The Midnight Rider Few Remember

Caesar Rodney and the vote that changed history

June 24, 1776

Most Americans know Paul Revere. Fewer know Caesar Rodney.

That is unfortunate because Rodney may have cast one of the most important votes in American history.

In late June 1776, Delaware’s delegation was deadlocked on the issue of independence.

One delegate supported independence. One opposed it and the colony’s vote hung in the balance.

Because of that independence itself remained uncertain.

Rodney was 80 miles away.

Sick. Exhausted. Battling severe facial cancer.

Yet when he learned Delaware’s vote might decide the issue, he mounted his horse and rode through a thunderstorm across the Delmarva Peninsula. Through the night. Through rain and mud, arriving in Philadelphia on July 1.

Just as John Hancock called the morning’s session to order to once again take up the resolution on independence, Rodney strode into the room. It was said he walked into Independence Hall still muddy and wet, a green scarf hiding his disfigured face, his spurs clanking on the floor as he took his seat with the Delaware delegation.

That morning, he broke the tie and Delaware voted for independence. His vote had a domino effect. South Carolina, which had been a no, saw Delaware and Pennsylvania change their votes to yes, and followed suit. The resolution advanced and Rodney would sign the Declaration with the other delegates on August 2.

History often turns on ideas.

Sometimes it turns on a man willing to take a grueling, lonely ride through a thunderous night.