The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caesar Rodney's Ride, by Henry Fisk Carlton
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Title: Caesar Rodney's Ride
Author: Henry Fisk Carlton
Editor: Claire T. Zyve
Release Date: February 11, 2009 [EBook #28051]
Language: English
*** 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
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_DRAMATIC HOURS IN REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY_
Caesar Rodney's Ride
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
_HOW TO BE A GOOD RADIO ACTOR_
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.
_HOW TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS IN THE PLAY_
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.
CAESAR RODNEY'S RIDE
_CAST_
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
JOHN HANCOCK
JOHN RUTLEDGE
THOMAS MCKEEN
URIAH CLARKE
CAESAR RODNEY
PRUDENCE RODNEY
TOM
VOICES
ANNOUNCER
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
ANNOUNCER
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--
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!
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.
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_]
ANNOUNCER
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.
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.
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.
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_]
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!
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!"_]
ANNOUNCER
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?
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_]
ANNOUNCER
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?
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.
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_]
ANNOUNCER
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.
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.
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_]
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_]
ANNOUNCER
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.
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_]
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!
ANNOUNCER
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?
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.
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_]
ANNOUNCER
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.
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.
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.
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_]
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.
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!
ANNOUNCER
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!
End of Project Gutenberg's Caesar Rodney's Ride, by Henry Fisk Carlton
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