I’m feeling patriotic and since this is still July, I am posting “The Vote” here.
THE VOTE
Written by Warren Sager
(done in Reader’s Theater style)(This can be done at the platform using the audience as the rest of the folks at the meeting. Have different representatives placed throughout the auditorium that can stand up and give their vote. We just passed out the lines to various men and told them their cue and to stand up and read the line loudly)
Scene begins with the meeting in progress:
DICKINSON: And so… my fellow colonists… for those above stated reasons… I can clearly say that this is not the direction that I believe we should be going.
HANCOCK: Dickinson of Pennsylvania has spoken very eloquently and is clearly against independence. Will we hear from anyone else? (Long silence till John Adams finally stands) The chairman recognizes John Adams.
JOHN ADAMS: Gentlemen. Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence now, and Independence for ever!
(Some agree and some grumble and look upset.)
HANCOCK: Thank you, John. As you can see… we have some very definite….
JOHN WITHERSPOON: (Entering with mud on his face) Gentlemen!
HANCOCK: My goodness, Witherspoon! What is this?
JOHN WITHERSPOON: I would like to speak, Mr. Hancock!
HANCOCK: The chair recognizes John Witherspoon. Well, barely recognized with mud all over his face… (they chuckle)
JOHN WITHERSPOON: Sorry to be late. And I’m sorry about my condition. I just got off my horse, and there was not time to clean up. Mr. Chairman…New Jersey is ready to vote for independence. In our judgment, the country is not only ripe for independence, but we are in danger of becoming rotten for the want of it, if we delay any longer.
HANCOCK: Thank you, John. Gentlemen, I realize that we are not all in agreement yet. Perhaps these men who have spoken have helped some of you to see things differently. As you know, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed that Congress make a declaration of Independence, and it was seconded by John Adams; and a committee was formed to draw up a draft of the proposed declaration. The committee consists of Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson. We will continue to look it over and make any significant changes. If there is no other discussion, then let us proceed to the vote.
DICKINSON: We cannot vote on this issue yet! We do not even have all the delegates present. Why, Delaware is missing their third delegation.
HANCOCK: We cannot wait any longer for the third delegation from Delaware. We must proceed to the vote again.
DICKINSON: Then I will abstain from voting. You know that I am opposed to this.
HANCOCK: As you wish, John. There has been much debate… I think it is time to see if anything has changed since the last vote. Just to remind you, the vote was 9 to 4 in favor of independence. I realize that the delegation from Delaware is in a deadlock, and the third delegate…
THOMAS McKEAN: Mr. Chairman, Caesar Rodney could be on his way here after being summoned home on urgent business. It is nearly 90 miles to Dover, and it has been raining hard all night. I’m sure the roads are in terrible condition…
HANCOCK: Indeed, so I do not think we could expect that he could arrive by this time or at all for that matter. So, without further a due, we will begin the vote. Virginia! (This part could be done by members of the audience participating as if delegates… standing and reading their short lines as their colony is called.)
VIRGINIA DELEGATE: Virginia votes for independence.
HANCOCK: Maryland.
MARYLAND DELEGATE: Maryland votes for independence.
HANCOCK: Rhode Island.
RHODE ISLAND DELEGATE: The two delegates from Rhode Island vote for independence.
HANCOCK: New Jersey.
NEW JERSEY DELEGATE: New Jersey also votes for independence. All five of us!
HANCOCK: Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA DELEGATE: Pennsylvania now changes our vote, since Mr. Dickinson has abstained, and we vote FOR independence.
HANCOCK: North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA DELEGATE: North Carolina still votes for independence.
HANCOCK: South Carolina.
SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATE: South Carolina has also changed to vote FOR independence.
HANCOCK: Massachusetts.
MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATE: Massachusetts is casting a vote for independence!
HANCOCK: Connecticut.
CONNECTICUT DELEGATE: Connecticut is voting for independence.
(suddenly a man comes stumbling into the room being helped by one or two others.. and everyone stops to see who it is and what he has to say.)
RODNEY: (barely able to speak) As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of independence, my own judgment concurs with them. I vote for independence!
HANCOCK: The chairman recognizes Caesar Rodney from Delaware (several chuckle) breaking the deadlock, and puts down a vote for independence from Delaware. Is that correct Mr. McKean?
THOMAS McKEAN: It is!
HANCOCK: Mr. Rodney, why don’t you sit down and have a drink of water? You look exhausted. Now, if we don’t have any more interruptions, we will continue. New Hampshire.
NEW HAMPSHIRE DELEGATE: The three of us cast our vote for independence, John.
HANCOCK: Georgia.
VERMONT DELEGATE: Georgia is happy to throw in another vote for independence!
HANCOCK: And lastly, New York.
NEW YORK DELEGATE: New York abstains.
HANCOCK: The decision is twelve to none, so the thirteen colonies have just become the United States of America! (silence fills the room. Some look out the window.. one weeps.. and Witherspoon bows his head in prayer. Finally the long quiet moment is broken by Hancock) Gentlemen, the price on my head has just been doubled! (a few chuckle)
SAMUEL ADAMS: Mr. Chairman?
HANCOCK: The chair recognizes Samuel Adams.
SAMUEL ADAMS: Thank you Mr. Hancock. We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and …from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come. (Some say “Amen or Hear hear…”)
THE END
Copyright 2002 Warren Sager