hoofs and thunder]
RODNEY
Is that thunder?
URIAH
Cal'ate thet's what 'tis.
RODNEY
I hope it doesn't rain.
URIAH
'Twon't help us none ef et does.
RODNEY
I don't see how we can ever make it if it starts raining.
URIAH
We got to make et—rain or no rain. I give my word of honor to Mr. McKeen. Git along, boy—tch—tch.
RODNEY
It's sprinkling.
URIAH
I felt et. [another peal of thunder closer] [sound of rain and wind]
RODNEY
I guess it's on us.
URIAH
Here—draw up yer hoss!
RODNEY
What for?[Pg 18]
URIAH
Never mind—do what I say! Whoa, boy, whoa! Here, put on my greatcoat!
RODNEY
Oh, no, no!
URIAH
Ye need et. Do as I say. Ye been ill, and I ain't a-goin' to hev ye catchin' yer death o' cold—here ye be—now put et on.
RODNEY [giving in]
But—but what will you do—Uriah?
URIAH
I'm rugged—I don't need et. [exchanging coat]
RODNEY
Really, you oughtn't to do this.
URIAH
I'm a-doin' et—thar ye be! [another clap of thunder and storm noises] She's a-comin' down now! Come on, follow me! Giddap, boy!
RODNEY
Giddap! [sound of horses' hoofs]
And on into the storm they rode. Another hour—another change of horses. It is after midnight and they come upon a stretch of good road—
URIAH
Here we be on the turnpike.
RODNEY
Is that as far as we've got?[Pg 19]
URIAH
It's nigh onto thirty mile.
RODNEY
But we've got fifty miles more! Can we make it?
URIAH
We got to make et. How ye feelin'?
RODNEY
I guess I'll—hold out.
URIAH
Then let's step along a mite and make up some of thet time we lost in the storm.
RODNEY
All right. Tch—tch—come along.
URIAH
Giddap, boy! [beat of horses' hoofs increases] [to himself] Fifty mile. We got to make et, boy—we got to make et—come on—tch—tch—come on—and don't ye make a misstep.
RODNEY [off a bit]
Oh—whoa! Ow! [thud of falling body, a groan]
URIAH
Whoa, boy! Hey! What's the matter? What's happened?
RODNEY [off]
Quick! Catch the horse—I'm off.
URIAH
Hey! Whoa, thar—whoa, thar—stand still thar, boy! Thar—I got ye! [calling] Where are ye, Mr. Rodney? What happened? Be ye hurt?
RODNEY
No—I—I guess I'm all right.[Pg 20]
URIAH
How'd he throw ye?
RODNEY [in]
I don't know—the saddle slipped—then it came clear off and I came with it.
URIAH
Here—hold the hosses, will ye—let me see thet saddle! Ah-ha!—Girth broken!
RODNEY
Can you fix it?
URIAH
Ain't got time.
RODNEY
I'm afraid I can't—can't keep a seat bareback.
URIAH
Here—you climb on my hoss—I'll take your'n.
RODNEY
But—
URIAH
Not another word—climb aboard, thar. [sound of getting Rodney on horse] All right, boy, stand still. Thar we be! Go along with ye!
BOTH
Tch—tch—giddap! [sound of horses' hoofs]
And now five miles farther into the next remount station. Rodney and Uriah clatter up to the stable and find the stable closed, with everything dark.[Pg 21]
URIAH
Whoa, boy! Hm—cal'ate they've all gone to bed. Wal', we'll fetch 'em out. Hold the hosses a minute!
RODNEY
All right.
URIAH
I'll git thet lazy stableman out! Here's where he lives. Hey! Wake up! [knocking]
Wake up—come on out here. [knocking] Come on—we want a pair of hosses—wake up thar.
TOM [off]
Hey—what's goin' on out there? What do ye want?
URIAH
We want some hosses—come on out. [door opens]
TOM
Who is et?
URIAH
Et's Uriah Clarke of Philadelphia.
TOM
Oh, hello, Uriah. Kinda late fer ye to be out, ain't et?
URIAH
Oh, hello, Tom. I'm in a big hurry—come on—saddle me a couple of yer best hosses!
TOM
Pshaw now, I'm right put out.
URIAH
Eh? What the trouble?
TOM
I let my last hoss go not two hour ago.[Pg 22]
URIAH
Yer last hoss?
TOM
Yes, sir—my last fresh one.
URIAH
Wal', we've got to have two hosses. Give us what ye got.
TOM
There's nothin' in the stable but two hosses thet come in so tuckered out they couldn't hardly eat their corn—ye'll hev to go on with the hosses ye got—less'n ye want to wait until mornin'.
URIAH
We got to be in Philadelphia by mornin'.
TOM
Philadelphia? Ye'll never make et.
URIAH
We got to—I give my word. If ye can't give me a hoss, let me hev a saddle. We broke a saddle girth.
TOM
All right, Uriah—I'll git ye a saddle! Come on—but ye'll never make Philadelphia by mornin'! Not with the roads the way they be!
URIAH
We got to make et.
TOM
Here—git this door open! [sound of opening door] There's a saddle fer ye.
URIAH
Come on—give me a hand—git et on this hoss! [sound of putting saddle on][Pg 23]
TOM
There ye be!
URIAH
All right, Mr. Rodney. Let me give ye a hand up. How ye feelin'?
RODNEY
I guess—I'll make it.
URIAH
Thar! Good-bye, Tom.
TOM
Good-bye—good luck.
URIAH
Tch—tch—giddap! [sound of horses' hoofs]
TOM [off—fading]
I'll bet ye a new hat ye don't make Philadelphia!
URIAH [yelling back]
I'll bet ye a hat and a new pair o' boots—come on, boy! [sound of horses' hoofs]
And now two hours later Rodney is riding ahead when his horse stops suddenly—
URIAH [calling]
What's the matter?
RODNEY
Listen—[sound of rushing water]
URIAH
Pshaw now! Thet brook's kinda doin' business, ain't et?
RODNEY
The storm has turned it into a torrent.[Pg 24]
URIAH
Wal', we got to git across!
RODNEY
How?
URIAH
Let the hosses swim!
RODNEY
All right.
URIAH
You drive in fu'st! I'll be right behind ye.
RODNEY
Tch—tch—giddap!
URIAH
Lean way over his neck—give him his head!
RODNEY
Tch—tch—get in there, boy! Go on!
URIAH
What's the matter? Is he skittish of the water?
RODNEY
Get in there—go on! He won't go in, Uriah.
URIAH
Here—let me hev the reins. I'll lead him in with my hoss.
RODNEY
Here you are.
URIAH
Come on, boy—come on in—'tain't goin' ter hurt ye! Come on—giddap! [sound of splashing water—roar of stream rises][Pg 25]
URIAH
Go on—swim fer et! Go et, boy! Hold on tight, Mr. Rodney! Go et, boy—go et! [sound of water recedes a little—we hear horses' hoofs on solid ground]
URIAH
Wal'! Thar we be! Made et slicker'n a greased griddle! You all right, Mr. Rodney?
RODNEY
I'm still here.
URIAH
Mite wet?
RODNEY
I've been dryer.
URIAH
All right, take yer reins—we'll ride fast to keep warm. You ready?
RODNEY
All ready.
URIAH
Tch—tch—giddap! Come on, boy!
And now two hours later just as the first streaks of dawn begin to brighten the eastern sky our two riders are pushing their horses over a piece of rough, stony road. Suddenly Uriah pulls up his horse—
URIAH
Whoa, thar, boy! Ah, you've done et now!
RODNEY [off a little]
Whoa! What's happened now, Uriah?[Pg 26]
URIAH
Wal', blamed ef I didn't think thet everything had happened to us thet could happen!
RODNEY [coming in]
What's wrong now? Why are you dismounting?
URIAH
This blamed hoss has pulled up lame.
RODNEY
Oh, too bad!
URIAH
Mebbe he's jest got a stone in his shoe—I'll take a look! Here, boy—lift up yer foot! Come on—let me look at et! Thar! No, 'tain't a stone.
RODNEY
Can't he carry you any farther?
URIAH
No. He can't hardly hobble. I cal'ate ye better go on without me, Mr. Rodney, while I lead this hoss into the next remount station.
RODNEY
I—I'm a little afraid to try it alone.
URIAH
Oh, ye kin make et all right—the hosses know the road.
RODNEY
I know—the horses can make it—but I don't know that I can.
URIAH
Gittin' wore out?
RODNEY
I'm afraid so.[Pg 27]
URIAH
Wal', ye got to git to Philadelphia—I give my word.
RODNEY
All right—I'll go on—I'll try to make it.
URIAH
Look here—et's six or seven mile to the next remount station—I tell ye what I'll do—I'll tie this lame hoss here—and thet hoss of your'n will hev to carry double thet far!
RODNEY
I guess that's the best thing.
URIAH
Let me hev thet stirrup—
RODNEY
You all ready?
URIAH
Let him go.
RODNEY
Tch—tch—giddap! [sound of horses' hoofs]
And now let us leave the two riders and their heroic effort against enormous odds to reach Philadelphia in time to make the decision for independence unanimous. Our next scene is on the steps of the State House, the morning of July 2, 1776. The hour for assembling Congress is drawing near. Thomas McKeen of Delaware is standing on the steps anxiously waiting and watching for Caesar Rodney. Dr. Franklin rides up in his carriage and steps out.
MCKEEN
Good morning, Dr. Franklin.[Pg 28]
FRANKLIN
Good morning, good morning, my boy. Has Rodney come?
MCKEEN
Not yet. I've been waiting for an hour.
FRANKLIN
Oh, I hope he gets here.
MCKEEN
It is a long, hard ride.
FRANKLIN
This morning our action must be unanimous and final! One dissenting colony and we'll be defeated!
MCKEEN
How is it with Pennsylvania?
FRANKLIN
I was able to persuade Dickinson and Morris—we can count on Pennsylvania.
MCKEEN
You must have given them a good dinner, Doctor.
FRANKLIN
And good advice. [chuckles] Oh, here comes Rutledge.
MCKEEN
I hope he's convinced his colleagues from South Carolina.
FRANKLIN
Good morning, Mr. Rutledge.
RUTLEDGE
Good morning, Doctor—good morning, McKeen.
FRANKLIN
I trust, Mr. Rutledge, your dinner of last evening was as productive of good results as mine.[Pg 29]
RUTLEDGE
You can count on South Carolina.
FRANKLIN
Great news, sir!
MCKEEN
Good!
RUTLEDGE
The members are beginning to assemble.
ALL [growing from one voice to many]
Good morning.
How do you do, Doctor?
Good morning, Mr. McKeen.
What news this morning?
Has Rodney come?
How will Pennsylvania vote, Doctor?
Good morning, Mr. Hancock.
Good morning, Dr. Franklin. A fine day, isn't it?
How is it with New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is unanimous, sir.
Good morning, gentlemen.
The hour of assembling is nearly here.
Shall we go in, gentlemen?
How do you do, Dr. Franklin?
Has New York been heard from?
Can we swing Delaware, Mr. McKeen?
Well, it's nearly nine o'clock.
There's no question about it, Mr. Livingston.
No, no, I don't believe we can go so far.
Yes, but we have no alternative. [etc.]
[this thins out but does not stop entirely]
VOICE [calling]
Come on, gentlemen, we must go in! It's nine o'clock. The session will open in a moment.[Pg 30]
MCKEEN
Doctor, ask the members to delay—hold them a few minutes—don't let a quorum assemble.
FRANKLIN
Yes, yes! [louder] Gentlemen, just a moment.
ALL
Yes, Doctor, what is it?
What do you want, Dr. Franklin? [etc.]
FRANKLIN
Wait—wait a moment—don't go in just yet—come—do you mind standing here with us—no—perhaps—Mr. Adams, take several members and go up Market Street!
VOICE
Yes, certainly, Doctor—why?
FRANKLIN
Don't ask me why! We must delay the opening of the meeting. Come back in a quarter of an hour!
VOICE
Of course, sir.
FRANKLIN
And Livingston, keep the members here on the steps in conversation—don't let them go in.
VOICE
Certainly, Doctor.
FRANKLIN
Oh, Jefferson, you are always too prompt! My boy, be late this morning—stroll about the Square! Take some of your friends with you—sh—don't ask me why—I might incriminate myself! It's a beautiful morning for a stroll—you need the air, my boy—you need— [sound of horses' hoofs off, growing louder][Pg 31]
MCKEEN
Oh, Doctor, look!
FRANKLIN
Eh? What?
MCKEEN
Two horsemen coming up Market Street!
FRANKLIN
Is it by any chance—
MCKEEN
Yes, yes, it's Rodney—Rodney and the postrider—they're coming!
FRANKLIN
Good, good! This is a glorious day!
ALL
Here comes Rodney of Delaware!
Good! That swings Delaware into line!
It looks like unanimous action!
Rodney, Rodney—good work!
[horses' hoofs close, and stop]
URIAH [calling]
Wal', here we be, Mr. McKeen.
MCKEEN
Good! You're just in time!
RODNEY
They haven't voted yet?
MCKEEN
No, no, the session is just assembling. Come, dismount!
RODNEY
You'll have to give me a hand.[Pg 32]
URIAH
Here—I'll help ye. [sound of dismounting]
RODNEY
I—I can hardly stand.
FRANKLIN
Here, Rodney, take my arm—I seldom have a chance to support young and vigorous men now, but I insist on this!
RODNEY
Thank you, Doctor.
FRANKLIN
Come—let me lead you in a triumphant entry!
RODNEY
I'm glad I got here in time.
FRANKLIN
My congratulations, Rodney—you've ridden to a great victory! Before another hour is passed a new nation will be born! [members cheer]
MCKEEN
Mr. Clarke, I want to thank you. I was almost afraid you wouldn't get him here in time.
URIAH
Why, pshaw, Mr. McKeen, I give ye my word, didn't I? I had to git him here!
And so Rodney, with his mud-spattered clothes, booted and spurred as he had ridden, went into the meeting of Congress and secured the adherence of Delaware to the Lee Resolution. When Congress was called to order and the vote taken, every Colony voted for independence, and, as New York did not vote at all, there was not a dissenting voice in the victory!
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