Page 80 - JM Book 9/2020

“Yes, they know. Everyone probably has heard the news by now,” he answered. “According to Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton has also changed his mind and will vote for independence with the other South Carolina delegates. As you said, only Delaware and New York stand in our way.”
Jefferson watched Adams walk away. His admiration for John Adams had increased over the past few months. Nothing seemed to affect his outlook or ability to adjust to new situations. Adam’s enthusiasm for independence never seemed to waver. His determination was rock solid – his mind was focused – and his will was unshakable.
As debate on the Virginia Resolution continued, Caesar Rodney, the Delaware delegate, was riding his horse back to Philadelphia. In June he had gone to his home in Delaware to rest, and to tend to some of his official duties as a Brigadier General of the Delaware Militia and as Speaker of the General Assembly. He was in constant pain from the cancer that had disfigured his face, and he had breathing problems caused by asthma.
Fellow Delaware delegate Thomas McKean had sent a messenger to alert Rodney that his vote was needed to cast the deciding vote on Delaware’s approval of the Virginia Resolution. McKean favored the resolution; George Read, the third Delaware delegate,
opposed it.
Despite his ill health, Rodney
began his ride to Philadelphia during the night of July first. It was a bad night for a person with his health conditions to be out. He made the eighty-mile trip through a violent, summer thunderstorm over muddy roads, swollen streams and slippery cobblestone streets.
Caesar Rodney’s Ride
He arrived in the early afternoon
exhausted and covered in mud. Secretary Thomson was just beginning to call the roll.
The room grew silent as the names were called.
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