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
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
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