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
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!