Caesar Augustus Rodney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Caesar Rodney
United States Minister to Argentina
In office December 27, 1823 – June 10, 1824
President	James Monroe
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	John Forbes (Acting)
United States Senator from Delaware
In office January 24, 1822 – January 29, 1823
Preceded by	Outerbridge Horsey
Succeeded by	Thomas Clayton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Delaware's at-large district
In office March 4, 1821 – January 24, 1822 2nd seat
Preceded by	Willard Hall
Succeeded by	Daniel Rodney
In office March 4, 1803 – March 3, 1805 Sole seat
Preceded by	James Bayard
Succeeded by	James M. Broom
6th United States Attorney General
In office January 20, 1807 – December 5, 1811
President	Thomas Jefferson James Madison
Preceded by	John Breckinridge
Succeeded by	William Pinkney
Personal details
Born	(1772-01-04)January 4, 1772 Dover, Delaware Colony, British America
Died	June 10, 1824(1824-06-10) (aged 52) Buenos Aires, United Provinces of the Río de la Plata
Political party	Democratic-Republican
Spouse	Susan Hunn
Education	University of Pennsylvania (BA)

Caesar Augustus Rodney (born January 4, 1772 – died June 10, 1824) was an important American lawyer and politician from Wilmington. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. He served in many important roles, including as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator for Delaware. He was also the U.S. Attorney General and a U.S. Minister (like an ambassador) to Argentina.

Who Was Caesar Augustus Rodney?

Early Life and Family Connections

Caesar Augustus Rodney was born in Dover, which was then a British colony. His parents were Thomas Rodney and Elizabeth Fisher. He was the nephew of a very famous person, Caesar Rodney, who signed the Declaration of Independence. You might even recognize his uncle from the Delaware state quarter!

Caesar Augustus went to the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1789. After that, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1793. He practiced law in Wilmington and New Castle, Delaware. He married Susan Hunn, and they lived in a home called "Cool Springs" in Wilmington.

What Did Rodney Do in Politics?

Starting His Political Journey

Rodney began his political career in the Delaware General Assembly. He served as a State Representative for six terms, from 1797 to 1802. During this time, he became a key leader of the Jeffersonian party, which is now known as the Democratic-Republican Party.

Serving in the U.S. House

In 1802, Thomas Jefferson encouraged Rodney to run for the U.S. House. He won a close election against James A. Bayard. Even though they were political rivals, they remained good friends.

While in the U.S. House, Rodney was part of the Committee on Ways and Means. He also gained national attention for his role in important legal cases.

Leading Impeachment Cases

In 1804, Rodney was chosen to help prepare the articles of impeachment against John Pickering. Pickering was a judge charged with acting improperly. This case helped show how important it is to hold judges accountable.

Later that same year, Rodney also led another impeachment case against Samuel Chase. Chase was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. These cases were about making sure government officials followed the rules.

Rodney served one term in the U.S. House from 1803 to 1805. He ran for reelection in 1804 but was defeated by James A. Bayard.

Becoming the U.S. Attorney General

Caesar Augustus Rodney

On January 20, 1807, President Thomas Jefferson chose Rodney to be the U.S. Attorney General. This job means he was the chief lawyer for the U.S. government. He continued in this role for the rest of Jefferson's presidency and for almost three years under President James Madison.

As Attorney General, Rodney was part of the team that prosecuted former Vice-President Aaron Burr in his second treason trial. Rodney resigned from his position on December 5, 1811.

Serving in the War of 1812

During the War of 1812, Rodney became a captain. He led a rifle corps, which later became the Delaware 1st Artillery. They helped defend Fort Union in Wilmington and also assisted in the defense of Baltimore in 1814.

Rodney's Later Political Life

Returning to Congress

After his time as Attorney General, Rodney returned to politics. He served in the Delaware State Senate from 1815 to 1817. In 1820, he was elected to the U.S. House again. He served there until 1822, when he resigned to become a U.S. Senator. He was Delaware's only Democratic-Republican U.S. Senator at that time. He resigned from the Senate in 1823 for a new diplomatic role.

Diplomatic Mission to South America

In 1817, President James Monroe selected Rodney for a special diplomatic mission to South America. Rodney was chosen to lead a group to investigate whether the newly formed South American republics should be recognized as independent nations.

Rodney strongly believed these new countries should be recognized. In 1819, he published his findings in a report called Reports on the Present State of the United Provinces of South America. This report greatly influenced the ideas behind the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy that warned European powers not to interfere in the Americas.

Because of his work, Rodney was appointed as the United States Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (which is now Argentina) in 1823. He stayed in this important role until his death.

Death and Lasting Impact

Rodney passed away on June 10, 1824, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was buried there in the Victoria district British Cemetery. Later, his remains were moved to a crypt at St. John's Cathedral in Buenos Aires.

A plaque at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Buenos Aires honors Caesar Augustus Rodney. It mentions he was the first U.S. Minister Plenipotentiary to Argentina.

Places with More Information

• Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161
• University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831–2965

See also

In Spanish: Caesar Augustus Rodney para niños