Thread by @adambonin

On this day in 1776, true American hero Caesar Rodney - his body withered by cancer of the jaw and asthma - completed an epic 80-mi horse ride from Dover to Phila, through a thunderstorm, to break the tie in Delaware's delegation and cast the decisive vote for Independence. (1/)

His vote was decisive because the delegates wanted a unanimous vote; Delaware was deadlocked and New York abstaining (courteously). And in so doing, he apparently forfeited the ability to ever travel to London where a physician was available to treat his particular cancer. (2/)

Rodney proclaimed, before the Second Continental Congress, "As I believe the voice of my constituents and all sensible and honest men is in favor of Independence and my own judgment concurs with them, I vote for Independence." New York came off the sidelines as well. (3/)

Rodney also took great pride in representing for the #302 and puncturing the haughtiness of the Virginians who deemed themselves essential for the revolution, as this anecdote highlights. (4/)

There's a lengthy poem about Rodney's ride. Here's a taste:

Comes a rider swift on a panting bay;
"Ho, Rodney, ho! you must save the day,
For the Congress halts at a deed so great,
And your voice alone may decide its fate."
en.wikisource.org/wiki/Caesar_Ro…

Answered Rodney then; "I will ride with speed;
It is Liberty's stress; it is Freedom's need."
"When stands it?" "To-night." "not a moment to spare,
But ride like the wind from Delaware."

"Ho, saddle the black! I've but half a day,
And the Congress sits eighty miles away —
But I'll be in time, if God grants me grace,
To shake my fist in King George's face."

The poem concludes: