Spring Discovery Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2013
Receipt for payment on principal and interest to June 1771 from Joseph Mason, 2 x 9.5 in. Signed by Caesar Rodney, possibly in his role as trustee at the loan office or as recorder of deeds. Recorded in pounds, shillings, and pence.Adhered to sheet of heavy paper. Expected minor toning
Caesar Rodney (1728-1784). Delegate to the Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and President (Governor) of Delaware. From 1758 - 1776 he was a Justice of the Superior Court, and was elected to the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.
When Parliament closed Boston Harbor in 1774, he usurped the colonial governor and called a special meeting of the legislature, the state's first Revolutionary convention. He, Thomas McKean, and George Read were sent to the first Continental Congress. Rodney was also a member of the Delaware militia, and, having served in the French and Indian War, was elected colonel in 1775 and appointed Brigadier General shortly thereafter. Because of this service, he was frequently absent from legislature.
However, on July 1, 1776 he received word from Thomas McKean that he and Read were split on whether or not to vote for independence. Since each state had one vote, Rodney could be the "tie-breaker." He rode from Byfield overnight and next day (July 1-2) in a storm, to arrive in Philadelphia just as the vote was being called whether or not to declare independence from Great Britain. Delaware went down as a "yeah," joining eleven other states to so vote. Rodney's historic ride is commemorated on Delaware's quarter (1999).
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