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Show Class F: Magazine Article - Bicentennial Special 2000 words by count History-minded lay readers, all comprehending a g e s . . . American Heritage THE DAY THEY LAUNCHED THE PAPER SKIFF "I regret that so many of my colleagues are now willing to brave the Storm in a Skiff made of Paper, " John Dickinson, Delegate From Pennsylvania. They should have been there that day-the detractors, apologists, the hecklers of America. It was Tuesday, July 2, 1776, in the old State House in Philadelphia, a few minutes of nine A. M., a day of pouring rain. Some fifty-six delegates from the thirteen colonies were gathering for session of the Continental Congress, now due to begin. Thomas McKeen, representing Delaware, just inside the door, was alert, but worried. He had only half slept for listening, and was up at dawn, looking down the road for Caesar Rodney. Caesar Rodney was the third delegate from Delaware, George Read being the second, already on the scene that Tuesday. This was the momentous occasion, the day the Colonies would vote on independence from King George Hi's British Empire. With George Read against and Thomas McKeen for independence, Caesar Rodney could break the deadlock and give Delaware one proud vote for independence. |