We’re small but we’re an oddly independent little state.
Take Caesar Rodney…
Oh, you don’t know who that is? Or you do, but only as a
character in the musical 1776 who
doesn’t even have a singing part? Ah.
Caesar Rodney was fiercely opposed to the British crown and
served as Brigadier General of Delaware’s little militia. But it’s his famous
ride in 1776 for which he’s best remembered.
It was a dark and stormy night. Really, it was. Caesar was
in Dover doing
the Brigadier General thing even though, at this point, his health was already
suffering. (It’s believed he eventually died from cancer – hard to say at this
late date.) On this night, he received a message that the Congress was deadlocked.
His delegation needed him to break the vote. What were they voting on? The
Declaration of Independence.
Caesar rode seventy miles through the thunderstorm that night and arrived just
in time to break the deadlock “in boots and spurs” they say.
He was a brave, stubborn little man. No one better to
represent our strange little state.
I’ve lived here all my life and though much of my work is
fantasy and science fiction, in which the settings are not even on Earth, I did
set one story in my little Delaware – in Wilmington where I could include
places I’ve walked, river scenes I’ve sketched. Canines, Crosshairs and Corpses is the story of the newly divorced
god Hades and his attempt to set up a private investigation firm on the Brandywine. It’s heart-wrenchingly personal, setting
fiction where you live. Even fantasy edges closer to reality.
Take a walk with me along the Brandywine.
I guarantee you, Caesar walked there, too.
For more information on Angel’s work visit her website:
(all info provided by author)
Hi, Angel, from one Delwarean to another. I wrote about Delaware last year for this blog. I enjoyed your take on our history. Many of my stories are set in Delaware or nearby states like NJ and PA. Best of luck with your books.
ReplyDeleteMy mother's family all live in Delaware and I've visited often. I did not know you set a story there, so I will probably buy it, as I love books set in places I know!
ReplyDeleteHi, Angel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting history lesson! I have never heard of Caesar Rodney...sounds like he should play a more important role in history books. I live only a short distance from Delaware (on the Jersey shore), but I need to get there more often!
Big things come in small packages! A most interesting post. Congrats on all your books--I wish you happy writing!
ReplyDeleteAnother state we'll have to camp in when we eventually get to retire. And yes, interesting historical person...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReally nice to learn all the historical facts about various states. And this little state has some real important history to its name. I've also heard it has some really nice places to live, scenic vies and all.
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, why didn't poor Caesar Rodney get a speaking role in "1776"? :-)
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