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THE 
 
 Union Drummer Boy; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE LAST CHARGE 
 
 AT 
 
 SHILOH, 
 
 ALL BOOKS MUST BE BETURNED TO THE MANAGEB. 
 
THE 
 
 Union Drummer Boy; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE LAST CHARGE 
 
 AT 
 
 SHILOH, 
 
 A MILITARY DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS 
 AND SIX TARLEAUX, 
 
 WITH ALL PARTS COMPLETE, 
 
 ARRANGED FROM INCIDENTS OF THE WAR 
 OF THE REBELLION, 
 
 BY 
 
 A. F. NAIL, Proprietor. 
 
 GALION, OHIO, 
 
 The Inquirer Steam Printing House, 
 
 1890. 
 

 *^*^?^ N OT I C E.^^*h. 
 
 THIS PLAY has been duly copyrighted according to act of Congress regulat- 
 ing the same. Any person or persons producing this play, without the 
 consent of the management, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 
 
 A. F. NAIL, Proprietor. 
 
 . 
 
Cast of Characters. 
 
 Farmer Allen 
 
 Ned Allen 
 
 Harry Allen 
 
 Jimmie Allen 
 
 Squire Mason 
 
 Bob Mason 
 
 Capt. Barton 
 
 Prank Barton 
 
 Tim McCarty 
 
 Will Emmet 
 
 Joe 
 
 Colonel Russel 
 
 Captain Clark 
 
 Union Officers. 
 
 General Grant 
 
 Chief of Staff 
 
 A. A. G 
 
 General Smith 
 
 General Wallace 
 
 Confederate Officers. 
 
 General A. S. Johnson 
 
 Chief of Staff 
 
 General Bragg 1 
 
 Chief of Staff 
 
 Captain Seaman 
 
 Ladies. 
 
 Mother Allen 
 
 Mrs. Kate Allen 
 
 Miss Nellie Allen 
 
 Mrs. Squire Mason 
 
 Mrs. Barton 
 
 Goddess of Liberty 
 
 Sisters of Charity 
 
 Tableau, Ladies, etc 
 
 Synopsis of Scenery and Incidents. 
 
 Act 1st. 
 
 Scene 1st. — Home and Dining-room of Father Allen. — Quarrel and separation 
 of friends. — Sound of cannon. — Off for town. Scene 2d. Boys on the road to 
 town. — Joe returns and meets Tim McCarty. Scene 3d. — Capt. Clark Recruit- 
 ing. — Tim McCarty and the awkward squad drill. — Boys, come in and enlist. — 
 Heaven bless my boys. — The 15th Regiment. — Presentation of Flag. — Parting 
 of Mother and son. — Tableau. — Secession of States. 
 
 Act 2d. 
 
 Scene 1st. — Camp after night. — Boys asleep. — Grand rounds. 
 — General Grant reviews the regiment. — Ned Allen sent as a 
 Rebel picket guard. — Joe on track of Ned Allen. Scene 3d — Ned in the Confed 
 erate camp. — Joe on hand. — "You may kill the body, but you can never harm 
 the soul." Scene 4th — Joe captures papers from Frank Barton. Scene 5th — 
 Ned's escape with Joe. Scene 6th — Back into the Union lines. Scene 7th— 
 Battle charge. — Grand tableau. 
 
 —Joe's love letter, 
 spy. Scene 2d— 
 
 Act 3d. 
 
 Scene 1st — After the last charge. — Jimmie wounded. — "Mother, mother." — 
 The blue and the gray drink from the same canteen. — Ned and Jimmie taken 
 prisoners. — "Too late ! too late ! — Here is Ned's canteen !" — Tableau. 
 
 Act 4th. 
 
 Scene 1st — Union Soldiers nearing Andersonville. — Tim left on guard — Harry 
 Allen returns from home. — Joe "divides de forage." — Tim McCarty captured. 
 Scene 2d — Andersonville prison. "Bread — bread!" — Murder of Jimmie Allen. 
 "Tell — mother — I — come — I — come." — Tim McCarty cheers the boys up. — 
 Harry Allen and Union soldiers break into prison. — "You are free as the air you 
 breathe." — Harry shoots Frank Barton. — Jimmie's death avenged. — Tableau: 
 Jimmie and Guardian Angels. 
 
 Act 5th. 
 
 Scene 1st — Home of Farmer Allen.— Boys home on furlough. — The vacant 
 chair in mourning. — Song. — "Joe, go to the door. " — Squire Mason and wife. — 
 "What's this? Surrender of Lee to General Grant?" — A quiet wedding. — "I 
 want to be a mother-in-law." — Scene 2d — Return of troops. — Grand review. 
 — Grand tableau. — Surrender. — Reconciliation. — Goddess of Liberty. — Arts. — 
 Justice and Angel of Peace. 
 
* C*0*S*T*U*M*E*S; 
 
 j> 
 
 '*~^>*^k^^^:'^^^--f 
 
 Father Allen.— 1st. Home Suit. 2d. Same. 3d. Dark. 
 
 Ned Allen.— 1st. Home Suit. 2d. Sergeant's Coat. 3d. Old Disguise. 4th. 
 Sergeant. 5th. Old Ragged Clothes. 6th. Captain's U. S. Uniform. 
 
 Harry Allen.— 1st. Home Suit. 2d. U. S. Uniform. 3d. Lieutenant U. S. A. 
 
 Jimmie Allen.— 1st. Neat Home Suit. 2d. Drummer Boy. 3d. Old Ragged 
 Suit. 4th. Draped in White for Tableau. 
 
 Squire Mason.— 1st. Duster, Straw Hat, Umbrella. 2d. Old Silk Hat, Swal- 
 low Tail Coat, Standing Collar. 
 
 BOB Mason.— 1st. Farm Hand. 2d. U. S. Uniform. 3d. Ragged Suit. 4th. 
 2d Lieutenant's U. S. A. 
 
 Will Emmit. — 1st. Farm Hand. 2d. U. S. Uniform. 3d. Ragged Suit. 
 
 Tim McCarty.— 1st. Farm Suit. 2d. Part of U. S. Uniform. 
 
 Captain Barton.— 1st. Undress U. S. Uniform. 2d. Major C. S. A. 
 
 Frank Barton. --1st. Neat Home Suit. 2d. Sergeant C. S. A. 
 
 Joe. — 1st. Neat Servant's Suit, White Apron. 2d, 3d and 4th. Change at will. 
 
 Officers and Soldiers.— After regulations of both armies. 
 
 Mother Allen. — 1st. Neat home dress. 2d. Street dress. 3d. Deep mourning. 
 
 Mrs. Kate Allen.— 1st. Neat home dress. 2d. Street dress. 3d. Deep 
 mourning. 
 
 Miss Nellie Allen.— 1st. Neat home dress. 2d. Light street dress. 3d. 
 Deep mourning. 
 
 Mrs. Squire Mason. —1st. Home dress. 2d. Same. 3d. Style of '61. 
 
 Mrs. Captain Barton.— 1st. Fine breakfast dress. 
 
 Sisters of Charity. — In usual costume. 
 
 Goddess of Liberty.— Draped in White and U. S. Flag. 
 
 Tableau Ladies.— Draped in White. 
 
THE UNION DRUMMER BOY; 
 
 OR,- 
 
 The Last Charge at Shiloh. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 
 Dining-room at the home of John Allen. Discovered Mother Allen. Kate Allen. Hai'ry and 
 Jimmie. 
 
 Father A. — [Eater 1st. L. E. at rise of curtain.) ''Well, mother, what's all this? 
 Breakfast ready, and the Captain and Mrs. Barton not up yet? You had better 
 have them called again." 
 
 Mother A. — "Oh, they've been up for more than an hour, Father ; and have 
 gone out for a morning walk. I look for their return every minute." 
 
 Harry A. — "Father, what do you think of the field above the barn? Had we 
 better finish it right away, or would it be best to let it lay a few days?" 
 
 Father A. — "I was just up looking at it, Harry; and I don't think it will im- 
 prove it any to let it remain as it is. So you may go ahead and finish it up. Oh — 
 by the way — has Ned gone to town? I want him to stop at the post-office, for I 
 am anxious to see the paper." 
 
 Kate A. — "Yes, father, he started at half-past six, and he will soon be back, 
 for he rode old Dick." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Well, if he rode old Dick, he will never come back; for he is as 
 slow as molasses in January." 
 
 Mother A. — "There, there! don't talk that way, Jimmie. Father, I'm afraid 
 the Captain and Mrs. Barton have lost their way. " 
 
 Harry A. — "Where's Joe? Can't you send him out to find them?" 
 
 Father A. — "Yes, Jimmie, go and call Joe." 
 
 [Eater Joe. 1st. R. E.) 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Here he is now. Joe, you old sardine, where have you been all 
 morning?" 
 
 Joe. — "Why, I'se been huntin' roun' for sum ob dat nordern ablition what I 
 heard my old Mastah talkin' 'bout; I want to take some back to de ol' plantation. 
 Does you know whar it grows, Mastah Jimmie?" 
 
 Father A. — "Why, bless your old soul, Joe, that's something that don't grow 
 — only in the minds of the people; and I don't think the time is very far distant 
 when you will see the plant in full bloom. Now, go down the lane, Joe, and see 
 if you can find your master and mistress; for I fear they have lost their way." 
 
 [Exit Joe. 1st. L. E.) 
 
 Mother A. — "Now, Father, I hope you won't get into any discussion with the 
 Captain on the question of slavery; for you know how very radical he is in his 
 zeal for the South, and their visit has just commenced." 
 
 Father A. — "There, mother, don't borrow any trouble. You must not forget 
 the fact that the Captain and I are the best of friends, and have been for years. 
 
— 6 — 
 
 And anything- that may come up in the way of argument, no matter how severe 
 it may be, we are none the less the same warm friends as before. Yet I fear 
 there is going- to be great trouble between the North and the South, all on ac- 
 count of this institution of slavery. (Enter Joe. 1st L. E.) Joe, go and tell 
 Frank, if he is not up"— 
 
 Kate A. — "Oh, Frank is up and out long ago." 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah, he got up dis mawning befo' he was awake. He's comin' up 
 de road now; and he was just moh dan mad las' night, kase he couldn't ride ol' 
 Dick." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Well, he can just be thankful he didn't get old Dick, for he 
 would have thrown him over his head and broke his neck in eleven places." 
 
 Joe. — "Now — Say; look aheah honey, don't you git fooled 'bout dat boy. If he 
 eber starts to ride dat horse, he's goin' ebery place de horse goes. Yes, sah!" 
 
 Harry A. — "There they come, now." 
 
 Kate A. — "Jimmie, get the chairs; Joe, you get the coffee. Harry, are you 
 ready?" 
 
 (Enter Capt. and Mrs. B., Frank and Nellie A. 1st. L. E.) 
 
 Capt. B. — "Good morning. Ah! I fear we have kept you waiting." 
 
 Father A. — "Not at all, Captain. I only trust the walk has increased your 
 appetite." 
 
 Mrs. B. — "Indeed, I believe it has, so far as I am concerned. We have had a 
 delightful walk, and the air is so bracing. " 
 
 Father A. — "Mrs. Barton, allow me to help you to some toast and chicken, 
 please. Capt. what will you have?" 
 
 Capt. B. — "I am not particular, thanks. 
 
 Frank B. — "By the way, where is Ned? I've not seen him this morning." 
 
 Nellie A. — "Yes, Frank, he passed us on the way to town this morning." 
 
 Mrs. B. — "Frank, I do actually believe you are growing absent-minded." 
 
 Frank B. — "Well, truly, mother, I had forgotten all about Ned's passing us. 
 But I remember distinctly now that he did." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Nellie, what do you think? Joe told me that you and Frank 
 walked all the way from town yesterday." 
 
 Nellie A. — "Why, Jimmie, what nonsense." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Well, I can prove it by Joe. Say Joe — didn't you — (business.) 
 
 Capt. B. — "What are you about sir?" 
 
 Mrs. B.— "Oh, dear! You stupid thing!" 
 
 Mother A. — "Jimmie, that was all your fault. (All seated.) Don't let it occur 
 again, sir." 
 
 Ned A. — (Outside 1st. L. E.) "Ho! Jimmie! come out here! Jimmie!" 
 
 Father A. — "Come, Jimmie, run quick, and bring in the things." (Exit Jim- 
 mie.) (Enter Ned. 1st. L. E.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Ah. Kate! there is a letter for you. Good-morning, Mrs. Barton — 
 Captain — Frank, old fellow, you ought to have been along. I had a nice time. 
 Father, I stopped at the office and got your paper. Kate, how is the breakfast? 
 Plenty of it?" 
 
 Kate A. — "Yes, I guess all you want. The coffee is still warm." 
 
 Nellie A. — "Now, Father, you have been wishing for your paper ; I hope you 
 will find something to interest you." 
 
Harry A. — "Ned, did you come past Wilson's on your way home?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, that's the shortest and best road. Why, did you want any- 
 thing from there?" 
 
 Harry A. — "Oh, no. I only thought you might have seen Charley. He was 
 over yesterday and wanted to borrow the big plow ; and I told him he might 
 have it. We shall not want it until next week." 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, that reminds me. Father, I met Sam and- George Miller on 
 my way to town this morning, and they want to help us with the corn ; and we 
 are to help them in return during harvest. I told them to come along. Was 
 that all right?" 
 
 Father A. — "Let them try it! The infernal scoundrels! And we will hang them 
 up like dogs!" 
 
 All. --"What ! Hang the Miller boys?" 
 
 Father A. — "No! no! of course not! I mean those infernal rebels at the South. 
 Listen to this! A dispatch sent from Charleston, South Carolina, to the Secre- 
 tary of War, reads as follows: 'If any more troops are sent to Fort Sumpter, we 
 will open our batteries and destroy the Fort, troops, and all within. ' Did any 
 one ever hear of such bold, open hostilities? By the soul of Andrew Jackson, 
 but that's good! Now, they will get just what they want!" 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, Father, they will never do anything of the kind. They cer- 
 tainly know and understand that we, of the North, can fight as well as they." 
 
 Frank B. — "Ned Allen! Don't mistake the courage of our Southern people. 
 You will find, sir, if it comes to the test, that one Southern man is good for two 
 of your Northern Yankees; and that they will stand up in defense of our South- 
 ern institutions until every man has fallen in his footsteps." 
 
 Capt. B. — "You are right, my boy ! and, although I am not in sympathy with 
 these ultra-partisans, yet, it is plain to be seen that we have been driven, step 
 by step, until, at last, we have reached the point of open resistance." 
 
 Father A. — "Come, come, Captain, don't let us bring up this subject again. 
 Your interests are all in the South; while mine are here in the North. I have 
 no heart for war. And you, of course, will not forget the fact that you have 
 been educated and commissioned by the United States government. And now, 
 at a time when your services as a soldier are needed, you surely would not desert 
 the old Stars and Stripes which your father and mine fought to protect." 
 
 Capt. B. — "Farmer Allen, laying all this talk of war aside, what have our 
 people to expect? The issue has been forced upon us through the election of an 
 abolition President, and if we calmly submit to him and the promptings of his 
 Cabinet, we will be no better than the slaves we own; now all we want, and this 
 sir, we demand, is that you of the North will let us alone." 
 
 Father A. — "Captain, there is a point upon which you base a great deal of 
 strength. You have been led to believe by your Southern leaders that every 
 whim, in the way of a demand, made upon the people of the North, will be met 
 with little or no resistance. I know it has been so, for a great many years. But, 
 Captain, there is a time, in the lives of all men and nations, when Patience does 
 cease to be a virtue. And I think the time is fast approaching when the iron 
 heel of this Nation will crush out forever all such ideas. If we had but the spirit 
 of Andrew Jackson, and the traitorous villains should dare to do it, by the eternal, 
 we should hang them higher than Haman. {Rising) Joe, bring me that old sword— 
 
— 8 — 
 
 the old sword — Joe. There, boys, is a relic of days that are past and gone. 
 Every spot of rust is doubly hallowed. They are the imprints of its baptism in 
 the cause of our Nation's liberty." 
 
 Mother A. — "Oh, Father! please keep quiet! You get so excited." 
 
 Father A.— "No! Mother! I am not excited. Captain, I may as well be brief 
 and to the point. Secession or rebellion— call it what you will — is bound to end 
 in defeat and humiliation to all who are foolish enough to support the cause.'" 
 
 Frank B. — "Farmer Allen, I consider this an open insult, and I shall only re- 
 sent it by telling you the truth. (All rising.) South Carolina, our noble South 
 Carolina, has made the first step for liberty and independence. Alabama, Mis- 
 sissippi, Louisiana and all Southern states will follow in her wake. Then, being 
 established as a government, we defy all attempts or throats of destruction from 
 your tyranical abolition representative at Washington." 
 
 Ned A. — "Kate, don't be alarmed; there will be no trouble. Frank, I am sur- 
 prised at this announcement from you and the spirit of Avild ambition advanced 
 in your argument; but let them, in their folly attempt anything of the kind! 
 Like a prairie fire, the war spirit would leap from city to city, and from state to 
 state until the whole North will blaze with patriotism, and will rise as one man 
 to uphold the sacred banner of our National Union." 
 
 Harry A. — "Ned, you are right. Frank, never let me hear such words fall 
 from your lips again. Such expressions as you have used are only calculated to 
 come from the mind of a person who is willing to sacrifice his own birth-right 
 for a position occupied by those poor unfortunate beings whom you call your 
 slaves." 
 
 Frank B. — "Harry Allen! I would have you understand sir, that my State can 
 not make a call upon me which I shall not promptly answer at the risk of my 
 life." 
 
 Father A. — "Captain, when I look back over our past life, and think of the 
 many friendly visits we have had with each other, it grieves me sorely to think 
 our friendship must at last be broken. I am devoted to my friends, and I love 
 my family. But higher and better than all these, is my country and its flag. 
 The emblem of Liberty that must be honored by all men and Nations. Sir, Hove 
 my boys, but, if one of them should utter the vile treason, openly avowed by 
 that bantling of secession, I would crush him to the earth, and pray heaven that 
 I might never see his face again." 
 
 Frank B.— "Mr. Allen" 
 
 Father A. — "Silence, sir ! I now demand that your son leave my house at once 
 and forever. No treason, nor any one that upholds it shall ever find a shelter 
 under the roof of old John Allen." 
 
 Capt. B. — "And I, sir, most cordially accept your invitation, and will prepare 
 to go at once. Joe, go to our room, sir, and get our trunks ready." 
 
 Joe — "Well ! De Lawd hab mercy on my soul ! Did any pusson eber heah ob 
 sich a time afore ! I tell you Mastah Harry, I knowed tings was comin' to a stan 1 
 still afore long. Kase when my ole Mastah gits riled up, den de fur flies — you 
 jistbet." 
 
 Capt. B. — "Hold your noise, there, and do as you arc told."' 
 
 Joe— "Yes, sah." (Exit 1st R. E.) 
 
 Nellie A. — "Captain and Mrs. Barton, let me ask that you do not leave our 
 
— 9 — 
 
 house in such rude haste. We will all be sorry. And, Frank, I know you would 
 talk differently if you would only use your better judgment; for, surely you have 
 not forgotten our conversation of less than an hour ago. Now, please take my 
 advice and I am sure my father and brothers will ask your pardon." 
 
 Harry A. — "No ! Nellie ! Never ! I can not ask pardon of a man who stands 
 ready and willing to destroy the best principles of our government. If it is not 
 his desire to be loyal to his country, then let him abide the result. Let that be 
 what it will." 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, Father, I am tired of all this clash ! If you and mother are 
 ready, come, let us be off. Joe ! You black rascal, bring all our things." 
 
 Mother A. — "Mrs. Barton. Just one word before you go." 
 
 Mrs. B. — "Madam, how dare you insult the dignity of a true Southern lady. 
 Beware that you never make a second attempt. Captain, please assist me to the 
 door. Joe ! bring all our things and follow me. [Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Say, Joe, don't you go. Come, stay with us ; you will have a 
 better time." 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah! Mastah Jimmie, I guess I would have a bettah time, but" 
 
 Frank B. — "Come, move along there, and do as you are told." 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah, I'm comin'. Now den I won't see nothin' but trouble for de 
 next hundred years.* ' {Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Capt. B. — (Enter 1st L. E.) — ""Farmer Allen, it does seem too bad to leave 
 your house in this way. I would much rather part with a friendly feeling." 
 
 Father A. — "You are right, Captain; and I shall not hesitate to offer you my 
 hand and say good-bye." 
 
 Frank B. — "No, Father ! not yet ! there is time for that after an apology has 
 been made to me, for what has been said and done. " 
 
 Ned A. — "Apologize to you for your rudeness and insult ! That, sir, I will 
 never do!" 
 
 Frank B. — "Ned Allen, I am not disappointed with your reply. Neither shall 
 you be disappointed in Avhat I say to you. To-day you have ordered my father, 
 mother and myself from your house like dogs. For the simple reason that we 
 dare uphold the rights of a people who have never had a master." 
 
 Ned A. — "They will have a master yet, Frank." 
 
 Frank B. — "Will they? Now hear me. Here do I swear that I shall bring 
 sorrow and misery to your home ; make your father bow his head with grief ; 
 while you, upon your bended knees, shall be glad to ask my forgiveness. Re- 
 member, sir, I have sworn it ; and I will not break my oath." 
 
 Ned A. — "Frank, you have forgotten your dignity as a gentleman and our 
 guest ; and if it were not for the presence of ladies, I should forget my dignity, 
 and hurl you to the floor like the dog that you are." 
 
 Father A.— "Stop ! Ned Allen, I alone am master of this house." 
 
 Ned A. — "I ask your pardon, father, this is your house ; now, gentlemen, will 
 you have the kindness to leave the house!" 
 
 Capt. B. — "I do leave your house; but carry with me a lasting impression of 
 your Northern hospitality." (Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Ned A. — "And we do not object to your taking with you this specimen of 
 Southern chivalry." 
 
IO — 
 
 Frank B. — "Ned Allen ! You and I shall meet again ! When you can not claim 
 the protection of ladies." 
 
 Ned A.— "I am only waiting for that time to come. You go. {Exit Frank B. 
 1st L. E.) 
 
 Mother A.— "Oh, Father, this is dreadful ! What mill the neighbors say ?" 
 
 Father A. — "Let them say what they please! I've had my say. (Knock outside.) 
 Stay out. Come in. Goto the door, Jimmie." 
 
 Jimmie A.— "Father, it is Mr. and Mrs, Mason." 
 
 Father A.— "Well, bring them in, Jimmie." 
 
 Squire M.— [Enter 1st L. E.)— Good-morning, Mr. Allen, good-morning." 
 
 Father A. — "Good-morning Squire, I'm glad to see you; have you heard the 
 news?" 
 
 Squire M. — "Well, I just got an inkling of it a short time ago ; then we saw 
 Captain Barton and his family going past, and they looked mad as blazes. I 
 shouldn't wonder if we was goin' to hev quite a stir." (Sound of cannon.) 
 
 Jimmie A.— "Hip, hip, hurrah! That's the business! Let her go again!" 
 (Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Squire M.— (Excited.)— "Yes, sir! that's it ! Come, Mother, let's go home ; I'll 
 hitch up and we'll go to town." 
 
 Jimmie A.— (Enter 1st L. E.)— "Oh, Father! such a time you never seen! 
 everybody is going to town. Tim McCarty and Bob Mason are coming, and 
 they want us all to enlist. Harry, you and Ned and I will go ; and you, too, 
 mother." 
 
 Father A. — "Oh, stop, stop; what in the world could you do?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Why, I could drum, hunt eggs, carry water — and — steal chick- 
 ens." (Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Ned A. — "There, mother, don't mind him; he is a little excited. — (enter Bob 
 Mason and Tim McCarty, 1st L. E.) — Hello, Bob! here you are! we heard you were 
 coming. Hello, Tim ! What in the world is the matter?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Phat's the mather? Well, begorra, I sipprised at me own aston- 
 ishment. The whole counthry is goin' to blazes. The Goddess of Liberty has 
 got her eye knocked out, and Oim not feelin' well mesilf. Come an we'll go to 
 town and find out all about it." 
 
 Jimmie A. — (Enter 1st L. E.) — "Father, I've got the horses hitched to the big 
 wagon, and everything all ready to start." 
 
 Mrs. Mason. — "Father, we must go and get ready too. Come, Rob." 
 
 Father A. — "No, no ! don't go home. Go along with us ; there is plenty of 
 room for all. Kate, where's my coat and hat; Ned, have you got my cane? Nel- 
 lie, you help your mother get ready." — (Exit all IstL. E.) 
 
 ACT I. SCENE II. 
 
 Tim Mc. — (Enter 1st L. E. at change of scene.) — "Well ! begorra! I guess I've 
 lost the balance av thim. Oh, no ! here comes the whole av thim. (Enter Ned, 
 Harry, Will and Bob Mason, 1st L. E. ) 
 
 Ned A. — "Why, Tim, old boy, you run like a race horse; we could hardly keep 
 is sight of you." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Yis, and I was the first to go, and the lasht to shtart, and faith, 
 I'm the first wan here." 
 
Ned A. — "Boys, let's have a talk over this matter. Harry and I shall go in 
 the same company and would like to have you all g*o with us. " 
 Harry A. — "Yes, what do you say, jJDoys? Shall we all go together?" 
 Bob M. — "I supposed that was the intention when we started. I wouldn't like 
 to go among strangers." 
 Will E. — "Yes, all go in the same company ; and all be in the same tent." 
 Tim Mc. — "Yis, and all git into the same chicken coop." 
 
 Ned A. — "No, Tim, we will try to keep out of all such places. But, by the 
 way, Tim, you are well acquainted in the town and have lots of friends; you 
 might get up a company of your own." 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, begorra, I belave mesilf I cud." 
 
 Harry A. — "It takes a good many for a company, Tim. How many do you 
 think you could get?" 
 
 Tim Mc— "How many? Well! Let me look it over! There is noine av me 
 father's cousins an' eight av me own ; and their name is all McCarty. I can git 
 about eighty-foive. " 
 Bob M.— "Eighty-five ! Who are they?" 
 Ned A. — "Yes ; we want the name of every man, Tim." 
 Tim Mc— "Well, here they are. There's Mike McCarty, Jim McCarty, Pat. 
 
 McCarty, Dinny McCarty, Con McCarty, Biddy McCarty, and Judy" 
 
 Will E.— "Hold on Tim ! That won't do ! She's a girl !" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well ! How the Divil kin she help that? Don't we want a cook?" 
 Ned A. — "Oh, yes, Tim ; but they don't take girls ; soldiers do their own 
 cooking. Now, I believe we have this all straightened out. Suppose you go 
 ahead, Tim, and get your boys all together by the time we get in. Come here 
 and take a good start ; for you must run all the way. Now when I count three 
 away you go. One — two — three — go". — {Enter Joe, 1st M. E. Business.) 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och — ye black sucker. I'll knock the eye out av yez." — [Exit 1st 
 R.E.) 
 Ned A.— "Why Joe ! I'm shocked !" 
 
 Joe. — "Well, you haint shocked any worse den me. Say, who was dat stepped 
 on me?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Who do you mean; the fellow that just went down the road? That's 
 Tim McCarty ? Don't you know him ?" 
 Joe. — "Was dat Tim McCarty? Look whar he got his foot in my coat-pocket. " 
 Ned A. — "Well, Joe, what in the world brings you back here? I thought you 
 started this morning to go with your master. " 
 
 Joe. — "I did; and de ole mastah, he done furgot de umbersol and de little 
 sarpetkap ; an' he tole me I mus' cum back an' git dem, and den cum down on de 
 sleepin-kear dis ebenin' kase he was goin' on de freight kears dis mornin'. Den, 
 say, I want to come back most powerful bad an' see dat little Jimmie; it jist most 
 killed me when I had to go 'way an' leave dat little boy. An' I fought you all 
 was goin' to have an awful fight dis mornin'. Mastah Frank, he was jist moah 
 dan mad all de way to town. Well, say, whar you all goin'?" 
 
 Ned A. — "We are going to town, Joe, and the chances are we shall all enlist. 
 Don't you know there is going to be a terrible war?" 
 Joe. — "Oh you git out ! Who's goin' to hev it ?" 
 Ned A. — "Why, the North and the South, Joe, and I fear it's going to be a 
 
12 — 
 
 terrible struggle. " 
 
 Joe. — "What you goin' to hev it fer?" 
 
 Ned A.— " What are we going to have it for ? Well, since you have asked, Joe, 
 I think it is all on account of you. " 
 
 Joe.— "Who? Me? No, Sah, taint my fault: I neber got up no war wid no- 
 body." 
 
 Ned A.— "I see you don't understand, Joe. Not you individually, but your 
 people. You see the South wants to keep you in slavery ; and the North wants 
 to set you free. Now see here. Your old Master has gone away and left you 
 here ; suppose you cut loose and go with us. What do you say ?" 
 
 Joe. — "What would you all do wid me if I does go 'long?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Let me see, what could you do ? Ah, I have it. You can go for cook ; 
 can you cook, Joe?" 
 
 Joe. — "Can I cook ? Did you eber see a coon dat couldn't cook? Yes, sah, you 
 bet!" 
 
 Ned A. — "And you'll go with us ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Why, sarten sure, ob course I'll go." 
 
 Ned A. — "Then that settles it; come, boys, we'll run old Joe off." (Exit 1st li. 
 E. all.) 
 
 Jimmie A. — "{Enter 1st R. E.)~ "Hold on, boys ; wait for me." 
 
 Joe. — "Well ! for de Lord ! bless de little honey boy ! Why, whar is you goin' 
 Jimmie ?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "I'm going to town ; when did you come back ?" 
 
 Joe. — "I jist cum back. Is you goin' to town all by yourself?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Why, of course." 
 
 Joe. — "Well, now, look aheah ! You jist git on de ole man's back, an' I carry 
 you all de way." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "All right, Joe. Turn round." — [Exit 1st B. E.) 
 
 ACT I. SCENE III. 
 
 Capt. Clark. — (Seated at table roith paper, pen and ink. Noise outside.) — "Hello ! 
 What's all this ?" 
 
 Tim Ma— "(Outside 3d L. E.) — Attention ! battalion ! Forward march ! (enter) 
 left ! left ! left ! Moind yer oye there ! left! halt ! whooh-ho — Phat's the matter 
 wid yez ? do yez want to make a phule av me ? I'll put thelenth av that through 
 yez ! Now stan' yer groun' till I talk to the Captain. How are yez, Captain, arc 
 yez there ? I have a kimpany av fellahs here. I want ye to look at 'em. Do 
 yez moind the wan at the front ind ! What d'ye think av 'em ?" 
 
 Captain C. — "They are a right nice looking lot of fellows, Tim. Where did 
 you get them ?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "I got 'em (mentions something local.) Phat had I better do wid 'cm, 
 Captain ?" 
 
 Captain C. — "Well, I guess you had better talk to them some. Make them a 
 speech, and tell them what we expect of them." 
 
 Tim Mc. — (Aside. — "Och, the divil ! make them a speech ! I wonder does he 
 want me to kill them right in the shtart ! Well, I'll give it to thim if I die me- 
 silf. Ladies and gintlemen : — I want to make yez a spach, an' tell yez what to 
 ixpict. Now, it is very loikely the first thing yez will ixpict will be more than 
 
— 13 — 
 
 ye'll git. Thin some av ye'll git yer arms shot oft' ; but ye'll not moind that. 
 An' thin some av ye'll git yer head shot off; that may detain yez a bit, but kape 
 agoin'. Then some av yez may git kilt. Hould on, where yez goin' ?" 
 
 Boys. — "Going home ; we don't want to be killed." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och! Comeback! Phat's de matter wid ye V Ye only git kilt 
 in the spach. Well, Captain, they are all satisfied. What had I bether do wid 
 'em now?" 
 
 Captain Q. — "Well, you may drill them, right face them and double them up." 
 
 Tim Mc. — ( Aside) — "Double thim up ? Och no, that won't do at all. Say, Cap, 
 won't that kill 'em ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "No, sir; you do as I tell you; it won't hurt them." 
 
 Tim Mc— "Well, all right, Captain; if ye say so, begorra, I'll kill th' whole 
 av thim. Jim McCarty, I think I'll commence on yez. Ye will take one shtep to 
 to the front. Give me that gun. Now cloze yer eyes an' stan' erict." (Business.) 
 
 Capt. C. — "Hold on, there ! What are you trying to do with that man ?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Didn't ye tell me to break thim in two ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "No Sir ! I mean to double them up into two lines. This way. One 
 — two — one — two — etc. Do you understand ?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och yis ! av course I do ! Come here, Jim ! That's wan. Here, git 
 in here. That's two. Wan — two. Wan — wan ; begorra ! Phat'll Oi do ! I have 
 no more shtuff. Oh, I see it now; this is phat they call 'an so forth.' — [Business.) 
 There Cap., how's that?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "That will do first rate. Now get them back into line and examine 
 their arms." 
 
 Tim Mc— "Git back here all of yez ; git back ! How do ye do that, Captain ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "Withdraw the rammers and put them into the barrel." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och yis ! Take out the rammers all av yez ! Be quick ! Here, give 
 it here." — (Business.) 
 
 Capt. C. — "Now, what are you looking for ?" 
 
 Tim Mc — "Oim luckin' fer th' barrel to put these rodrams in." 
 
 Capt. C. — "No, no ! I think you are about the worst I ever saw." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Begorra ! I kin do worse than that, Captain." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Well, I doubt it! Here, put them into the gun; this way. Then 
 examine each gun, and see that it is all right." 
 
 Tim Mc — "Och yis ! I had a notion at one time to do that. Here give me that 
 gun here ! Fire it out quick ! — (Remarks about each gun. luast gun goes off accident- 
 ally.)— Och I'm dead— I'm dead. Phat'll I do ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "Here, get these fellows out of here ! I won't have them ! Get them 
 out!" 
 
 Tim Mc — "Come on, byes. The Captain don't want us. Come on, we're goin 
 home! Forward! Lift— Lift— Lift— (mi boys.) Well, begorra, I belave Oi am 
 lift. An' I'll go. "—(Exit 3d L. E. ) 
 
 Capt. O.— "(Noise R.)~- "Hello! Who's that ?" (enter Ned, Barry, Will and Bob. 
 M B. E.) Why, Ned, how are you ? Hello, Harry !" 
 
 Bob M. — "How are you, Captain ! Is your company full ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — No, not quite; Bob, do you all want to enlist ?" (enter Joe and Jiru- 
 mie, 3d B. E.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Well ! Of all things ! Look at this ! Joe, what did you bring him 
 
— 14 — 
 
 here for?" 
 
 Joe.— CC I didn't bring- him ; ho fetched me." 
 
 Ned A.— "Yes, Captain; we want to enlist, but we would rather wait till father 
 comes." 
 
 Jimmie A.— "Here comes father and mother and all of them. And Squire 
 Mason, too." {Enter Farmer A., Mother A., Kate and Nellie, Squire and Mrs. M. 
 MB.E.) 
 
 Father A.— "Captain, how are you? [Takes up roll.) Ah, this looks like busi- 
 ness. Boys, are you all going ?" 
 
 Ned A.— "Yes, Father; with your consent, we are ready to sign the roll." 
 
 Father A.— "Well, if that is a cause for any hesitation, let it be removed at 
 once ; for, much as I love you both, I must say to you, l Go, and may heaven keep 
 you in health and strength.' This will be the prayer of your mother and myself." 
 
 Harry A. — "Ned, don't forget to speak to Kate." 
 
 Ned A. — "Kate, the Captain here is getting up a company, and the boys are 
 all going. I should like very much to be with them. Are you willing I should 
 go?" 
 
 Kate A. — "Oh, Ned! How can I say the word that will take you from mo ! 
 Yet, in this hour of our country's need and danger, I dare not withhold my con- 
 sent. Go, and, when all danger is over, return to me, if it be His will." 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Kate, I will return, if it be His will. Mother, we would not 
 dare place our name on that roll without your consent and blessing." 
 
 Mother A. — "My dear boys! I have ever taught you to speak plainly the word 
 country ; and if need be, to die in its defense. Go, as your father would, if he 
 were able ; and He that watcheth even the fall of a sparrow will guard and pro- 
 tect my children." 
 
 Ned A. — "As you have taught us from childhood, Mother, our trust is ever 
 there. Come, Harry, we will sign the roll. (Sign roll.) There, father, I am 
 now a Union Soldier." 
 
 Harry A. — "And I, too, father, have signed the roll." 
 
 Father A. — "You have done your duty, my boys,- you have done your duty." 
 
 Ned A. — "Nothing but what you would have done, father, had you been able 
 to go." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Captain, can't you take me, too ? I want to go." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Well, Jimmie, you are rather a small pattern for a soldier. I would 
 hardly know what to do with you. " 
 
 Jimmie A. — Can't you take me for a drummer ?" 
 
 Capt. C. — "Can you drum?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Yes, sir; you just hear me." — (Beats drum. If you can not drum, 
 omit last sentence.) 
 
 Capt. C. — "That is just what I want to complete my company. Mr. Allen, 
 what do say, can I take this boy?" 
 
 Father A. — "Captain, you must speak to his mother. I have nothing to say.' ' 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Mother, please let me go ; it won't last long. I'll soon come 
 back." 
 
 Mother A. — "Oh, Jimmie ! My boy ; my darling! The joy and light of our 
 happy home ! Must I give you up too ? Oh ! I know not what to say." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Why, 111 not get hurt, mother ; the boys are all going." 
 
— i5 — 
 
 Mother A. — ' 'Then so be it. Captain, he is the last that I can give. Take 
 him, and may heaven bless you, one and all." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "All right, Cap ; she said I could go." [Signs roll.) (Exit Farmer 
 A., Mother A., Kate, Nellie, Squire and Mrs. M. 1st B. E.) 
 
 Capt. C. — "That just fills my company. Now, I must start, for the regiment 
 will soon be ready to leave." 
 
 Joe. — "Hold on, Cap'n ! Stop de music ! If ebery pusson is goin', I want to 
 go too." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Who are you ? What do you want to go for ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Why, I'm goin* to cook fur de Cap'n." 
 
 Capt. C— "Can you cook ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah, you jist bet I kin cook." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Well, we want a cook. Here just put your name down." 
 
 Joe. — "Where 'bouts, on dis place heah ?" 
 
 Capt. G.— "Yes, right there. " 
 
 Joe. — "Oh, dog on, Cap, you put it down yourself. I can't write." 
 
 Capt. C— "All right ; how do you spell it ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Well, it goes somehow dis way: G o O W oo ckf, Joe. [Exit 3d L. E.] 
 
 Col. Russel. — [Outside 1st L. E.] — "Attention ! Battalion ! Forward march ! 
 [Enter 1st L. E.] Battalion ! Halt ! Left face ! Order arms ! Parade rest ! [En- 
 ter Father A. mthflag, Nellie, Mother A., Kate, Squire and Mrs. M. 1st B. E. Ned, 
 Harry, Jimmie, Bob and Will enter 3d L. E.] 
 
 Nellie A. — "Col. Russel: We have assembled here for the purpose of present- 
 ing to your regiment this stand of colors. It was made by the mothers, wives 
 and sisters of the brave and loyal men who go forth to battle for our country. 
 While in camp, or on the march, or in the heat of battle, we trust this emblem 
 will create a spirit of inspiration, that will lead you from conquest to victory; 
 until its bright stars and stripes shall float from the Capitol of every State in the 
 Nation. Take it, Colonel, with our prayers and best wishes for your safe return." 
 
 Col. R. — "Miss Allen and Ladies : In behalf of these brave men, who have of- 
 fered their lives in defense of our Union, I accept this stand of colors. And in 
 camp, and in battle, by day and by night, it shall be our guiding star, and a 
 bright remembrance of the fair faces and loyal hearts, of friends we hold most 
 dear. Soldiers, are these your sentiments ?" 
 
 Soldiers. — "Colonel, they are." 
 
 Col. R. — "Then give three cheers for the ladies of Hip — hip— [cheers.] 
 
 Battalion ! Attention ! Carry arms ! Color guard to the front and center ! 
 March ! Sergeant, to you I intrust this stand of colors. Battalion ! Present 
 arms! Carry arms! Color guard ! About face ! To your post ! March ! Battalion ! 
 Right face! Forward ! Column left ! March ! [Exit 3d L. E.] 
 
 [Grand Tableau of States.] 
 ACT II. SCENE I. 
 
 [Discovered — troops and officers asleep. Night. Ned A., Harry A., Jimmk \ A. 
 F. C, drum and candle.] 
 
 Ned A. — "How tired the boys all are ; and no wonder; after the long, dreary 
 march we have had to-day. And Jimmie, poor little fellow, how hard he tried 
 
— \6 — 
 
 to keep up. How much he looks like his mother; and how she would like to see 
 him. In her letter she says: 'Ned, do not fail to watch over Jimmie. My daily 
 prayer is that you will bring- him back to me. ' Yes, yes, mother, if I live, I shall 
 do all your kind letter asks of me. Well, I must put out this light and go to 
 sleep; for it is almost time to change the guard." 
 
 Capt. C— ^Forward march ! [Enter 1st L. E.] 
 
 First Guard.— "Halt ! Who goes there ?." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Grand rounds." 
 
 First Guard — "Advance, sergeant of the grand rounds, and give the counter- 
 sign. Counter-sign is correct. Advance grand rounds!" 
 
 Capt. C. — "Forward march !" [Exit 1st li. E. Enter with men at roll call.] 
 
 Capt. C. — [After Tim McCarty and Joe leave stage.] — "Fall in, men! Fall in ! 
 Carry arms ! Present arms !" 
 
 Col. R. — [Enter 1st L. E.] — Battalion ! Carry arms ! Order arms ! Parade rest! 
 [Enter General and Staff 1st L. E.] Battalion ! Attention ! Carry arms ! Pre- 
 sent arms ! Carry arms ! 
 
 General G. — "Colonel, I desire that you pass your command in review ; after 
 which you will go into camp, in the field beyond the church. You will double 
 your camp guard, and see that all camp fires are extinguished before night." 
 
 Col. R.— "Battalion ! Right face ! Forward column left ! March! [Exit 3d 
 L.E.] 
 
 Gen. G. — "Major, has there been any report from General Buell, yet ?" 
 
 Major. — "No, General, none as yet." 
 
 General G. — "Send word at once to Generals Smith and Wallace ; and say that 
 I desire them to report at my headquarters without delay. [Exit A. D. C. 1st 
 L. E.] Then send an orderly out the Corinth road, with orders to General 
 Buell to go into camp in rear of General Sherman; there to remain until further 
 orders. [Enter Genertds Smith and Wallace. 1st L. E.'\ Gentlemen, I have sent 
 for you for the purpose of obtaining all possible information concerning the 
 movements of the enemy. General Buell has not yet arrived ; and I fear there 
 has been an attempt made to check his advance." 
 
 Gen. Smith. — "General, from reports made by my most trusted scout, I am 
 perfectly satisfied that General Buell will arrive without int/erruption. And I 
 also believe that General Johnson is receiving re-enforcements." 
 
 Gen. Wallace. — "General, owing to conflicting reports that we have received, 
 would it not be advisable to send a man into the enemy's camp, in the capacity 
 of a spy, thereby obtaining correct information concerning their movements V" 
 
 General G. — "Yes, General, your suggestion is good. And if a man can be 
 found who will undertake the mission, I shall send him at once. Major, send 
 word to Col. Russell to report to my headquarters immediately. [Exit A. D. C. 
 1st L. E.] I have ordered the gun-boats, Lexington and Tyler, to move farther 
 up the river, so that in case of an attack, they will be in position to protect our 
 extreme left, should General Hurlburt be compelled to retreat. You can now 
 return to your respective commands and be ready to move at any moment." 
 [Exit Generals. 1st L. E.] 
 
 A. D. C— [Enter 2d L. E. with Col. Russell] "Col. Russell, General.* 1 
 
 Gen. G. — "Colonel, can you send me a man from your command, one whose 
 courage and integrity as a soldier you can safely recommend ?" 
 
— 17 — 
 
 Col. R.— "Yes, General, I can." 
 
 Gen. G. — "You will then provide him with a pass, and orders to report at my 
 headquarters at once. [Exit Col. It. 2d L. E.] Captain, tell the orderly to 
 have our horses ready ; we shall be there in a few moments." [Exit orderly. 2d 
 L. E. and return.] 
 
 Ned A. — [Enter 2d L. E. with orders.] — "General, I have an order from my 
 commanding- officer to report to your headquarters. " 
 
 Gen. G. — "Sergeant, come this way. The business upon which I desire to see 
 you is not only important to me ; but will interest the entire army. It is a duty 
 that must be entirely voluntary upon your part. I can not order you to under- 
 take it. I wish you to procure a suitable disg-uise, and pass through our lines 
 on the Crumps Landing road. After you have passed the lines of the enemy, 
 get as near the headquarters of General Johnson as possible, and endeavor to 
 secure the plan of his position. Be very careful in all your movements ; for, if 
 you are discovered, you will never return. The penalty is death. With a full 
 knowledge of all the trials and dang-ers that must be encountered, are you will- 
 ing 1 to undertake it ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "General, when I came into the army, it was to perform faithfully 
 all the duties of a soldier. If it is your desire, I will undertake the mission, and 
 come out the best I can. " 
 
 Gen. G. — "Go, Sergeant, and carry with you my earnest and best wishes for 
 your safe return. [Exit Ned A. 2d L. E.] Major, if our horses are ready, we will 
 visit General Sherman." [Exit 1st L. E.] 
 
 Joe. — [Enter 3d L. E.] — "Now, dog on, I bet I come too late. Mastah Ned he 
 done tole me I must meet him down heah an' show him de road to de bridge. 
 An' he ought to be heah befoah dis time. Now, thar ! No, taint ! Yes, 'tis ! 
 dat's him now." 
 
 Ned A. — [Enter 2d L. E.] — "Ah, Joe, my faithful old friend. Here you are 
 waiting for me ; have you been here long ?" 
 
 Joe. — "No sah, I jist kum." 
 
 Ned A. — "Well, Joe, I am in somewhat of a hurry; and if you can direct me 
 to the bridge that crosses Snake Creek, I think I shall be safe until you overtake 
 me." 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah, I kin do dat ; I know ebery road an' path aroun' dis country. 
 You jis go down dis road till ye come to de ole log house ; dere ye takes de 
 lef han' road, an' dat takes ye right to de spot when you cross de bridge. You 
 go up de creek about half a mile, den ye see a big hill on dat side ; you go up de 
 hill to a ole tobacco nouse, an' you stop right thar, kase you's close to de rebels. 
 Den if you wait right dar till I cum roun', I'll tell you de shortes' road to de 
 rebel camp. " 
 
 Ned A. — "All right, Joe, I shall remember every step, and will wait for you at 
 the top of the hill. Now, you must put on some different clothes, Joe ; for if 
 you are discovered, you will not live a minute." 
 
 Joe. — "You's rig-lit, honey. Dem fellers wouldn' want no better fun dan to fill 
 dis ole frame wid bullets. I'll git aroun' dem ; dey won't know me." 
 
 Ned A. — "All right, Joe. Be very careful in all you do ; for my success de- 
 pends upon your guidance. Good-bye, old fellow, good-bye. [Exit 3d B. E.] 
 
— i8 — 
 
 Joe. — "Good-bye, Mastah Ned ; good-bye. Now ! Dat boy is goin' to git hisself 
 in jist about de warmest place he eber struck in his whole life ; but he's got 
 nerve ; he kin do it. Ha, ha ! He tole me I mus' put on some ole clothes so dey 
 wouldn't 'spicion who I was ; an' I jist brought 'em along. Jist what I want. I 
 guess I'll put 'em on." [Business. Exit 2d L. B. E.] 
 
 ACT II. SCENE II. 
 
 Frank B.— [Enter 1st L. E. with squad.]— "Forward March ! Halt ! Left face ! 
 Men, you will remain where you are until I can find the officer of the day, and 
 get some information as to where to post the guard. Here he comes, now. 
 Attention, Guard ! [Enter Major Barton. 1st B. E.] Present arms ! Carry 
 arms !" 
 
 Major B. — "Sergeant, you are here sooner than I expected. I am glad to see 
 you so prompt. Is everything quiet along the line ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "Yes, Major, everything is quiet, so far as I know. I have relieved 
 all the guards up to this place. And, according to your orders, I have stopped 
 here for further instructions. " 
 
 Major B. — "Yes, those were my orders; you will relieve the guard at the old 
 log barn, and post the balance of your men on the hill beyond the ravine. The 
 orders are very strict, and you will send all persons to General Johnson's head- 
 quarters who are found without a pass. I am to report to General Bragg, and 
 will be out again, to-night." [Enter Joe. 1st L. E.] 
 
 Frank B. — "All right, Major. Attention, Guard! Right Face! Forward 
 March ! [Exit 1st B. E.] 
 
 Joe. — "Foah de good Lord ! Dar's my ole Mastah, suah as I'm bohn. Now, 
 den, ole man, ef you eber did brace up in all you' whole life, right heah is de 
 place to begin." 
 
 Major B. — "Here, old man, who are you ? And where are you going ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Why, I belongs to Mastah Huntah up on Snake Creek, sah, an' I'm jist 
 goin' home, sah." 
 
 Major B. — "Where have you been down this way ? 
 
 Joe. — "My Mastah sent me wid some clothes to his boys what's in the yarmy." 
 
 Major B. — "Well, come then, move along, and get outside of the lines before 
 dark." [Exit Major. 1st L. E.] 
 
 Joe. — "Ha — ha; de ole Mastah didn' know his own niggah. An' I guess de niggah 
 am jist as well satisfied, too. Now, den, he done tole Mastah Frank to take de 
 guard on top ob dat hill, an' right up dar is whar Mastah Ned is ; an' if I don' 
 git up dar befoah he does, dey'll ketch dat boy foah suah.' r * [Exit 1st B. E.] 
 
 ACT II. SCENE III. 
 
 Capt. Seaman. — [Enter 1st B. E. with Confederate troops.] — "Halt ! Left face ! 
 [Enter General Johnson and Staff. 1st B. E. General Bragg and Staff. 1st L. E.] 
 Battalion ! Present Arms ! Carry Arms ! Order Arms ! Parade Rest !" 
 
 Gen. J. — "General, have you ordered a full supply of ammunition to be issued 
 to your command ?" 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "Yes, General ; sixty rounds of fixed ammunition have been 
 issued to every man, and a full supply to all the batteries." 
 
— i 9 — 
 
 Gen. J.— "I had a report from General Breckenridge, this morning-, and he 
 informs me that he will not be able to reach here until ten o'clock to-night." 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "That being the case, General, would it not be well to hold his 
 command in reserve ?" 
 
 Gen. J. — "Yes, I have already ordered him to occupy that position. I have 
 also ordered General Gardner to send another regiment of cavalry to the extreme 
 right ; which, I think, will be sufficient." [Enter Ned A. 3d B. E. with basket.] 
 
 Gen. Bragg — "With this re-inforcement, in addition to the New Orleans bat- 
 tery, I am sure the left flank of the enemy can be driven like chaff before the 
 wind." 
 
 Ned A. — u Pies, gemmen, pies? Captin, does you all want any pies?" 
 
 Capt. Seaman. — "No, take your pies and get out of here." 
 
 Gen. J. — "Old man, who gave you permission to sell your pies in camp ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Why, de captin ob de regiment what has dare camp in de woods 
 above de creek." 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "Then you live in this vicinity, do you ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, sah, I lives jist two miles up heah on Owl Creek. An' say, 
 does you all know de Yankees is comin' down dis way ? I saw a whole heap ob 
 dem up thar yisterday." 
 
 Gen. J. — "Did you hear them say anything as to where they were going ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Well, one ob de captins said dat dey was goin' down to Pittsburgh 
 Landing, some whar." 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "This must be general Buell, on his way to re-enforce General 
 Grant." 
 
 Gen. J. — "Colonel, you will order a scout to proceed at once in the direction of 
 Pittsburgh Landing with instructions to obtain all the information he can con- 
 cerning the arrival of any troops, to re-enforce the Federal army, and to report 
 to me in person by ten o'clock." [Exit A. D. C. 1st. B. E.] 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "General, have you fully completed your plan of attack ?" [En- 
 ter A. D. C. 1st B. E.] 
 
 Gen. J. — "Yes, General, here is the plan of our lines from right to left. You 
 will examine them carefully, and send them at once to General Polk. You will 
 then make all preparations for a general attack to-morrow morning. Let every 
 man be on the alert, and make this battle the crowning victory of the war. 
 Step by step, we have induced these Yankee hirelings to follow us, until now we 
 have them within our power, and to-morrow night we shall pitch our tents on 
 the ground they hold to-day." [Exit with staff. 1st B. E.] 
 
 Ned A. — "Hurrah foah Gineral Johnson ! hurrah ! ain't that all right, 
 Captin ?" 
 
 Capt. Seaman. — "Yes, that's all right, old man." 
 
 [Enter Major Barton. 1st L. E.] 
 
 Ned A. — [Aside.] — "Major Barton in this camp ? If I am discovered, all is lost! 
 [Enter Joe. 1st B. E.] Joe, don't speak to me ; they are watching every move." 
 
 Joe. — "I knowed dat was him ; an' dare is my ole Mastah ag'in, too. I'm 
 feared dey '11 kill dat boy yet." 
 
 General Bragg. — "Major, I am glad to see you. General Johnson has just in- 
 formed me that we are to attack the Federal forces to-morrow morning. You 
 
20 
 
 will send these plans and reports to General Polk ; and be sure that they reach 
 him to-day." 
 
 Maj. B. — "All right, General, any further orders?" 
 
 Gen. Bragg". — u Yes ; you will send that man to recruiting headquarters. He 
 is loyal to our cause, and will make a good soldier." 
 
 Maj. B. — "Very well, General ; I will see that he is placed in our ranks at 
 
 once." 
 
 [Enter Frank Barton. 1st L. E.] 
 Joe. — [Aside.] — "Oh, foah de good Lord hab mercy on dat poor boy ! I wish dey 
 
 would kill me an' let him go." 
 
 Maj. B. — "Sergeant — you will examine that man and send him to General 
 Gardner, who is wanting recruits for the Cavalry service." 
 
 Frank B. — "Come here, old man, I want to see you." 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, sah, I'se comin' right now, sah." 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, go way ! I don't want you ! Yow, I mean I Come here, sir ! 
 What have you got in that basket ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "I done got pies, Captin. Does you want to buy some ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "No, sir, I don't want any pies ! Why is it you are not in the army? 
 You look strong and healthy." 
 
 Ned A. — "Now, look aheah, Captin ; I can't go into de army no how. You see 
 I tried to go wid Gineral Hood ; an' dey wouldn' take me kase I was hurt in de 
 back." 
 
 Frank B. — "You tried to go with General Hood, did you ? Well, come, hold 
 up your head. 1 want — What ! am I right ? Major, I have found a spy !" 
 
 All.— "A Spy?" 
 
 Frank B. — "Yes, General ; this man is a Federal soldier. See, Father, [re- 
 moves disguise] it is Ned Allen." 
 
 Maj. B— "Ned Allen ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Dare ! Dat's de bery end ! He's done gone up now ; hook, line an' 
 sinker!" 
 
 Maj. B. — "Soldier, the circumstances by which I am surrounded prevents any 
 attempt upon my part to intercede in your behalf. I can only say that I am 
 sorry, indeed, to find you in a position which may cost you your life." 
 
 Ned A. — "Major, I thank you kindly for these few words of consolation ; but, 
 when I assumed the duties of a Union soldier, I did it for the purpose of serving 
 my country. I was fully informed of the dangers incurred in coming here; and I 
 am prepared for the result, let that be what it may." 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "Major Barton, your actions concerning this man seem very 
 strange. Do you know who he is, or where he belongs ?" 
 
 Maj. B. — "General, my situation is strange, indeed; and, for the present, I 
 must ask to withhold any information I maybe able to give, for or against him." 
 
 General Bragg. — "Sergeant, can you identify this man ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "Yes, General, I knew this man long before the war ; his father 
 and mine were schoolmates together." 
 
 Ned A. — [Aside.] — "Remember that, Frank, and let your answers be in 
 accordance." 
 
 Frank B. — [Aside.] — Ned Allen, the last promise I made in your father's 
 house, shall be fulfilled to the letter." 
 
— 21 — 
 
 Ned A. — "You are a coward; and heartless as a stone. Joe, your life is in 
 danger here. Get away, if you can." 
 
 Joe. — No, sah ! You jist bet your last bottom dollah I'se goin' to stay right 
 whar I is. I haint done gone crazy yet." 
 
 Gen. Bragg. — "Major, does your evidence correspond with that of your son ?" 
 
 Maj. B. — "General, I regret very much to say that it does. This man is the 
 son of an old friend, whom I have known from childhood. True, he ha8 been 
 found in our lines in the character of a spy ; and the penalty for the crime is 
 death ; yet I ask for lenity in his behalf. " 
 
 Gen. Bragg — "Major, there can be no lenity for a man who is convicted of 
 being a spy. [Tb Ned Allen.] — Sir, the sentence for the crime which you have 
 committed, is death. Major, you are charged with the execution of this sent- 
 ence, and you will see that it is fully carried out at once." [Exit with staff. 1st 
 L. E.] 
 
 Maj. B. — "Soldier, have you anything to say, why this sentence should not 
 be pronounced upon you ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Nothing, Major." 
 
 Maj. B. — "Sergeant— you will carry these plans of our position to the head- 
 quarters of General Polk, and be sure that he gets them in time ; for, upon their 
 safe delivery depends your promotion." 
 
 Frank B. — "Major, I shall see that they reach him in time. Ha ! ha! Ned 
 Allen ! Your death, and my promotion." (Exit 1st B. E.) 
 
 Ned A. — (Aside) — "Joe, you can save our whole army, and perhaps, my life; 
 go, quick, and capture those papers." 
 
 Joe. — "Dis am de day ob salvation, honey; I'll git dem papers, if I has to kill 
 all too ob us. " (Exit 1st B. E. ) 
 
 Maj. B. — "Edwin Allen, the sentence which has just been passed upon you, is 
 the extremity of the law ; yet, you hold in your possession certain information, 
 which, if revealed to me, I promise you life and a safe return to the Federal 
 lines. It is your only chance ; will you accept V" 
 
 Ned A. — "If it be honorable, name it." 
 
 Maj. B. — "I desire that you give me the plans and position of General Grant ; 
 the number of men he has ; how many" — 
 
 Ned A. — "Sir, let the sentence remain as it is ; I would prefer death a hundred 
 times, rather than live dishonored. " 
 
 Maj. B. — "Your reply, sir, confirms the sentence. Captain, you will detail a 
 guard, and proceed with the execution at once. Soldier, are you prepared to 
 meet your death ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Major, I am ready." 
 
 Capt. Seaman.— (Tales Ned A. to position.)— "Good-bye, soldier. Attention ! 
 Company ! Carry arms ! Ready ! — Aim !" — 
 
 Chief of Staff to General Bragg.— (Enter 3d L. E.)— "Hold !" — 
 
 Capt. S. — "Recover arms ! — Carry arms !" — 
 
 Chief of Staff.— "Sir, General Bragg defers the execution of this man, until 
 further information can be obtained concerning the movements of General 
 Grant. Here, sir, are your orders." (Exit 3d L. E.) 
 
 Maj. B. — "Soldier, you have one more chance for your life ; will you accept ?" 
 
 Ned A.— "Upon the conditions you have named, my answer is, No— Never I" 
 
— 22 
 
 Maj. B. — u Sir, your loyalty to your cause must be admired by all ; but the 
 respect due your friends should be first considered. Can you give up your home, 
 your mother, your wife and" 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, man, stop ! Do not torture me in this my hour of misery and 
 danger. I remember my home, my wife and all that makes home dear to me. I 
 also remember that I have sworn it, even as you have done, to protect my country 
 from all her enemies. Not as you have done, in the hour of need and danger. 
 Changed your uniform ; violated your oath to your government ; and for what ? 
 To yield allegiance to those stars and bars. {Business. ) Sir, I am unarmed, and 
 in your power ; you may kill the body, but you can never harm the soul." 
 
 ACT II. SCENE IV. 
 
 Joe. — [Enter 1st L. E.) "I wondah whar dat fellow has gone ? He jist come up 
 aroun' de hill, an' I cut across de near way. Dog on ! I jist bet I done lost him 
 now, an' Mastah Ned tole me I mus' git dem papers, an' den dey woulden kill him. 
 Well, I don' see no pusson, I guess I'll jist try dis gun. (Business.) Well, 'f I go 
 foolin' wid dat, I'll be de fust one killed. Oh I here he comes, now. I'll throw 
 dis gun away, an' hide till he gits past." 
 
 Frank B. — (Enter 1st L. E.) — "Now, that I have passed the most dangerous 
 place, I will stop and make sure that I have all my papers. General Polk, Gen- 
 eral Cheatham. Yes, everything is all right, and in a few short hours I shall 
 be" 
 
 Joe. — "Dead in de shell." 
 
 Frank B.— "Who is this ? Let me go !" 
 
 Joe.— "Well, den, go I" 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, you infernal black dog ! I'll make short work of you ! Take 
 that !" (Pistol snaps.) 
 
 Joe. — "Ha ! ha ! She slipped an eccentric." 
 
 Frank B. — "Well, if that won't do, this will." (Draws swwd.) 
 
 Joe. — "No, dat won' do ! You see de ole man is on de top side." 
 
 Frank B. — "Give me those papers; they will do you no good. It's only a letter 
 from my mother." 
 
 Joe. — "Why, your mother writes awful big letters, don' she ? Well, I guess 
 I'll jist keep it, an' you cin go back de way you cum. Go on ! don' stan' thar ! 
 Dis aint no place foah you, no how ! Start off, or I'll let dis whole business go 
 at once 1" 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh ! you black scoundrel ! I'll meet you again." (Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Joe. — "Well ! he must like me, if he wants to see me agin. Let him come ! I 
 got de papers anyhow ; dat's all I cum fur. Now, I mus' put dese away, an' go 
 back an' look foah Mastah Ned. If I cin jist git him away, den I'm de happiest 
 niggah on de groun'." (Exit 1st B. E.) 
 
 Johnson. — (Enter 1st L. E. General Bragg, all staff, Major Barton.) — "General, 
 were my orders promptly sent to all the corps commanders ?" 
 
 General Bragg. — "Yes, General, Major Barton sent an orderly with them this 
 morning ; and I am certain they have been safely delivered. " 
 
 Gen. J. — "My scouts have returned, and report no movement of General Buell; 
 so there is nothing to fear in that direction. Major, you will present my com- 
 pliments to General Breckenridge, and tell him to hold himself in readiness to 
 
— 23 — 
 
 move to-morrow morning-, {Exit Major Barton. 1st R. E.) We will now visit 
 General Beauregard, whom I wish to consult concerning the movements of the 
 first and third corps. " (Exit all. 1st R. E.) 
 
 Capt. C. — (Enter 1st L. E. with Federal soldiers.) "Forward, double time, 
 March !" (Cross from. L. to R.) 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 (Discovered. Frank Barton. Ned Allen with hands bound and Rebel guard.) 
 
 Frank B. — "Well, Ned Allen, you look contented and happy ! I suppose you 
 have been enjoying yourself during my absence." 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, Frank ! Please untie these cords on my arms. I pledge you my 
 word and honor I will make no attempt to escape." 
 
 Frand B. — "Ha ! ha ! Your word and honor ! What's the word of a Yankee 
 good for ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Frank, when a Union Soldier gives his word, no power on earth can 
 break it. " 
 
 Frank B. — "No, Ned Allen! Not one cord shall be relaxed until the time 
 arrives for your execution. Now, make the best of your situation ! I am going 
 to lie down for awhile. Guard, you will watch that man ; and if he attempts to 
 escape, shoot him down like a dog." (Exit 3d R. E.) (Joe whistling outside.) 
 
 Ned Allen. — (Aside.) — "That sounds like Joe ! I hope he is not coming here!" 
 (Enter Joe. 3d la. E.) 
 
 Guard.— "Halt ! Who goes there ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Hoi' on ! Boss, it's me. Don't you know me ? Put down dat gun ! You 
 might jist as handy kill a pusson as look at 'em. I'm de Runnel's cook. Don't 
 you know me ? Why, ob course you does !" 
 
 Guard. — "Where have you been ? What have you got in that canteen ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Dat's snake bite, honey ! Dat's de ole juice right out ob de mill I Does 
 you want some ? Now, don't take it all ; 'cause I want some fur de rest ob de 
 boys. Let me hoi' de gun." 
 
 Guard.— "Well, look out ! Don't fool with it." (Drinks.) 
 
 Joe. — "Oh, No! (Takes cords from Ned's arms.) Now, den, you's all right; you 
 go ahead, an' I'll cum behin'." (Exit 3d L. E. Rapid firing.) 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 (Enter 1st L. E. Generals Grant, Smith, Wallace, Colonel Rus»el, all staff officers.) 
 Gen. Grant. — "General, I am confident that our spy has been captured." 
 Gen. Smith. — "It may be possible, General; yet I am inclined to believe he 
 
 will surely return." 
 Col. R. — "There, who is that ?" (Enter Joe and Ned, running. 1st R. E.) 
 Gen. G. — "Sergeant, I am glad to see you. I had almost given you up. Did 
 
 you meet with success ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "General, through the assistance of this good and faithful friend, I 
 
 have returned in safety ; with all the plans of General Johnson. (Delivers the 
 
 papers. Generals examine them.) Joe, how did we get over that last place ?" 
 Joe. — "I did'nt neber see it. I guess de wind blowed us ober." 
 Gen. Grant. — "Sergeant, these plans and orders are extremely important. Did 
 
 you have any trouble in passing the lines of the enemy ?" 
 
— 24 — 
 
 Ned A. — "No, General, my way was clear until I reached the camp of General 
 Johnson. There I was discovered as a spy, and sentenced to be shot. This 
 brave old fellow captured those papers from a rebel sergeant, who was on his 
 way to General Polk. He then returned to where I was, and, with a little whisky, 
 got the guard drunk ; untied my hands and led the way. And, thanks to old 
 Joe, General, for my life and safe return." 
 
 Gen. Grant. — "Soldier, as a reward for the service which you have rendered, 
 I shall promote you to the rank of Captain." (Examines papers.) 
 
 Joe. — "Oh, now, honey ! Did you hear dat ? I knowed you would git somethin' 
 for all dis business. Now, den, I guess you all is done wid me. I'm goin' down 
 to de camp to see Mastah Jimmie. " 
 
 Ned A. — "Here, Joe, wait a minute ! When you get to camp, tell Harry and 
 Jimmie that I have just returned ; that I am very hungry, and I'm almost crazy 
 to see them." 
 
 Joe. — "All right ! Now I must go down to de camp an' bust up de boys. Tell 
 'em I've jist got back, an' I'm jist about starved. Dat you're gone crazy, an' I 
 
 have too. Den" 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, go on; tell them anything. (Exit Joe. 1st B. E.) General, 
 while in the Confederate camp, I overheard a speech made by General Johnson, 
 in which he said that to-morrow night, they would pitch their tents, on the 
 ground you hold to-day, or he would take the risk of another journey." (Exit 1st 
 B. E.) ' ' 
 
 Gen. G. — "Then he will take the other journey. Major, send word to Generals 
 Prentiss and Hurlburt, to advance their line to the rifle pits along the Corinth 
 road ; as we have just received information that General Johnson will make an 
 attack, early to-morrow morning." [Exit Major. 1st B. E.) Gentlemen, we 
 shall proceed at once to the left of the line ; which, I think, will be their main 
 point of attack." (Exit all. 1st B. E.) 
 
 Capt. Seaman. — (Enter Capt. S. 1st L. E. with Confederate soldiers.) "Forward ! 
 double time; March! Halt." 
 
 Chief of Staff to General Bragg. — (Enter 1st B. E.) — "Captain, you are ordered 
 to take a position on the right of the road, and to deploy your men as skirmish- 
 ers. You will not make any move until you get the signal, which will be the 
 firing of a gun by the New Orleans battery ; then fall back on the line of battle 
 and all move forward at once." (Exit 1st B. E.) 
 
 Capt. S. — "Attention, Company! Forward, double time, March!" (Exit 1st 
 B. E.) 
 
 SCENE VII. 
 
 (Discovered. Generals Grant, Smith and all Staff Officers. Firing begins at signal 
 of bass drum. Both sides advance and retreat until sound of bugle. All join in last 
 charge and grand tableau.) 
 
 ACT III. SCENE I. 
 
 (Discovered. Major Barton, Ned Allen, Joe,F. C, Jimmie and Sister of Charity, 
 L. C, dead and wounded of both sides.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Joe, old fellow, is that you ?" 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, Mastah Ned, I'se jist come back. I done got some wattah ; does 
 you want a drink, now?" 
 
 
— 25 — 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Joe, I am almost dead for water. Wherejis the canteen ? 
 [Drinks.] There, Joe, lay me back; I'm growing weak, and I'll not last long." 
 
 Joe. — "Poor Mastah Ned ! Afteh all de trouble an' danger you's done gone 
 trough. Must I give you up at last ?" 
 
 Maj. B. — "Water — water — I am dying — Frank — Give me water. — " 
 
 Ned A. — "Joe, some one is calling for water. Perhaps ho is dying ; try and 
 see who it is." 
 
 Joe. — (Looks around.) — "He is right heah, close to us, Mastah Ned, an' I guess 
 he mus' be an officer on de rebel side." 
 
 Ned A. — "No matter, Joe, which side he is on ; help him to rise and I will give 
 him a drink." 
 
 (Rise and recognize each other.) 
 
 Maj. B.— "Ned Allen !" 
 
 Ned A.— "Major Barton!" 
 
 Maj. B. — "Ned, I am wounded — and almost dying — from thirst — have you — got 
 any water ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Major, my canteen has just been filled." 
 
 Maj. B. — "Then in the name — of humanity — give me — just one swallow." 
 
 Ned A. — "In the name of humanity ? I can never resist that cry; and, rebel as 
 you are, the water is yours." (Drinks and returns canteen.) 
 
 Maj. B. — "There, Ned — I only hope — the day will come — when I can repay — 
 this act of kindness." 
 
 Ned A. — "Major, it is only a duty that one human being owes to another. 
 Nothing more." 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Harry — mother — oh" 
 
 Joe. — "Mastah Ned, did you heah dat boy callin' V I do believe to goodness 
 dat was Mastah Jimmie, 'cause it soun' jist like him." 
 
 Ned A. — "Who was it, Joe ? Did you say it was Jimmie ? I have not seen him 
 since early this morning. Go over the field where we made the last charge ; 
 and, if you can find him, bring him to me." 
 
 Joe.— (Carries Jimmie to Ned.) — "Mastah Ned ! Look up ! I foun' Mastah Jim- 
 mie, but I think he mus' be dead." 
 
 Ned A.— "No, no ! He is not dead ! The little heart still beats ! If I only had 
 strength to take him away ! Joe, give him some water and take care of him. 
 Oh — this terrible w r ound — oh" — (Sinks back.) 
 
 Maj. B.— "Ned— Ned" 
 
 Ned A.— "Yes" 
 
 Maj. B. — "Ned, I am dying — slowly— dying — if you live — to get home — carry 
 this — my last words — to your good old father — God bless the stars and stripes — 
 and the union of states — forever" — (Dies.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Major, should I live to see my father, I will tell him all you say/ 1 
 (Rebel soldiers raise Ilajor B.) 
 
 Sister. — "Soldiers, he is dead ! Lay him down gently and care for the living." 
 
 Frank B. — (Enter 3d R. &)— "Sister, I am hunting my father; do you 
 know" 
 
 Soldier. — "Here, Sergeant, here he lies." 
 
 Frank B.— "Yes, yes, here he is ! Father ! Look up ! Don't you know 
 
— 26 — 
 
 me ? No ! No ! His eyes are closed forever ! He is dead ! Oh ! that I could 
 avenge his death ! What other thought than that of vengeance is left me, now? 
 My home made desolate ; the only one I had to love laid by vandal hands in the 
 cold embrace of death ! Hear me ! Ye fates that guard our noble South ! Here, 
 on my bended knees, among the dead and the dying, and the awful stillness that 
 reigns after battle, do I pledge my arm, (rising) my life, to do thy bidding. 
 Henceforth my watchword shall be, slay and torture. Failing in this, lash me 
 with all the horrors thy furies can inflict. Father ! Father ! Ah, what's this? 
 (Feeling body of Jimmie.) His heart still beats. Here my revenge begins. Men, 
 you will take this boy, and carry him over beyond the woods — beyond the woods, 
 boys." 
 
 [Exit Frank and boys with Jimmie, 1st L. E.] 
 
 Joe.— "Mastah Ned— Mastah Ned !" 
 
 Ned A.— "What is it, Joe ?" 
 
 Joe. — "De rebel soldiers 's done took Mastah Jimmie an' dey is goin' f rough 
 de woods." 
 
 Ned A. — "What do you say ? They have taken Jimmie away ? Help me up, 
 Joe ; for I must follow them ! There* they go ! Do you see ! There, they" 
 
 Frank B.— [Enter 1st L. E.]— 4i That voice I Ha, ha ! Ned Allen ! I should have 
 known it among a thousand ! Now is my revenge complete ! And you, too, you 
 black fiend!" 
 
 Ned A. — "Stop ! Don't kill him ! He has done no harm ! Kill me, but spare 
 old Joe!" 
 
 Frank B. — "Well ! I spare you, then, only for future use. You come with me!" 
 
 Ned A. — "Good-bye, Joe, old fellow, good-bye ! Oh, heaven ! If I could have 
 only died there !" 
 
 Frank B.— "Oh, you'll die soon enough!" [Exit both IstL. E. Exit Joe 2d B. E.] 
 
 Harry A. — [Eider 3d L. E.] — "Ah, Captain, they have gone ! We are too late ! 
 Too late !" 
 
 Capt. C. — [Enter with Harry A.] — "Yes, Harry, they have gone; for here is 
 Ned's canteen and cap." 
 
 [Tableau. End of Act.] 
 
 ACT IV. SCENE I. 
 
 (Captain Clark with scouting party. Harry Allen returns from home. Tim Mc- 
 Carty left on guard.) 
 
 Capt. C. — (Enter with squad of men, 1st B. E.) — "Forward, March ! Halt ! Boys, 
 here is a place. We shall go into camp for to-night. There is plenty of water, 
 and we shall be concealed. Tim, I will detail you to remain here, on guard, un- 
 til we shall return. We will go to yon farm house and see what can be found in 
 the way of provisions." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "All roight, Captin. An' if ye foind inything, don't forgit that I 
 am left on guard. " 
 
 Joe. — "I won't forgit you, Tim. I'll fotch you somethin' myself." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Attention men ! Carry arms ! Well, of all things ! Here comes 
 Harry Allen !" 
 
 Harry A.— [Enter 1st L. E.]~ "Hello, Boys ! How are you, Captain, I'm glad to 
 see you. Which way are you going, and where is the regiment ?" 
 
— 27 — 
 
 Capt. C. — "Harry, you look first-rate ! Your trip home has done you good. 
 We are out on a scout ; and the regiment is about three miles below here. 
 Come, go with us ; we expect to start to-morrow for Anderson ville, where we 
 hope to find the boys still alive. Did you know you had been promoted to Color 
 Sergeant ?" 
 
 Harry A. — "No, Captain ; I had not heard of it before ; but, though a danger- 
 ous position, I shall be pleased to accept it." 
 
 Capt. C. — "Well, boys, fall in ; we must move along. Forward march !" (Exit 
 ML. E.) 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, here I am, ahl alone ag'in ! An' I don' know how long I'll 
 have to shtay. I wish to blazes the war was over, an' I was back home. But, I 
 suppose I must brace up an' shtay wid th' byes. Hello ! Phat's that ? By .me 
 soul, if it ain't that nagger ! an' he's got a bag full o 1 shtuff on his back. An', be- 
 gorra ! he's got a torkey ! I think I'll jist hide behint the threes from him, an' 
 see phat he'll do. " [Exit lti B. E. ) 
 
 Joe. — [Enter 1st L. E. with chicken and forage.] — "Why, dog on ! Dis mus' be de 
 place! Heah is whar de Captin put Tim on guard ! Mebbe I'm lost, an' Tim's 
 lost, an' we're all lost. Well, I guess I'll jist divide de t'ings. Den, I'll have 
 what I want myself. [Divides the things.] 
 
 Tim Mc— [Enter 1st B. E. Steals things from Joe.] [Exit 1st B. E.] 
 
 Joe. — (Discovers things taken, Exit 1st B. E.) 
 
 Tim Mc. — (Enter 1st B E.) — "Now, that black sucker ! I wander whare he's 
 gone V Ha — ha! I wander whare he got that bottle av shtuff. (Drinks. Frank 
 B. enter 1st B. E. cautiously.) Begorra ! Oi wish he'd av got the bag full av that 
 same koind av shtuff. Now, I'll jist hide this, an' git me gun an' — (discovers Frank 
 B. face to face.) Well ! be hivens ! I thought it was you, an' you thought it was 
 me, an' it's nather wan of us ! thae air ye ? O'im goin' down this way." 
 
 Frank B. — "No, I think not. You had better go this way." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "No, this is the nearest way, an Oi" 
 
 Frank B. — [Presenting pistol.] — "I guess you had better go this way." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, Oi think mesilf Oi had ; you're a friend av moine." [Exit 
 both 1st B. E.] 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 [Prison Scene. Prisoners lying about asleep. Jimmie and Ned. F. C] 
 
 Ned A. — "One more dark and gloomy night almost past and gone ; only to be 
 followed by a day of misery and death. How many poor fellows have closed 
 their eyes, never to see their home and friends again. And poor little Jimmie ! 
 How haggard and pale he is growing ! Willingly would I give up my life to-day, 
 if I could lay him in his mother's arms." [Drops head in hands. Tableau.] 
 
 Jimmie A. — [Bising.] — "Oh — Mother — Mother" — 
 
 Ned A. — "What is it, Jimmie ? Are you awake '?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Oh, Ned ! I have been dreaming of home. I thought I was talk- 
 ing with mother. I could see them all, and they asked about you and Harry. 
 And, oh, the good things they had to eat !" 
 
 [Stage lights up. Boys rise one after another.] 
 
 Ned A. — ''May heaven grant that your dream may prove true, Jimmie ! [Goes 
 to left] But I fear, I fear !" 
 
— 28 — 
 
 Bob M. — "Good-morning, Jiinniie. Have the guards come around with the 
 bread yet ?" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "No, Bob, not yet ; but I wish they would come, for I am almost 
 starved/ 1 
 
 Bob M. — u Yes, Jimmie, we are all hungry ; I wish I had something to give 
 you, but I have not had a bite since yesterday noon. " 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Ned gave me some corn bread last night. But I threw it in the 
 swamp ; it was so mouldy and hard I couldn't eat it." {Moves L. F.) 
 
 Will E. — "Bob, the sight of that little fellow is enough to melt a heart of stone. 
 If he is not soon exchanged, he will be numbered with those who lie in the 
 trench. " 
 
 Ned A.— {Enter L.)— "Bread ! bread I" {All call for bread.) 
 
 Frank B.— (Enter 3d B. E.)— "Oh, stop your clash ! You half-starved Yankee 
 hounds ! Or 111 give you something warmer than bread." 
 
 Prisoners. — "Bread — bread — give us bread !" 
 
 Frank B. — "Attention squad ! Forward march ! Column right, march ! Halt! 
 Left face ! Now ! The first man that opens his rotten Yankee head shall die the 
 death of a dog." 
 
 Bob M. — "Shoot, if you dare, you rebel coward !" 
 
 Frank B. — "What ! If I dare ?" {Draws revolver.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Frank, shoot, if you dare ! We have faced your rebel bullets 
 time and again ; and we are not afraid of them now." 
 
 Frank B. — "Ha — ha! Ned Allen ! Not yet! That would end your life and 
 my pleasure too soon. I will only be satisfied when I see your starved and lifeless 
 carcass dragged and thrown into the trench, beyond the stockade ; a receptacle 
 made for you Lincoln hirelings." 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, Frank, surely you are not heartless. Look at these boys ; some 
 of them were your playmates in childhood ; and they are hungry. Look at that 
 little fellow starving to death before your very eyes. Oh, Frank, how long 
 must this continue ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "It shall continue from day to day until I can see you struggling 
 in the last agonies of starvation and death ; and I fear the time will be too 
 short." 
 
 Ned A. — "Boys, there is but one thing to do. If I give up to this man, we 
 may get the bread. I will try. Frank, if I say I am sorry I struck you, yester- 
 day, will you give the boys some bread ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "Well, if you are sorry, get down on your knees and say so." 
 
 Ned A. — "What ! An American soldier on his knees to a rebel ? Sir, my 
 mother taught me that when I knelt, it should be only in reverence to my Father 
 in heaven. And, hungry as I am, I can never kneel to you." 
 
 Frank B. — "Well, take your time. You will come there yet." 
 
 Ned A.— "Jimmie, are you very hungry V" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Yes, Ned, I am very, very hungry." 
 
 Ned A. — "Then for your sake, I will give up. {Business.) Frank, I am on my 
 knees." 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, ho ! So you are there at last ! An American soldier on his 
 knees to a rebel ! Ha — ha ! That's good !" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Ned, brother, don't do that! I would rather starve, inch by 
 
— 29 — 
 
 inch than see you kneel to that man." 
 Ned A. — "Then, my boy, we will starve together." 
 Prisoners. — "Bread — bread— bread" — 
 
 Frank B. — u Jim, hand me that basket. I guess it's about time to feed the 
 animals. Poor little Jimmie ! You look hungry ! Don't you want some bread? 
 Come, step up. Ha, ha ! Is it good ?" 
 Jimmie A. — "If I were a man, I'd knock you down." 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, go way ; you'll never live to be a man. Well, here ! You 
 hungry-looking dogs ! Take it ! Go for it ! Here is some more — ha, ha ! That's 
 right. Fight for it ! That's all. Guard ! Left face ! Forward march ! Column 
 left, march !" 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Sergeant, won't you please give me some bread ? The boys got 
 it all, and I have none." 
 Frank B. — "Go back there ; you have had enough !" 
 Jimmie A. — "Oh, please, sergeant, just one little piece." 
 Frank B. — "I'll give you apiece. (Pushes Jimmie away.) 
 
 Jimmie A. — "Oh, boys, boys ! Ned ! (Frank shoots.) Oh, I am shot." (Falls. 
 Prisoners rush in.) 
 
 Frank B. — "Stand back, or some more of you will go down. There ! You 
 Yankee brat ! That's one more to my credit." (Exit 3d B. E.] 
 
 Bob M. — "Poor little fellow ! His life has gone back to the God who gave it. 
 And the tortures and trials of this foul prison pen have ended with him forever. 
 Boys, help me lift him up and take him to the entrance. There, lay him down 
 gently. Why, boys, he is not dead; the heart still beats." 
 Jimmie A.— "Ned— Oh— Ned"— 
 
 Bob M. — "Yes, Jimmie, I will call him. Ned — ho— Ned." 
 Ned A. — "No, no, Bob, you can't have my bread. Don't take it from me ! It 
 is all I have. Don't take it, Bob!" 
 
 Bob M. — "Why, Ned, come here ! I shan't take your bread. Do you know 
 that cowardly rebel dog has shot little Jimmie ! See there !" 
 
 Ned A.— "What is this? They have killed my brother ? No, no, Bob, they 
 would not do thatl" • 
 
 Bob M. — "Yes, Ned, they have, there he lies." 
 
 Ned A.— (Crosses to body.)— "Jimmie— Jimmie— look up ! Don't you know me ? 
 I am Ned. Oh, speak to me, just one word, Jimmie !" 
 Jimmie A. — "Yes — I know you — Ned — hold me — in — your arms — Ned." 
 Ned A. — "Yes, my darling. You are in my arms." 
 
 Jimmie A.— "Oh— Ned— I— am— dying— tell mother— I am— coming— I— am— 
 come — I" — (Dies. ) 
 
 Ned A.— "Yes, yes, he has gone ! Tell mother, I am coming. And I have 
 promised her time and again that I would bring him home to her. Now, he is 
 dead— dead ! His little hands are growing cold. Oh, boys, look at the little 
 fellow. We will never march to the tap of his drum again ; for he is dead— he 
 is dead. (Rising.) Boys, cover his little face and take him away. (Boys take 
 him away.) Take him along the stockade. Perhaps you can find a place to bury 
 him. Never let me look upon that sight again, or I shall go mad, go mad ! Take 
 him away— away— what ? Am— I— losing my mind ? Oh, no — it can not be— Bob, 
 
— 3 o — 
 
 you have seen men cross that dead-line day after day. And when they do, they 
 die. You will see one more man cross their dead-line to-day. They have killed 
 my brother ; killed" 
 
 Bob M.— "No, no, Ned ; don't do that !" 
 
 Ned A. — "Well, well, Bob, I'll think. I am on your dead-line ! Fire and kill 
 me!" 
 
 Frank B.— -{Enter 3d B. E.)— "Hold— shoot any man but him ! Ned Allen ! I'm 
 not done with you yet." 
 
 Ned A.— "Not done with me, yet ? Oh, you infernal fiend ! May the curses 
 and torments of all the demons of eternity rest with you forever ! Forever ! Oh, 
 curse you ! curse you ! Oh, my head is turning". [Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Will E. — "Poor Ned ; it will not be long- until he will be laid beside his 
 brother." 
 
 Frank B. — {Outside.) — "Here's your fresh fish. Get in, there. Ha— ha !" 
 
 Tim Mc— [Enter Sd B. E.]— "Och, ye gray divil ! Come inside an' laugh ! An' 
 I'll punch th' head av ye." 
 
 Frank B.— {Enter 3d L. E.)— "See here ! Step this way ! I want to see you !" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, I want to see mesilf." 
 
 Frank B. — [Draws revolver.] — "Come, move along- !" 
 
 Tim Mc. — Och ! Av coorse ! I want to talk wid ye anyhow." 
 
 Frank B.— "Well, Yank, you've got a pretty good suit of clothes. I guess I'll 
 take that coat and hat." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, begorra ! I don't think ye will !" 
 
 Frank B. — "Oh, yes ! Come ! take them off." 
 
 Tim Mc— "Och ! That's all right ! Av coorse ye kin have thim. Have I any- 
 thing ilse yez want ?" 
 
 Frank B. — "Let me see ! What have you got in your pockets ? Come, turn 
 around here. Oh, ho ! Money ? And a watch ? Why, Yank, this is pretty fair 
 picking." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Be gorra ! I want that poipe." 
 
 Frank B.— "Well, you shall have it, Yank." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och ! I knowed ye was a fri'nd av moine." 
 
 Frank B. — Oh, no, Yank ! not until you begin to look like those chaps, there. 
 Ain't they a jolly looking lot of fellows ? Get their nice fresh beef steak for 
 breakfast every morning !" 
 
 Tim Mc — "Begorra ! that's good enough for me." 
 
 Frank B. — "Now, it won't be a great while until you look just like them. Go, 
 and have a good time." [Exit Sd B. E.] 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well ! Be the holy shmoke ! Byes, these gray divils have got me 
 too ! But, begorra, I don't think they'll have me long." 
 
 Bob M.— "Hello ! Tim, old fellow. Is that you ? How are you ?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Well, if it ain't me, Oim jist as well satisfied. But who the divil 
 be you ?" 
 
 Bob M. — "Why, don't you know me, Tim ?" 
 
 Tim Mc— "Let me look at ye a bit. Well, well, Bob ! Is it you ? What's the 
 mather wid ye? Ye luck loike ye wur goin to die. Have ye been sick ?" 
 
 Bob M. — "Ah, Tim; hundreds are sick in this place; and many are carried 
 
— 3 1 — 
 
 out dead every day. But, Tim, when were you taken ; and where are the boys?" 
 Tim Mc.---"Oi wus out foragin' wid de company, an' th' Capt'in put me on 
 guard. An' I wasn't there half an hour, till that gray sucker tuck me in. An' 
 here I are. The byes are all roight, an' they're comin' this way. I don't think 
 youll stay here long. [Music heard in the distance.] Whist ! d'ye hear that ? Be- 
 gorra, they're comin' now." 
 
 Harry A.— "-{Enter 3d L. E. with Union soldiers firing and singing.)— ' ' 'Hurrah ! 
 Boys, come on ! Here they are ! Hello, Will, are you still alive ? Why, we 
 heard you were dead. I am glad to see you." 
 
 Will E.— "Yes, Harry, it is me; and I am nearer dead than alive. You won't 
 be here long until you'll look just as' we do." 
 
 Harry A.— "Why, Will, we are not prisoners ! We have been marching and 
 fighting day and night to get here in time to set you free. See, the old stars 
 and stripes floats over us all ; and you are free once more ; free as the air you 
 breathe." 
 Song. — [Soldiers and prisoners all sing.] 
 
 "Oh, we'll rally round the flag, boys ! 
 We'll rally once again, 
 Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 
 We'll rally from the hillside, 
 We'll rally from the plain, 
 Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 
 The Union forever, hurrah, boys, hurrah. 
 Capt. Clark.— "[Enter with Frank B. 3d B. E.] 
 
 Down with the traitor, and up with the stars; 
 For we'll rally round the flag, boys, 
 We'll rally once again, 
 Shouting the battle cry of Freedom. " 
 Bob. M. — "Three cheers for Harry Allen, and the old flag." 
 All — "Hurrah — hurrah — hurrah." 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Hello, Harry Allen ! Have ye come to take us out ar this ?" 
 Harry A. — "Well, well, Tim, old boy; have they brought you here ? How are 
 you ?" 
 
 Tim Mc. — "Och, Oim all right ! O'ive only been here about four days. How 
 soon are ye goin' to take us out ar this, Harry ?" 
 
 Harry A. — "It won't be long Tim. Just as soon as I find my brothers, Ned and 
 Jimmie" — (Enter Ned A., 1st L. E. bewildered.) 
 
 Will E. — "There, Harry ! There comes Ned, now !" 
 
 Harry A.— "Merciful heaven ! Is that my brother ? No, it cannot be ! Ned, 
 my brother, don't you know me ? Look at me, Ned, I am Harry. Don't you 
 want to go home ? Look here ! Don't you know the old flag ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "What? Yes, my wife! My home! yes, yes! I know my wife! 
 Who speaks to me of home ?" 
 Harry A. — "It is I, Harry, your brother. Don't you know me ?" 
 Ned A. — (Looking at Harry.) — "Yes, yes ! I know you, Harry! Are they all 
 well at home ?" 
 Harry A. — "Yes, Ned ; and I have come to take you home with me." 
 
— 32 — 
 
 Ned A.— "But, Harry, you spoke of the old flag. Did you bring it with you? 
 Where is it ?" 
 
 Harry A. — "Yes, Ned, here it is." 
 
 Ned A.— [Mum.)— "Yes, yes it is the old flag. Every star there ; not one gone. 
 Every stripe in its purity, unsullied and undimmed. Boys, why do you not 
 
 shout ? Don't you know the old flag ? We are free again, boys. We are 
 
 Oh, why have they left that body there ? And I told them to bury him Of 
 
 all men on the face of the earth ! am I never, never to lose sight of your cold, 
 haunting eyes ? Away ! Go away ! — Harry, you remember Jimmie ?" 
 
 Harry A.— "Yes, Ned, what of Jimmie ? Where is he ?" 
 
 Ned A.— "Harry, your brother is— dead ! * They have killed him! I can tell 
 you no more, no more I" (Exit 1st L. E.) 
 
 Harry A. — "Boys, can this be true ? Is my brother dead ?" 
 
 Bob. M. — "Yes, Harry. There he lies." 
 
 Harry A.— "Jimmie— Jimmie— Yes, yes! he is dead! Oh! how can we tell 
 this to his mother ? Boys, if ever I live to meet the man who murdered this 
 innocent child, his life shall pay the penalty." 
 
 Will E.— "Harry Allen, the time and place is here and now. For there stands 
 the man who killed your brother." 
 
 Harry A. — "Frank Barton ! Oh, you fiend !" 
 
 Frank B.— "Fiend, did you say? Then so be it. 'Tis war that makes men 
 fiends ; 'tis its mission to mangle and destroy. What matters whether a life go 
 out in the fire of battle, or in the the heat of passion ? 'Tis but one more soul 
 thrown onto the scales, which either rises or sinks Avith the preponderance of 
 human blood. Do you think that the sight of southern homes burned to ashes ; 
 or of once broad fields laid waste and desolate ; or of an invading army wrenching 
 from a starving people their last morsel of food, is calculated to soften the south- 
 ern heart? Nay! It has made it adamant! I did kill your brother, as I would have 
 crushed a viper beneath my feet. And I have crazed the other. That is my 
 work ; now you do yours." 
 
 Harry A.— "Oh, you inhuman, heartless wretch ! Can it be possible that you 
 could take the life of a child, who had done you no wrong ? Whose father's 
 house has given you its best, time and again ? whose only sister was to have been 
 your bride ? And yet you could be guilty of such an act as that ? Oh, you 
 coward !" 
 
 Frank B.— "Coward ?" 
 
 Harry A. — "Aye, coward. I will do my work. And send your dark and 
 blackened soul on an endless mission of torment and torture." (Fires.) 
 
 Frank B.— "Oh — your bullet— has done— its— work. — And I— am sorry— our 
 cause — is lost." — [Dies.] 
 
 Ned A.— [Enter 2nd L. E.]— Dead ? Dead ?— Oh, you infernal fiend ! You will 
 murder and starve no more." 
 
 [Tableau — Jimmie draped in white.] 
 ACT V. SCENE I. 
 
 [Silting Boom of Farmer Allen. Father A. walking. Mother A. seated at table.] 
 Father A.— [Looking out -of door..]— I do wonder where the boys have got to? 
 
— 33 — 
 
 They started away at one o'clock, and it seems to me they have been gone a 
 week. I am sorry, now, I didn't go with them." 
 
 Mother A. — "There ! don't get uneasy, Father. You know they have been 
 away for four long years, and they are anxious to see the improvements and changes 
 that have been made on the old farm since they have been gone. They'll soon 
 be back." [Laughing outside.] 
 
 Father A. — "Yes, there they are now. [Enter Ned, Kate, Harry and Nellie. 
 C. D.] Come in, Joe, come in and sit down." (Enter Joe.) 
 
 Ned A. — "Well, Father, we have had along walk; and the old farm looks as 
 natural as life. Every thing in its place, just as it was before we went away." 
 
 Harry A. — "Indeed, I do wish the war was at an end ; for we could then be at 
 home, and give you the help that we know you must certainly need." 
 
 Father A. — "Ah, boys, we have hoped and prayed for that time to come ; but 
 I fear that many brave boys will fill unknown graves before this struggle is 
 ended." 
 
 Mother A. — "Oh, this terrible, cruel war. The many bright and happy homes 
 it has changed into sadness and despair. And when I look at the vacant chair 
 of the little one we loved so dear, it seems that my heart will break." 
 
 Nellie A. — "Mother, dear, do not weep ! We must all submit to the controlling 
 power of that great, good Being, who guides and directs the destiny of all 
 earthly beings." 
 Father A. — "Nellie, won't you please sing something for mother ?" 
 Nellie A— "I will try." 
 
 "We shall meet, but we shall miss him ; 
 There will be one vacant chair ; 
 We shall linger to caress him 
 While we breathe our evening prayer. 
 When a year ago we gathered, 
 Joy was in his mild, blue eye, 
 But a golden cord has severed, 
 And our hopes in ruin lie. 
 Chorus. 
 
 We shall meet, but we shall miss him. 
 There will be one vacant chair, 
 We shall linger to caress him 
 While we breathe our evening prayer."' 
 [Bepeat chorus softly.] 
 [After song is over, knock at 1st L. E.] 
 Kate A. — "Father, I think some one is knocking." 
 Father A. — "Go and see who it is, Joe, and ask them in." 
 Joe. — "I guess it mus' be»Mr. and Mrs. Mason. I saw 'em down de road dis 
 mornin' an dey tole me dey was comin' up, if dey got de corn all planted." 
 Ned A. — "Why don't you go to the door, Joe, and see who it is ?" 
 Joe. — "Why, don' dey know de road in ? Dey's bin here a thousan' times." 
 Harry A. — "Well, will you ever go to the door, Joe?" 
 
 Joe. — "Yes, yes ; I'm a goin' ! [Aside.] Why don' de ole sardine jist fetch his 
 bed an' stay here all de time ? If it's dem shall I tell dem to come or stay out ?" 
 All.— "Tell them to come in, of course." 
 
— 34- 
 
 Joc. — "Why, good-mornin', Squire, good-mornin'. I'se awful glad to see you. 
 Step right in, sah, step right in." [Enter Squire M., Mrs. M. and Boh, 1st L. E.] 
 
 Father A. — u Ah, Squire, how are you V Come in and sit down. We have been 
 looking for you all forenoon. The boys have been talking about going back to 
 the regiment, and mother and the rest of us were feeling down-hearted ; and we 
 wanted some one to talk to. Sit down." 
 
 Squire M. — "Yes. Here, Joe ! Hang my hat in the hall, please. We did 
 think we would come up this morning, but we had a few rows of corn to finish, 
 and mother wanted to get some things ready for Bob to take back to the boys, when 
 he goes. Well, you're all looking pretty well. Ned, you are looking better than 
 I expected to see you." 
 
 Ned A. — "Oh, yes, Squire ! I am gaining, right along. I want to be ready to 
 start back with the boys, when all are ready to go." 
 
 Mrs. M. — "Now, Ned, I've been asking Rob about that awful fight at Shiloh, 
 where you got wounded. But he's so awful fidgety that he didn't tell me much 
 about it." 
 
 Squire M. — "Yes, Ned, I'm anxious to hear about that battle, and I know you 
 can tell me just how it was. Come, now, let's hear it." 
 
 Ned A. — "Now, Squire, old soldiers don't like to relate their experience. But, 
 since you require it, I will try and tell you as near as I can. I think it was on 
 the 6th of April, was if not, Bob ?" 
 
 Bob M.— "That's right, Ned, the sixth." 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, the sixth of April, 1862. Our regiment had been ordered, the 
 day before, close to the Shiloh church. I was then sent by our commanding 
 general, as a spy to the rebel camp. I had hardly returned to where the 
 boys were, when heavy cannonading opened up on our right, and that was 
 the signal for a general attack. Our regiment, father, the gallant old 15th, 
 was quickly thrown into line ; and, in a few minutes we saw them coming, in a 
 double line of battle, down through the woods. We opened fire, but we were 
 driven back under a storm of lead, until we reached the banks of the river. Our 
 General then ordered one last grand charge ; and every man stood firm in the 
 ranks, waiting to hear the command. At last it came ; and, with a yell and a 
 rush, we drove them five miles away. " 
 
 Squire M. — "{Excited.) — "Hurrah for our side ! (Knocks Joe over.) Ha, neigh- 
 bor, that's what stirs the blood ! And, Bob, you was right there all the time ? 
 Now, I'm prouder of you than ever. (Ihrns to sit down.) Well, well, Joe, I didn't 
 mean to do that. Excuse me, Joe, I got a little excited !" 
 
 Joe. — "Well, that's all right. But, say, when you git 'cited ag'in, don't be so 
 strikin' in your remarks. Sit down, it's all right." 
 
 Squire M. — "Yes, neighbor, we get" (Joe jerks chair away and Squire M. 
 
 falls. Business. ) 
 
 Joe. — "Excuse me, Mr. Mason, I got a little excite'd myself." 
 
 Ned A. — (After all are seated.) — "Yes, Squire, that was the last charge at 
 Shiloh, and I was severely wounded, and laid on the field, where I was captured 
 and taken to Anderson ville." 
 
 Mrs. M. — "Well, Ned, it's a wonder to me you wasn't all killed. So many 
 men, and all firing at once. I don't believe I would want to go back. And poor 
 Kate ! I am sorry for you ! To think he must leave you again so soon !" 
 
— 35 — 
 
 Kate A. — "Yes, I do regret that the time is so near when we must part 
 once more. Yet, with a spirit of true devotion to our country and our flag, 
 I must say to him, go. And, if his life be spared until peace shall reign once 
 more throughout our land, I shall be proud, indeed, to see him return, with all 
 the honors of a Union soldier." 
 
 Father A. — "There, Squire ! If all the women would talk like that, the war 
 would soon be over and done." 
 
 Bob M. — "Ned, I'm getting homesick to see the boys. I've not heard from 
 one since we have been home. One week from next Thursday, our furlough 
 runs out; and we must start back on Monday, to get there in time." 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, Bob, we must get ready to start next Monday morning ; and 
 the time seems very short. But I want to go back and stay with the boys until 
 our grand old flag shall float, unmolested, over every foot of Southern soil." 
 
 Nellie A. — "My own dear brothers. With such loyal hearts and willing hands, 
 the time is not far distant, when the union of states shall be restored. Then, 
 upon land and sea, throughout the world, our emblem of liberty shall be honored 
 by all." 
 
 Bob M. — "Ned, I am going to drive to town this evening, and I would like to 
 have some company. Can't you and Harry both go along ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Yes, indeed, I shall be pleased to go." 
 
 Harry A. — "Bob, you are very kind. I am sure the ride will do us good." 
 
 Mrs. M. — "Now, Bob, I hope you ain't going to take that nice new carriage, 
 and not ask Nellie to go ?" 
 
 Squire M. — "Well, there you go again, Mother ! Why don't you let Bob speak 
 for himself ?" 
 
 Father A. — "Ned, if you go to town, be sure and go to the office." 
 
 Ned A. — "Now, that just reminds me. Father, I sent Joe to the office the first 
 thing this morning." 
 
 Mother A. — "And I believe in my soul he is sound asleep." 
 
 Father A— "What ! Asleep ? Joe, Joe !" 
 
 Ned A — "There, Father, you might as well try to wake a post ! He goes to 
 sleep anywhere and everywhere. I will see if I can wake him. Joe ! ho, 
 Joe ! Joe ! Oh, there's no use ! I'll have to try the old way. Harry, have you 
 got a pin ?" 
 
 Mother A.— "Oh, Ned, don't do that ! Don't hurt him !" 
 
 Ned A. — "Why, it's the only way we can ever get him awake !" [Sticks Joe 
 with pin.] 
 
 Joe. — "Ho ! Say, who stabbed me ? Hyar ! now !" 
 
 Ned A — "Come, Joe, wake up !" 
 
 Joe. — "I haint asleep." 
 
 Ned A. — "Did you go to the postoffice this morning ? Father would like to 
 have his paper." 
 
 Joe. — "Which one does you want? De one wid de printin' on ?" 
 
 Ned A. — "Why, of course, Joe. Come, get it out ; father is waiting. " [Takes 
 •paper and points to Joe 's feet.] 
 
 Joe. — "Now, what's de matter wid you ? Whar has you been all day ?" 
 
 Ned A. — {Aside.) — "Why, look at them big feet of yours, on Squire Mason's 
 hat." [Business.] 
 
I 
 
 -36- 
 
 Squire M. — "Well, you black rascal ! Look at that! Mother, do you see that?" 
 
 Mrs. M. — "Yes, an' it's your weddin' hat, too. If this was my house, I'd make 
 him keep his big feet outside !" 
 
 Father A. — "What ! Am I right ? General Grant has taken Richmond." 
 
 All.— "Taken Richmond ?" 
 
 Father A. — "And General Lee has surrendered, with his entire army." 
 
 All. — "Lee surrendered ?" 
 
 Father A. — "Now, listen ! Here is something better than all. 
 
 Joe.— "Read it out loud !" 
 
 Father A. — "Yes, Joe, we will read it out loud. 'The Fifteenth regiment have 
 been mustered out, and will start for home to-day !' Hurrah ! Now, my brave 
 boys, you can all stay at home ! Oh, Mother ! This is too good ! What shall 
 we do?" 
 
 Mother A. — "Father, I'll tell you what to do. I've seen a good many letters 
 in the past year or two, going to the Fifteenth regiment ; and they were not all 
 directed to our boys, either. And I think it" 
 
 Father A. — "There, there, Mother ! I know now what to do ! Nellie, my girl, 
 come here ! And you, too, Robert ! Come, step this way ! There, Squire, if you 
 and Mrs. Mason, and all are agreed, we will have a quiet wedding." 
 
 Mrs. M. — "Oh ! we're all agreed ! Go right ahead ! I want to be a mother- 
 in-law." 
 
 Father A. — "There, Robert, take her hand ! She is'yours ! And may heaven 
 bless and protect you both ! Now, boys, hitch up the big wagon, and we'll all 
 go to town." {Business with Joe.) 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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