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 THE 
 
 HostMe FipSeaad! 
 
 A WAR DRAMA 
 
 IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 BY GEO. H. FULLERTON. 
 
 -jd according to act of Congress, in the year 1873, by Geo. H. Fuller- 
 ton, in the office ^t the Iiibrarian of Cougresp, at Washington.] 
 
 North Bridgewater : 
 
 gazette steam job printing establishment. 
 
 1 873. 
 
^'^■l 
 
 ^K 
 
 ?^^'>' 
 
 DRAMA TIS PER S 0N.¥.. 
 
 Manley WiNTHRor, Unionist. 
 Festus Gregory, Kebel. 
 Dr. Winthrop, Manley' s Father. 
 Mrs. Winthrop, Manley' s Mother. 
 Louise Winthrop, Manley' s Sister. 
 Col. Gregory', Festus' Father. 
 
 Lillian Gregory, ) T^p^^us' Sisfevs 
 Marion Gregory, ( ^^^^"^ histeis. 
 
 Mr. Holman, Union Soldier. 
 
 Mrs. Holman, Wife of Mr. Holman. 
 
 Charles, Grandson of Holman. 
 
 Hark, Winthrop' s Negro Servant. 
 
 PaSon' \ Speakers at War Meeting, 
 DoBBS, Recruiting Officer. 
 
 Col. Dearson, i tt,,-„., n«i„„, „ 
 Lieut. Haines, r^^^o'^ ^ffl'^^^^" 
 
 Uncle Joe, t 
 
 Mary Ann, > And otherp. Slaves of Gregory. 
 
 Sam, ) 
 
 Miss Peters, 1 
 
 Miss Henry, I Members of Society foj aid of Sani'ii; 
 
 Mrs. Dolby, f Commission. 
 
 Mrs. Roy'son, J 
 
 Banjoist, Bones, Pianist, Soldiers, Orderly ar.'l Adju 
 
 )- 
 
THE HOSTILE FRIENDS. 
 
 ACT. 1. 
 
 ScENK I. — New England. A Room in College, Manley Win- 
 throp reading an evening paper. Enter Festus Gregory L. 
 
 Gkeg. What news, Manley ? All peaceful yet? 
 
 Wix. Sad news. Festus ; sad news. 
 
 Gkeg. What mean you ? Let me see it. No outbreak, 1 
 trust. ( Taken the paper and read.s. ) 
 
 Wasiiinuton, April 12, 18(51. — At 4.:30 A. M., fire was opened 
 ui)on Fort Sumpter from Fort Moultrie, and soon after from 
 the batteries on Mount Pleasant, Cumjnin<;'s Point, and the 
 floating battery; in all 17 mortars and 30 large guns for shot 
 — mostly columbiads." 
 
 And the cowards did not return the Are ! Pish ! 
 
 Wix. Hold tliere, Festus ! Be careful what you say ! Head 
 on, and you will see if they submitted tamely. 
 
 Gkeg. I will not read. They are Yankees, and there's no 
 courage in a Yankee ! 
 
 Win. You shall know if there is! It's not in words and 
 bluster. Pland here ; I will read it. (Readn aloud.) 
 
 "Meantime the garrison of Sumter took breakfast quietly 
 at their regular hour, were divided into three reliefs, each of 
 which was to work the guns for f(mr hours; and the fire of 
 Sumter was opened at 7 A. M., from the lower tier of guns, 
 ujjon Fort Moultrie, the iron battery on Cumming's Point, two 
 batteries on Sullivan's Island, and the floating battery simul- 
 taneously. When the first relief went to work, the enthusi- 
 asm of the men was so great that the second and third reliefs 
 could not be kept from the guns." 
 
 Is that cowardice '? Ah ! Festus, I make no quarrel with you : 
 but this I say : You shall be made to swallow your words of con- 
 
tempt. {Festus enraged sjyrings towards Mm). Hold ! my friend ; 
 I utter no threat of personal injury; nor do I mean tliat I will 
 compel you ; but you shall see that Northern men are not 
 cowards ; that they fear not to face the mouth of the cannon 
 in the discharge of their duties to their country. You shall 
 know how a true man, how a Yankee loves his country, and 
 how much he esteems the priceless boon of liberty. 
 
 Greg. Well, Winthrop, we shall see ! You seem suddenly 
 to have become a brave man ; and I admit that you evince the 
 spirit of a gentleman, which, (liowmuch Imay have loved you) 
 I never before gave you the credit of possessing. 
 
 Win. I do think Mr. Gregory that you are very complimen- 
 tary. Upon my word, I thank you. My best wishes to the 
 colonel, your father, and pray inform him that I am very hap- 
 py to have had the honor of associating with so courteous a 
 gentleman as his son has proved himself to be. 
 
 Geeg. Ah! you honor me; but let' s have done with this. 
 We have been friends through three years of college life, and 
 we have often sworn that our friendship should be eternal. 
 Amicitia vera est semjnterna. {They shake hands.) 
 
 Win. Festus, I do regard you no less than ever before, and 
 we will part friends, if indeed we must part. I sIiaII offer my 
 services to my country ; I shall do what I can to subdue the 
 spirit of insurrection, and to preserve the Union. 
 
 Geeg. And I, my friend, shall hasten home to Virginia, to 
 fight with my native state. I must prove true to the Old Do- 
 minion. If we, fighting in opposing armies, should meet face 
 to face, I pray God I may not shrink from duty ; but if you are 
 in prison, and I am near, I will use all my influence to make 
 you comfortable ; if you are wounded on the field and fall into 
 our hands I will do all I can for your relief. 
 
 Win. Enough, Festus, I do believe you, and I to you no less 
 a friend will prove. {Knocking heard at the door.) 
 
 Win. Come in. [Enter Hark L.] Well my boy, what now ? 
 What news from home ? 
 
 Haek. Mas'r Manley, de gub'ner say you come straight 
 home mejitly. He's af eared you'll git inter trouble wid dat 
 secesh chum o' yourn. I's come round wid de light phayton 
 which was give to you de last commencement. 
 
 Win. Hark, have you heard the news ? 
 
 Haek. What news, Mas'r Manley? 
 
 Win. The Southerners have fired on Fort Sumter, and civil 
 war has begun. 
 
 Hark. Is you jokin', Mas'r Manley? 
 
 Win. No, it is the sad truth. 
 
Hark. Lor', Mas'r Manley. De debbil is in dem Southern- 
 ers shore. Dey specs to whij) de whole Northern region, does 
 they? 
 
 Greg. And they'll do it too. 
 
 Hark. [Startin;/ as if friyhtened.] Lor', Mas'r Gregory ! you 
 here? But dere ain't so many white folks in de souf as dere 
 is in de Norf, and de greater shall beat de smaller. 
 
 Greg. Tut! you black imp. One of the Southern chivalry 
 can whip twenty Yankees. 
 
 Hark. But dey ain't all of de ch'baliy, Mas'r Gregory. 
 
 Greg. The whole South will rise as one man, and tlie poor 
 whites will be stimulated to bravery by our example. 
 
 Hark. If de white trash goes wid you, what Avill de collud 
 folks be doin' all de while ? 
 
 Greg. They ? A pretty question, you nigger ! They ? why, 
 they will do whatever their masters command them to do. 
 
 Hark. Yaas sir, Mas'r Gregory, I specs dey will. [Poifit- 
 iny over Ids left fiboulder.] 
 
 Win. Come. Hark, we won't discuss this subject any more 
 at present. Here, you take some of my traps — this bag and 
 cane — and go down, I'll be there i)resently. 
 
 Hark, Good bye, Mas'r Gregoiy, may you live till the Yan- 
 kees whip you. [Exit Hark, ohscqitiously L.] 
 
 Win. Well, Festus, old chum, it seems that I must leave 
 you now, though doubtless Hark, invented the story about my 
 father's being afraid to trust us longer together-. I am sorry 
 that we fight not upon the same side ; then could we win hon- 
 or in the same battle, fighting against a common enemv. It 
 cannot b<^ you love the Old Dominion, where your proud fam- 
 ily has lived for generations, and I love our institutions, our 
 nation and liberty. Good bye Festus. [TJicy cla><p JiandN.] 
 
 Greg. It is indeed sad to part thus, Manley, I would it 
 were not to be. You are a good fellow, I was excited when 
 I spoke so unkindly to you a little while since. You do for- 
 give me ? 
 
 Win. I do, Festus. we were both excited. We will ever be 
 friends, and should the fortunes of war bring us togther, even 
 then we will not forget our vows. [Knockiny at the door.] 
 Come. [Enter Hark L bov:iny luri.\] 
 
 Hark. I beg you will 'sense me, Mas'r Gregory, de gub'ner 
 say he send his compliments and 'vite you to de house along 
 o' Mas'r Manley. 
 
 Win. Why did you not say this before ? 
 
 Hark. I forgot him, shore. I did Mas'r Manley, so help 
 me Jeff. 
 
6 
 
 Win. Did my father tell you that he was afraid that we 
 WQukl get into trouble ? CJomo, out with it. 
 
 Hakk. No sar, but I spec dat's de reason. Couldn't think 
 o' nothin' else. [Exit Hark L.] 
 
 Wix. I told you, Festus, that it was probably Hark's own 
 story. I hope you will come with me ; do not shake your head, 
 but come on. You were never more welcome than you will be 
 tonight. 
 
 Greg. No, my friend, it is better that I stay away. Some 
 unpleasant words might be spoken. I desire to have only 
 pleasant recollections of your pleasant home. 
 
 Win. But Louise, — surely you would see her, and bid her 
 good bye. 
 
 GrKEG. Not so ; our sympathies are no longer the same ; she 
 would despise me, and perhaps spurn me as a traitor, so, good 
 bye, Manley. Farewell — may Heaven bless you. 
 
 Win. Farewell. Heaven preserve us to meet again. [Exit 
 Winthrop L.'\ 
 
 Greg. Ah! this is but the beginning. Friends must part 
 to never meet again, or perchance, to cross swords in battle, 
 or to die by each other's hand. I loved him as a brother; but 
 I love Old Virginia more. He says that he loves the nation 
 and liberty. Have our people made a great mistake ? Are we 
 wrong, and the North right ? I do not know ; I cannot tell. 
 [Looks at his watch.] It is now the hour for the mail; perhaps 
 it brings a letter from home. [Exit Greyory L.] 
 
 Scene II. — Same. Room in Dr. Winthro}''' s mansion. Louise 
 at the piano. Mrs. Martha Wintlirop sittiwj hy, reading a hook. 
 Enter Dr. Winthrop, R., seats himself in an arm chmr'. 
 
 Dk. Win. I have sent Hark for Manley and his chum. I 
 am anxious to know what position Gregory will take in regard 
 to affairs. If he is as hot and outspoken in favor of secession, 
 as he has shown himself to be in commending the southern 
 chivalry and their rights, as he terms them, I am afraid that 
 Manley will get into trouble with him. 
 
 Louise. No! Oh, no! 
 
 Mks. Win. I hope not. I think thi.t my boy will comport 
 himself like a gentleman, which he has ever shown himself to 
 be. 
 
 Dr. Win. Ah! Martha, these are trying times through 
 which we are passing, or perhaps I may say into which we are 
 entering. Boys will become men ; men will become heroes. 
 The calm men .of today will be enthusiasts tomorrow, and in 
 the heat of excitement we know not what we ourselves would 
 do. Gregory is quick of temper, and Manley will endure no 
 abuse of his country. I thank Heaven, too, that he will not. 
 
Have we not taught him to love that precious maxim : Dulce 
 *'f. decvnuii est jirn jiatric luori? and did he not drink in ijatriot- 
 ism with his mother's milk? Ah! he is a noble boy. 
 
 Mrs. Win. You speak truly, doctor. Mauley is indeed a 
 noble boy ; but though he would willingly die for his country, 
 I do not believe that he would treat his friend discourteously. 
 
 Louise. And Mr. (iregoiy, I am sure, ii* a gentleman. Has 
 he not proved himself to be such, papa? 
 
 Dr. Win. He has indeed, my daugliter; and my fears may 
 be ungrounded. They aie as fine a brace of boys as I ever 
 saw, and I hope they will come home together. 
 
 Louise. There goes the bell. 
 
 Mrs. Win. It is Manley's ring. [Ej-it Louise, R., /nt,stily.\ 
 1 think Louise is a little hasty. If Gregory is there he may 
 misconstrue her eagerness. 
 
 Dk. Win. Well, Martlia, let's remember our youth. It is 
 perfectly natural that she should be eager to see Manley and 
 his friend. [Euter Manley and Louixe, B.] 
 
 Mrs. Win. Ah ! Manley, my dear boy. I r,,. , ., , 
 
 Win. Dear Mother! '^ [lu^s each othei .\ 
 
 Dr. Win. [sjiake.s hundn.] I am glad to see you my son. 
 Where is Gregory ? 
 
 Win. At the room. I could not persuade him to come, and 
 Hark made one of his usual nonsensical speeches, said you 
 were afraid of our getting into trouble, and that I must 
 "come straight home mejitly." 
 
 Dr. Win. The rascal ! He is always making up some story 
 to suit his idea of things. But," sit down ; what does Gregory 
 say in regard to the rebellious act of the authorities of South 
 Carolina ? 
 
 Win. He upholds it, as we might expect. He thinks that 
 the "Southern chivalry" will do nothing wrong; can do noth- 
 ing dishonorable. He bade me farewell, and says he shall 
 hasten home to offer his services to his state. 
 
 Louise. A traitor! [liluxlien and titampa her foot.] 
 [Silence for a moment. 
 
 Dr. Win. What said you, my son ? 
 
 Win. I said that I should offer myself to my country to 
 save her from her foes. 
 
 Louise, Good ! [PutA< her arm around her brother''s neck im- 
 petuously.] 
 
 Dr. Win. Brave boy! ) \Tr^„^^^,,^.^ 
 
 Mrs. W. You have spoken like a Winthrop! J l^''»«^"*f'-J 
 
 Dr. Win. He has spoken like his mother's son. 
 
 Win. It is but my duty, as you have always taught it to 
 me. I am glad that you do not object to my entering the 
 army. 
 
 Dr. Win. Object, my son ? 
 
 Win. But, mother. 
 
Mrs. Wix, As dearly as I love you my noble boy, (and 
 only a mother can know the love which she bears her only 
 son) ; as much as I look forward to your future of honor, yet 
 I would rather that your body should lie and decay upon 
 soutliern soil, than that no patriotic emotions should thrill 
 your breast. I thank God that I have borne such a son, so 
 good ! so true ! 
 
 Dr. Win. [Amle.] Brave woman! yet who would think 
 that she, who is so feeble would be so self denying; ? 
 
 [AlnwL] Thou art braver than a Spartan! 
 
 Thou art as brave as the Puritans ! 
 
 Mrs. Win. Hush! husband, these coroi)liments do not be- 
 come you. Eemember that you are no longer young. 
 
 Dr. Win. I would that I were. I would go to the wars 
 myself, that I might make myself worthy of guch a wife. 
 [Hark appem-fi at an open door,] 
 
 Win. Come in Hark. [Enter Hark, B.] 
 
 Dr. Win. What ridiculous story did you tell at the Col- 
 lege? 
 
 Hark. Dunno, Mas'r Winthrop, what you's drivin' at. 
 Don't member nothin'. 
 
 Dr. Win. Didn't you say that I was afraid that Manley 
 and Mr. Gregory would get into trouble ? 
 
 HAiiK. Yaas sir, specs I did, but Mas'r Winthrop, I 
 thought you was skeered shore. I thought dat was de truf. 
 
 Dr. Win. And you led him to think that he would not be 
 welcome hei'e, did you ? 
 
 Hark. I dunno Mas'r Winthrop. I's told him dat you 
 'vited him to come wid Mas'r Manley; but 'spected you didn't 
 want de secesh here nohow. 
 
 Dr. Win. Hark, Manley is to join the army of the North. 
 What do you say to that ? 
 
 Hark. I spected he would go. O Lor', Mas'r Winthrop, I 
 seed it in him. I seed it when he was a leetle boy, running 
 round and protectin' de poor boys, and de girls dat was cryin'. 
 I says, dat boy is a gemman's son, and he's got de gemman in 
 him. Dem are de boys dat makes de big men. 
 
 Dr. Win. Well spoken Hark; but I suppose you will not 
 care to go with him. 
 
 Hark. Oh! Mas'r Winthrop. Dat is de onkindest you 
 ever spoke to me ! Does you spose dat I has tended dat chile 
 from his cradle up, andjwatched him through his youthful days, 
 thi-ough de school, de 'cademy, and three years inter college, 
 and now is goin' to leave him ? 
 
 Mrs. Win. God bless you Hark. You are a brave fellow. 
 
 Dr. Win. Wife, I believe I'm getting young again. I have 
 a great mind to offer my services as surgeon. 
 
 Mrs, Win. I think you are needed more at home, at present. 
 
9 
 
 Louise. Yes indeed, father, what -would all our patients do 
 without you ? 
 
 Hauk. Missus Winthrop, Jane says dat de supper am 
 ready. 
 
 Mks. Win. Come Manley let us go. [Exeunt all, i?.] 
 
 Scene III. — Virginia. Verandah at the residence of Colonel 
 Gregory. Enter Vol. G., Lillian G., and Marion G., R. 
 
 Lillian. Oh ! papa is there any news from Festus ? 
 
 Col. G. No dear, we have heard nothing. The mails must 
 have been delayed, tor he has never tailed to write us. 
 
 Marion. Perhaps the Yankees liave arrested him. 
 
 Lillian. No, papa, they would not; would they? 
 
 Col. G. I hardly think they would do that. Festus is. 
 however, right free to speak his mind, and we know that tine 
 Southerner as he is, he has made trouble here l)y his talk al>out 
 eertain abuses. I would i-isk my life on his loyalty to the old 
 Dominion, but I do not think that he would be drawn into 
 any diseussion with the Northerners on the subject. 
 
 Makion. The mudsills I ir they touched Festus, I would 
 strangle everv one of them. 
 
 Col. G. Ha! ha! my pet. Their numbers are great ; what 
 could a little one like you do? 
 
 Marion. Now papa, are yovi turning Yankee ? 
 
 Col. G. Not so. Do you think that any one who bears the 
 name of Gregory would stoo]) to even think as the Yankees 
 do ? No, my dear ; but they are right strong in numbers, and 
 we must not underrate their power. It is true that one of us 
 could whip twenty of them, l)ut we may be overpowered for a 
 time, nevertheless. Eventually we shall succeed. 
 
 Lillian. Papa, do you think that Festus' college chum will 
 sympathize with the North ? 
 
 Col. G. Undoubtedly Lillian, undoubtedly. The old fam- 
 ilies of the North, and especially of Massachusetts, are as proud 
 and unyielding as we, of Virginia. As their state goes, so they 
 go ; as our state goes, so go we. I would not be surprised to 
 hear that young Winthrop had entered the army which is now 
 being recruited at Boston. 
 
 Marion. I do wish that Festus would come home. It is too 
 bad that the mails are delayed. [Enter Festus, B.] 
 
 Lillian. My brother! 
 
 Festus. Lillian ! 
 
 Mabian. Oh! Festus, the Yankees did not kill you did 
 they? 
 
 Festus. Not quite, sis — Good-morning father ! 
 
 Col. G. Good-morning my son. I am right glad to see you. 
 This is indeed a surprise. 
 
10 
 
 Makiois'. Yes Festus, we thoiislit you were way off in that 
 liorrid Massachusetts, where those dreadful mechanics live. 
 How could you stay there so long? 
 
 Festus. But did not my sister live in New York ? 
 
 Mariox. But they were more like us there, and they will 
 fight for our cause. 
 
 Festus. Have the young ladies all become politicians here ? 
 What says my quiet sister ? 
 
 Lillian We are all patriots, Festus, and if Southern women 
 cannot fight, we can spur others on to duty, and we can and 
 will withhold our smiles from those who prove recreant to old 
 Virginia. 
 
 Festus. Father, what means this? Is there indeed so in- 
 tense a feeling about the matter as the quiet Lillian's words 
 lead me to suspect? 
 
 CoL. G. Festus, are you crazed ? Does my only son come 
 from the North tainted by their ignoble principles ? Can you 
 ask such a question when our cause is in peril ? 
 
 Festus. Father ! 
 
 Col. G.- Answer me. Are you a traitor to your state and 
 to Southern institutions? If so, you shall never again find 
 shelter beneath this roof. 
 
 [Sister.s both look anxiously for hU anawer.] 
 
 Festus. I am a Virginian and a Gregory. Is not this a 
 sufficient answei ? 
 
 CoL. G. It is. 
 
 Festus. Of little value do I reckon everything beside my 
 honor. I am a Southerner, a rebel. I will stand firm by my 
 native state, and fight for her laws. 
 
 {Enter Sam, R., turniwj a somersault, all smile.] 
 
 Marion. Oh ! 
 
 Festus. That's a pretty way to salute ladies. Aren't you 
 ashamed of yourself? 
 
 Sam. Yaas sir, Mas' r Festus, I'se right 'shamed; bUt I'se 
 glad to see ye. [Turns another somersault.] 
 
 CoL. G. [Sternly.] What do you want here ? 
 
 Sam. I'se don't want nothing, Massa Gregory. 
 
 Col. G. Well, what are you here for? 
 
 Sam. Case I was sent for to come. 
 
 CoL. G. Who sent you, you rascal ? 
 
 Sam. De officer ! 
 
 Col. G. What officer? 
 
 Lillian. Officer? ( n. „^.,,,„ i 
 
 MARION. Officer? ( [Together.] 
 
 Sam. Yaas sir, de officer. Isn't de oberseer an officer? 
 
 Fesius strikes at him lolth his cane, and curtain falls as he turns 
 a somersault and 7-uns away. Exeunt L. and B. 
 
11 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene. I. Town near Bo.^to)i. War meeting in Town Hall ; 
 men and women ast^embled. Enter Blylow, L., and ai<cends the 
 platform ainidnt great applause. 
 
 BiGLow. Ladies and gentlemen; these are trying times, 
 and we are called upon to prove that we are worthy citizens of 
 a great republic. When a few weeks ago, the tocsin from Fort 
 Sumter sounded the alarm of a mighty nation in peril, we 
 were stirred to the heart's core, and we asseverated by all that 
 is good and great, that the rebels should be subjugated, and 
 peace once more restored. Have we forgotten these solemn 
 protestations ? Shall the lull of a few hours still your con- 
 sciences, that they no more shall call upon you to vindicate 
 the honor of the nation ? Nay, I tell you nay. Even now 
 while I speak, I can see by your eyes that your souls are 
 warmed with patriotic fervor. You love you country like true 
 citizens ; and with this love. 1 believe, nay. I know that there 
 is mingled that courage wliich will lead you to face the ene- 
 my and to hurl back upon our foes the danger with which 
 they menace us. And ladies, ycni have a duty to perform, no 
 less than the men. It is true that you cannot be soldiers, that 
 you cannot bear arms in defence of your country and its in- 
 stitutions, but you can consent to the departure of your broth- 
 ers, your husbands, your fathers; nay. you can urge them to 
 leave you, for a nation's good. Then shall you have a part in 
 the glory of the conquerors, then can you feel that you have 
 had the glorious privilege of doing something to preserve the 
 union. I have heard the question asked: "What will become 
 of our wives and children when we are away?" As if, ladies 
 and gentlemen, the citizens of this town could ever forget for 
 a moment the sacrifices which those make who go forth in the 
 defence of liberty. I tell you gentlemen that "sorrow makes 
 us all akin," and if in the fortunes of war, you should be 
 wounded, or if aught should detain you for months beyond 
 the expected time of your return, we will care for your fam- 
 ilies as for our own. It shall not be counted charity, if we 
 supply there needs, nay, gentlemen it will be but the partial 
 payment of the great debt which we all owe you, the gallant 
 defenders of a nation's honor. 
 
 [DoBBS. Come up gentlemen and enlist; now's your time.] 
 
 BiGLow. O gentlemen, think of the gloi-y that will come 
 to you by the performance of this duty. Be patriots, and with 
 your wives and children in the safe protection of your loving 
 fellow-citizens, go forth to battle for honor and for liberty. 
 [Exit Biyloto, L. Payson ascends the platform from audience.] 
 
1-2 
 
 Paysox. Great inducements : lionor. i)romotion and a 
 splendid chance to see tlie country ; expenses paid by Uncle 
 Samuel : pure old Government Java, corned beef, haid tack, 
 soft tack whenever it can be had, and all the necessaries of 
 life, not to say luxuries, and medical attendance, free of charge. 
 [Tliink!^ it a pretty (jood joke (ittd luwjhs nt it.] True, you may 
 not have feathei- beds, but doctors tell us they are unhealthy 
 and that we should dispense with them even at home. You 
 shall then live as .Nature designed, with the greenest velvet 
 for your bed and celestial blue for your covering. Perhaps 
 sometimes you will have a i^ine board to lie on ; but then you 
 know that you can take the soft side of it. Think of the great 
 opportunities you have for promotion. There is no one here 
 who shall enlist as a private but may come back a captain, a 
 major, a colonel or a general. Think of the honor which you 
 will confer u^jon your children and your children's children to 
 many future generations. It will be Captain this one, Major 
 such-a-one, Colonel what's-his-name. and General whom-did- 
 you-say. Oh! great will be your glory. [Voice — wlnj d(»it 
 you (JO then ?] Yes gentlemen, gi-eat will be your gloi-y, and 
 your fame shall afar extend. Some of you have been cooped 
 up ever since your birth, but now you may go forth and be- 
 hold the vast expanse of these once United States, while your 
 mothers, your wives and your children are cared for by those 
 whose duties re(iuires their presence at home. 
 
 DoBBS. Come up gentlemen and enlist ; now's your time. 
 
 [Enter i?., Mauley ]Viiithrop, wlio amid repeated calls takef< the 
 platforiii.] 
 
 "VViNTHRop. Fellow citizens: Our country calls ! She needs 
 us to save her from dishonor. Shall we remain inactive and 
 not heed her cries? [Voices excitedly, no, no I] You have 
 said, we will not. These are days for action, and not for speech 
 alone. Who among you will enlist himself as a defender of 
 his country? [Cries of I, and I, and I.] Come then and let 
 us enroll our names. [Si(/ns the roll and nearly all follow Iris 
 example, and retire, B. and L., the band playing the Star Spangled 
 Banner. 
 
 TABLEAU: ''The Nation Aroused.'" 
 
 Scene II. New England. Poorly furnished room. Old too- 
 man knitting. Enter old man, L. [Holman her husband.] 
 
 Holm AX. Well, granmam, what do you think; Charles 
 wants to go into the army. 
 
 Me.s. HoL. Mei-cymei What do you mean? 
 
 HoLMAX. He says he loves his country, and wants to do 
 somethin' to save her from the rebels. 
 
13 
 
 Mks. Hol. Charles! Why, you don't mean our boy, Liza's 
 child, do you? 
 
 IIoi.MAX. To be sure, wife, who else? 
 
 Mks. Hoi,. But he's too youn^j. Let me see. His mother's 
 been dead these, — why 'twas four year ago come July, and he 
 was ten the month afore. 
 
 HoLMAX. That makes him fourteen. Wal, he is pooty 
 young, I should think. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. The boy can't be in earnest, he'll have to wait 
 four or five years yet. What did you say to him granpa ? 
 
 Holm AN. I says, your granmarm won't want yer to go, and 
 I guess you'd better stay at home, and look after things for I 
 expect to go myself. 
 
 Mks. Hol. You Abijah HolmanI You go to war? Why 
 your're sixty, if you air a month. 
 
 Holm AX. Wal. Lucia, I know it. but yer see. I ken color up, 
 so you'd think I was a young man again, and I'll pass for forty 
 or thereabout. 
 
 Mus. Hol. But Abijah ; jest ter think of your goin' to the 
 wars. What would become of me? 1 couldn't live no way 
 without you. 
 
 HoLMAX. Well Lucia, if the boy stays at home you ken git 
 along well enough. They say the war will Ijc ended in three 
 months ; besides it'll be in the pleasantest part of the year, 
 and you won't suffer. We've got a little money laid by, so you 
 won't starve: and the neighbors "11 be kind to you if you are 
 a soldier's widow. 
 
 Mrs. Hoi,. O Abijah! how ken you talk so? Seems to me 
 as if we were gettin" young again. Seems jiut as it used to 
 when you was a leavin' me the summer afoie we was married, 
 only worse. ^ If you never should come back, and the war 
 should be ov(!!r, what would become of Charles and me? 
 
 HoLMAX. Wife, wife, this doesn't seem like you: I think 
 you are trying to persuade me to stay at home through love 
 for you ; but haven't you heard what promises the people have 
 made for the families of those who leave all for their country's 
 safety ! 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Yes. Abijah! I liev: but people don't always 
 do what they promise. 
 
 Holm AX. Lucia! Lucia! I am surprised, I am. When the 
 town otiicers and the people who hope to be in office, the re- 
 sponsible people of the town, say that our families shall not 
 suffer while we are gone ; and when they say in earnest tones 
 that should we return unfit for labor we shall be cared for; 
 when on the platform and in the pulpit, amid the cheers of the 
 woihen and others who remain at home, they declare that the 
 widows and orjihans of the soldiers shall be protected against 
 all suffering as their own wives and children; when all this 
 
14 
 
 is said, can you doubt them ? They would be false to their 
 country did they not keep good their words. [Eater Charles, 
 drumiiuny. Mrs. II. stops her ears.] 
 
 Charles. There, granm«'am, how's that? 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Mercy ! what a noise you make. Granpa, that 
 sounds ahnost as good as Capen's drummin', May trainin'. 
 Charles, where did you learn to do that ? 
 
 Charles. Oh I up town. I'm goin' to war to drum for 
 them. I guess grandjia can take care of you granmother. 
 Don't you think he can? 
 
 Mrs Hol. He says that he is goin', too. 
 
 CuARLKS. Hol ho! You going grandfather? Give us your 
 hand. [Therj shake hands. Shouts heard.] There they are, now. 
 I am off up town. 
 
 MRs. Hol. Come back early, child. 
 
 Charles. All right, grandmother. [Exit Charles, R.] 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Do you think, Abjiah, you ought to go? 
 
 Holmax. Yes, Lucia, I sartainly do, if for nothin' else 
 than to take care of the boy. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Wal, I spose you must. He'll be sick if he stays 
 to home. I know just how 'twill work on him, but it's orful 
 hard to have you go. We've lived together so long, I don't 
 see how I can get along without you. 
 
 HoLMAN. O nonsense, Lucia. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. There's somebody at the front door. [Euus off 
 forgettimj all trouble. Exeunt all, B.J 
 
 Scene III. At Washington. Tents of Capt. Wiythrop. Hark 
 deaniwj the captain'' s equipments. 
 
 SOLDIER'S SONG. 
 Music, March of the Men of Harlech. To be sung outside scenes. 
 We are soldiers in the valley. 
 Waiting for the hosts to rally, 
 Hoijing Burnside will not dally 
 
 With our foes at hand. 
 They are hoping to dismay us. 
 Or with gath'ring force to stay us, 
 But, if he will not delay us, 
 We will firmly stand. 
 We will give them battle ; 
 
 We will seize their cattle. 
 And we will speed, whert, he will lead. 
 While sounds the muskets rattle. 
 And we on to victory going, 
 All the Southern legions mowing. 
 Our success through valor showing 
 To the rebel host. 
 
15 
 
 Hark. If 'twant for dis yere Mike Lellan, 'pears to me we 
 wouldn't a been loafin' round here, all dese months. Now de 
 General Brownsides has got command, dey all expects to start 
 for Fiedericksburg mejitly. Some of 'em say its mighty risky 
 piece of b\isiness, dis crossin' de river in de face of de enemy : 
 but Capt. Winthrop he say it is the best thing could be done, 
 [Enter Capt. Winthroi), R.\ 
 
 Capt. Win. Hark ! I am tired of this. Here the men are, 
 suffering from the weather and lack of proi^er supplies, and 
 all to no purpose. There's poor old Holman — the patriotic 
 old fellow says that his patriotism is all taken away by this 
 everlasting inactivity. 
 
 Hark. 'Pears to me Mfs'r Manley, dat we's ought to 
 move on de enemy, and if I was de general, you'd have de 
 marchin' orders 'mejitly. 
 
 Capt. Win. But you couldn't cross without the pontoons. 
 
 Hakk. De pontoons? 
 
 Capt. Win. Yes, tlie pontoons. You couldn't cross with- 
 out them. 
 
 Hark. I'd go by the bridges. 
 
 Oapt. Win. The bridges are destroyed. 
 
 Hakk. Well, den Mus'r Manley, I'd swim. 
 
 Capt. Win. Ha! ha! Hark, you'd make a noted general. 
 You are are a little worse than Pharaoh for planning. 
 
 Hark. Never heerd of General Faro afore. Was he a 
 rebel? 
 
 Capt. Win. Ha! ha! old fellow. I thought you prided your- 
 self on the Scripture. 
 
 Hark. De Scriptures ? 
 
 Capt. Win. Yes. 
 
 Hark. So I does. You don't mean de Red Sea Faro, Mas'r 
 Manley ? 
 
 Capt. Win. No one else. 
 
 Hark. But he was drowned and all de folks wid him. 
 
 Capt. Win. And that is what would befall any general 
 who should follow your plan for cro'ssing- the Rappahannock. 
 
 Hark. Mas'r Manley, I spec I wasn't cut out for a general, 
 nohow; but dis yere I knows, if I had been Mas'r Faro, I'd a 
 swum ashore and saved de general. Haw ! haw ! 
 
 [Enter Adjutant, R., >iahdin'j the Captain.] 
 
 Adjutant. The Colonel orders you to have your command 
 ready to march at a moment's notice. [Salutes him. Exit 
 Adjutant, L.] 
 
 Capt. Win. Hark! Pack up everything immediately. 
 Have everything in readiness. [Exit Winthrop, L.] 
 
 Hark. Now dis yei-e means business. I reckon we'll smell 
 de gunpowder for dis chile is two days older. 
 
16 
 
 We will tight for Father Abram, 
 
 We will floht for Father Abram, 
 
 Case he"ll set the black man free. 
 
 Oh ! we'll fight for Father Abram, 
 
 Case he gives us liberty. 
 [Packs everythlnj and strilce.s the lent. Dniius ]tear<J, orders 
 (jiven, marchln;/ conun'j nearer and nearer. E)iter Capf. Win- 
 throp at the head of his command, lirhu/.s them into jiosition.] 
 
 Capt. Win. Boys we are aboflt to start upon a perilous ex- 
 pedition. The enemy are strongly entrenched at Fredericks- 
 burg, and we shall undoubtedly meet with great loss of life. 
 But comrades I can trust you. You enlisted through patriot- 
 ism, and now in the trying hour you will prove true. Let us 
 remember that the enemy of the whole country are upon us : 
 but more let us be true to ourselves, to old Massachusetts, and 
 to the God of Liberty. 
 
 Sergt. Three cheers for Captain Wintluop. \All cheer 
 loudly.] 
 
 Capt. Win. Tliank you. [Lifts Ms rh((peaa.] Attention. 
 By the right flank, march. Forward — march ! Exeunt (dl, li. \ 
 
 Scene IV. Battle </round at Fredericksburg. Dead ami 
 wounded lying about. Tune, nvjht. Enter Festus Gregory, li., 
 searching for .somebody. 
 
 Greg. Yes. it must bo here, right here I left him; 
 
 Oh! cruel fate that bade me see him fall; 
 
 xlnd stricken too by mine own hand — by mine. 
 
 I woukl have spared thee, O my bosom friend : 
 
 But should a soldier his heart promptings heed '? 
 
 I would this curs'ed war was at an end — 
 
 Friends, brothers die, and by each other's hand. 
 
 Winthrop, chum, I did no malice feel 
 
 Toward thee; 'twas but this morning, at the dawn. 
 That I did pray for Heaven to guard thy life ; 
 And here, somewhere, to-night, thou liest dead. 
 We gained the day, 'tSs true — the Yankee troops 
 Lie scattered round and bite the southern dust — 
 But this does sorely try my loyalty. 
 And now, O Wintlnx)p, boy ; if back to life 
 
 1 could thy helpless body bring once more, 
 I could — Ah I GregQi'Y, stain not thy name ; 
 Speak not what thy^ender heart doth feel. 
 Aye ! Aye ! I will be yet once more a man ; 
 But Heaven dost Thou a deaf ear turn to me ; 
 Oh! couldst Thou not have granted me this boon, 
 To save from death the one my soul did love ? 
 
 [A groan. Gregory turns toward the sound, and goes to gite 
 him, assistance.] 
 
17 
 
 (TKK(i. I will assistance give to ease his death. [Gives Inui 
 to drink.] What! how is tlils? It is: 'tis Winthrop. Speak! 
 Manley, cliuni ! hoy ! Thank Heaven ! Thou art alive. Take 
 this Manley — some hrandy from my flask. Oh! I will have 
 thee moved from this dread place; my own dear sisteis' hand 
 shall give thee drink, and with a sister's love will thee attend. 
 
 [[Vinflirop attempts to speak. Gregory listens and hears Ut-; 
 name of Hark.] 
 
 Gkeg. He speaks of Hark, liis servant at the North. Can he 
 he here? I would he were this hour. [Enter Hark, L.] 
 
 Hakk. What you doin' char you secesh? Can't you let 
 de cap'n alone, and let him die in peace, if he ain't dead al- 
 ready '? 
 
 URECi. Hark ! 
 
 Haiuv. Who is dat in dis hour of trial speaks so I'niiliarly 
 tome? O Lor" ! Is de angel ob death a sweepin' round and 
 callin' me by name. 
 
 CrUEG. Hark! look here. [Holds the lantern so that it shines 
 in hiii own face. Hark .starts as if /rinhtened.] 
 
 Hakk. Ma.s'r Gregory, Is dat you? What does yer want 
 here with de dead and dyin" ? 
 
 Greg. I come to find the body of Winthrop, but he is not 
 ilead, as you will see. Get that stretcher out there, and we 
 will take him away. My own home is but three miles from 
 here, and there he shall be tenderly nursed. [Hark ijets tlie 
 .•stretcher.] ^ 
 
 Hark. Bless you Mas'r Gregory! You ain't got a secesh 
 heart nohow. I knowed you loved Mas'r Manley, but now I 
 knows it shore. 
 
 Greg. Ah! Hark do you think that because men flght for 
 what they think to be their inherited rights, that they have 
 lost all human feeling? Is your master any less a man now 
 than when at home? 
 
 Hark. No Mas'r Gregory, but de secesh seem to hab de 
 bery debble in em. If it want for dis year deathly place, I 
 should say dat dey must be de individuals dat dey claimed de 
 second time, after deyd been swept out. [E.reunt all B. Enter 
 Hohnan, L.] 
 
 Holman. This is a cursed war. O where's the love 
 Wliich Heaven bears to us upon this earth ? 
 Oh ! what availeth all our earnest cries 
 Since he my grandson — orphaned one — is dead ? 
 Thy grandam i^rays even now for thee and me. 
 Poor Charles ! dear boy ! What would her mourning be. 
 Did she but know that thou wert lying dead ? 
 
 Heaven ! CouM not her wrinkles plead with thee ? 
 Are her grey hairs not eloquent in Heaven ? 
 
 1 see her waiting, watching for a word 
 
 To cheer her heart with hope that yet we live. 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 It must be here I saw my o-i-audson die. 
 
 Here is a neij^'hbor, friend of peaceful days. 
 
 O Charles I — •What madness moves me! He i.s dead! 
 
 [Lewis on his musket. Cries s(>bhin(/ly.] 
 My hope — the jirop of my old age is gone. 
 
 [7.S- silent, and tlien sinys. Tune C'ort/don.\ 
 Ah ! gone is the hope of our age. 
 
 Ne'er more shall we see his sweet smile, 
 No more will he ever assuage 
 
 Our grievings — our moments beguile. 
 O War it has blighted my heart; 
 Has taken my dear boy away. 
 Who said he would never depart, 
 But always beside me would stay. 
 O Charles that you should lie upon this field 
 And be the food of buzzards and crows, 
 
 TA BLEA U: "Charles in Heaven. 
 [A Quartette sinn: ""Thy will he done." Curtain falls.] 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 ScEXE I. Viri/inia. AV/ro cabin on Colonel Grenon/'s plan- 
 tation. Time, Jan. 1, 1808. Old neyress sipj/in(/ sass(tfras-tea. 
 Old man smoki)ii/. 
 
 UxcLE Joe. Mary Ann, 'jivars to me dcse peoijle is late. 
 
 Mary Axx. Mercy! no, Joseph, it's right early. De light 
 hasn't comed into de cabin winder, scursely. 
 
 Unci.e Joe. Go way, Mary Ann, you spects to teach me 
 does you. I'm at de head of dis yere house to-day. Didn't 
 Fader Abram tole us dat we all was free when de New Year 
 come ■? 
 
 Makv Anx. And isn't de women hands as free as de men ? 
 You didn't git dis yere cabin more'n I, and you isn't more 
 free den I is, Mister Joseph Gregory. [Uncle Joe is mollified 
 by this compliment to his manliood and lets Mary Ann have her 
 IV ay. 
 
 UxcLE Joe. O go way, Mary Ann, I isn't a gwine to quar- 
 rel dis yere right fine morniu", case I neber can sing de joyful 
 songs, when de ole Adam is arisin' in de breast. Dis yere, yer 
 know is 'Mancipation Day. 
 
 Mary Axx. Hi! hi! dis yer Nancy 'Pation, whose she? 
 'Pears ter me Joe, you is too old to member de day dat gal was 
 born. . 
 
 UxcLE Joe. O Lor" Mary Ann, such ignorance ! and in dis 
 yere cabin! Doesn't yer know dat 'Mancipation is de name 
 of de gen'ral dat Fader Abram told to make us free. Dev sav 
 
19 
 
 lie corned all around de plantations and fotclied de news, and 
 dats why dey call it 'Mancipation Day. Now, does yer know? 
 
 Maey Ann. Go way ! you can't fool dis yere. Some ob de 
 boys tole you. old man. or yer couldn't put on dese airs like 
 de old Mas'r Greg'ry. [Sovnch of Khu/in;/ and of havjofi and 
 holies.] 
 
 Uncle Joe. Gollv Mary Ann. dere dev is. Open de cabin 
 do'. 
 
 Maey ann. Do it yourself. I isn't your slave if I is free. 
 
 [Enter boys and (/iris tihi^in;/ and play In;/. All standint/ tJiey 
 sin;/ a sr/n;/.] 
 
 O we'll fight for Fader Abram, 
 O we'll tight for Fader Abram, 
 O we'll light for Fader Abram, 
 'Case he set de black man free. 
 O we'll fight for Fader Abram, 
 'Case he gives iis liberty. 
 
 Uncle Joe. Take seats ladies and gemman, take seats. 
 You shall have de best de cibin affords. Mary Ann. hand 
 dat ere stool over here. [G'ire.s if. to him with a frown.] De 
 musicians will please to derange demselves in de order of dere 
 rank. De vocalists Avill set on de chest, and de others will find 
 dere 'propriate stations. 
 
 SoPKANo. I is de sprannei' and I takes de head. If dat 
 yere is de head I'se gwine to de proper station. [Some resist- 
 ance is s]iown.] 
 
 Boy. She's a pert young miss, see how she steps. [After 
 .sojrtp gentle dispiitethey are seated.] 
 
 Anotiiek Boy. That she is, you reckon. 
 
 One of the Boys. Look yere, TJncle Joe, hasn't yer got 
 some apple-jack or somcthin' to "radicate de cobwebs from do 
 froat? [Whi.'ipers of sh! sh.'] 
 
 Uncle Joe. Dis yere am a temp'rancc house, and is run 
 on de temp'rance principles. Dere isn't no apple-jack in de 
 cabin, but dere is de sassafrass tea. {Di.'^dain expressed hy all 
 except tJie soprano, who accepts a cup of the bevera;/e.) 
 
 Soprano. I takes a cup of de stinudation. {Before site 
 has drank it, a little hoy wutcJies his time and drink-s the whole 
 of it.) 
 
 Soprano. (Enra;/ed.) Dere you imp, doesn't you knoAv 
 manners. Does you take de stimulation away from de spran- 
 ner. 
 
 Boy. 'Taint yourn no more'n mine, we's all free to-day. 
 [^1// sin;/ and play anil pat.] 
 O we fight for Fader Abram, 
 Case he set de black men free. 
 
 SoPKANO. [After the rest.] Case he set de black man free. 
 [Ending with a high note.] 
 
 Uncle Joe. Will de gcmmen and ladies favor de aujiance 
 
20 
 
 l)y ii,ivin" anocler time, and oder words. Sing soraethin" dat 
 Mary Ann can jine in. Somethin' 'propriate to de occasion, 
 kinder .solemn like. 
 
 jBax.joist. Will you please to 'cu.se us, we'se something 
 'posed for de 'casion. Sing "Dis am de blessed mornin"."' 
 
 [Bones and buys bejin.] 
 Oh ! dis am de blessed morning. 
 When we darkies all am free. 
 Oh! dis am de l)lessed mornin". 
 And we'll sound de jubilee. 
 Sound, darkies, sound. 
 Oh ! sound dc jubilee, 
 Sound, darkies, sound. 
 We all dis day am free. 
 Oh ! de blessed fader Abram 
 Is de greatest livin' king; 
 Oh ! de blessed fader Abram I 
 We will all his praises sing. 
 
 Sound, darkies, sound. &(.-. 
 Oh! we'll praise de Hebenly Fader. 
 
 For His day am surely come ; 
 Oh! we'll praise de Hebenly Fader. 
 Oh! we'll make our voices hum. 
 Sound, darkies, sound, &c. 
 
 TABLEA U: •'Enian.cipniion ProclaiiMtion." 
 
 UxcLE Joe. Sing somethin" more lively, if 'twant com- 
 posed for de 'casion, don"t matter. Song is de snme all de 
 arth ober. Go in. {Tlinj sin(i.\ 
 
 Uncle Joe. Dere is Mas"r Winthrop"s nigger. [Enter Hark 
 L.] Say, Mister Winthrop, is you free? 
 
 Hark. To be sure I am. I've been free dese number of 
 years. What give to think so ridiculo^.s. 
 
 U^X'LE Joe. Case de general say de secesh shouldn't have 
 deres no longer, but didn't say nothin' 'bout de Yankees. 
 
 Hark. I'se de family friend of de Doctor Winthrop and 
 de guarjian of de young Captain Winthrop, and I'se always 
 free to come and to go when I pleases. I was in de Souf once, 
 but dese good many years I w.as at de Norf and a free coUud 
 pusson. Go on wid your singing, Uncle Joe. It makes me 
 feel young as I used to feel when I had my own little picanin- 
 nies, fore'dey all died and I was took to de Norf. 
 
 Unci^e Joe. De musicians and vocalists will please to per- 
 form anoder ob dem tunes. [They play and siny.\ 
 
 Hark. Dat sounds like de old times. A little dancin' 
 would bring dem niaher still, and "pears like it would lire de 
 ^'lood in my old Soufern veins. 
 
 "^Tt^jcle Joe. Come gemmen and ladies, could you dance a 
 little ? 
 
21 
 
 Mary Ann. Why Joseph, you is a minister of de gospel, 
 and does yer ask de people to dance '? 
 
 Uncle Joe. I does Mary Ann. 
 
 Mary Ann. Where is yer piety ? 
 
 Uncle ..oe. In de life. Now Mary Ann. what does de 
 good book say about dancin' ? 
 
 Mary Ann. You is de preacher, I spec'd you knows ver- 
 self. 
 
 Uncle Joe. I does. Mary Ann. It says dere is a time to 
 dance ; and dis yere am de time. When de people who has been 
 a slavin' all de life, is set free, shouldn't dey dance? I reckon 
 dey .should. I is too old to dance, but I'll partake in de time. 
 Will de musicians give us de music. [Then music sounds caul 
 Jot' juif-s (Hid one of iln'in hei/hts to dunce.] 
 
 Uncle Joe. Dat speaks de whole ob my heart. Anoder. 
 
 Hark. De olden time has come. [Another Dances.] 
 
 [All bef/in to he excited <ind icatch eagerly. All sing or play 
 and several dance. Great furore «.s- they go into ihe open air, one 
 hallooi)i'i ccslidicaliy. another scrcamiwi open the do\ Exeunt 
 
 all. L.] 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 tScENE I. Room in (!ol. (h-ciiory's house, Munley Winthrop 
 ttiting in an easy chair. 
 
 Win. For six long months, perforce, I've lingered liei-e. 
 Securely guarded from the rebel foe. 
 By those who are themselves our enemies: 
 For friendships sake this gentle care is given. 
 And I to better health have been restored. 
 While loving hands have ministered to me. 
 My sister, through the rebel lines has come. 
 Protected from all harm by safe escort. 
 And nothing that the power of friends could do 
 These many months, has been withheld ; 
 And I am truly grateful; yea my heai't 
 Warms towards them, as I tliink what they have done. 
 Yet they are rebels and conspire against 
 My country, which I reckon more than life : 
 And if away I once should strive to go. 
 Strong guards would henceforth watch my chamber door. 
 I must feign weakness and at dead of night 
 From tliese my friends without my sister, go. 
 Our army is not many miles away," 
 And now methinks (as I more eager grow) 
 I will this very night seek out their camp. 
 Hurrah ! so soon to be within their lines. 
 
•22 
 
 I do feel well again — full forty miles 
 
 Could I ere morning march without fatigue. 
 
 Enter Lillian. R. 
 Ah! now my patient what disturbs thee so? 
 Your countenance bespeaks you ill at ease. 
 
 Wix. Tis naught my gentle nurse but that I've read 
 Within these pages that which tlirilled my soul ; 
 Which hath my mind with fancies overwrought. 
 
 LiLLiAX. Then I most strictly do forbid, henceforth, 
 Tliis naughty book within my patient's hand. 
 What are its tlu-illing contents ? Let me see I 
 Ah! "Irving's Conquest of Granada." One 
 Would think this book ill-timed when pretty songs 
 j\_nd perfumes sweet fill all the outer air. 
 It is a book more fit for winter nights 
 Than for the odorous balmy month of May. 
 Win. Lillian ! 
 
 Lillian. There is a tremor in thy voice ; 
 What means it Manley, art thou ivally ill? 
 
 Wix. Not so, sweet one, I am not very ill ; 
 But still I feel not quite so well this night. 
 As is my wont since summer days were nigh. 
 
 Lillian. I'll call thy sister, Manley! Shall I ring? 
 Win. .Not now, I have somewhat to say to tliee. 
 Lillian. Now you are serious, what can this portend ? 
 Win. I said that I were ill. 
 
 Lillian. No, surely, no. 
 Win. Be calm, I feel a tremor in my breast. 
 It may be naught, and yet it may be death. 
 Lillian. Death! No! 
 
 Win. Disturb me not but let me speak. 
 I never can forget your kindly deeds, 
 Though years should intervene before I die. 
 I love you Lillian, as no other one 
 Upon this earth, and cannot bear the thought 
 That ever I must part from thee, sweet one; 
 But while our country is at war with self, 
 I may not hope that we our fates can join. 
 Dost thou turn away ? Dost thou love me not ? 
 Lillian. From thy true love I have not turned away. 
 Win. Then when the war that fills our land with grief. 
 At last becomes a terror of the past, 
 Wilt thou be mine whatever intervenes ? 
 
 Lillian. "Whatever intervenes?" Thou dost but feign 
 Thy sickness, now I fear, for some bad end. 
 Thy voice is strong, it does not seem that death 
 is very nigh to thee, what means this ruse ? 
 Win. Oh ! the spasm comes again, I faint, I faint ! 
 [Appears to swoon.] 
 
23 
 
 LiLt-[AN. O Mauley, wake, and say thou dost forgive! 
 He cannot hear — O what if lie should die ! 
 Him whom I love more than all else beside. [Riwjs. | 
 "Whatever intervenes?" Yes, Yes, but this — 
 He nevermore shall §ght the southern flag. 
 
 [PiUh salts to his nostrils. Enter servant, R.] 
 Ask Miss Louise to come here quickly. Run. 
 
 [Exit servant, R.] 
 He now revives. Forgive me what I said. 
 
 Win. I do forgive, but much you do me wrong. 
 Lillian. Nay, say not so, I do believe thee now. 
 Say once again thou dost my wrong forgive. 
 Win. I do forgive thee, Lillian, heartily. 
 
 [Enter Louise, B.] 
 Louise. What is it Manley ? Are you ill ? 
 
 Lillian. It is 
 But now he fainted quite away. 
 Louise. Then are you very ill ? 
 
 Win. Not dangerously so. 
 But will Louise a pillow bring and place 
 Beneath my head, that I may rest awhile. 
 
 Lillian. I'll go. It may atone to wait on thee. 
 [Exit Lillian, li.] 
 Win. Now Louise, listen, I am not ill. I have not been so 
 well, before, since I received the wound. 1 am this night go- 
 ing to the Union lines. I did this to deceive her. 
 
 Louise. You must not go : you are not strong enough. 
 Win. I am quite well. It is useless to say aught againt it. 
 You will receive proper care. 
 
 Louise. But you, Manley, can you endure the hardships of 
 camp life, the fatigue of marches? 
 
 Win. Hush! Lillian is coming; stay with me when she has 
 gone. Remember it is for God and our liberties. [Enter Lil- 
 lian R., brinf/imj a })illow.] 
 
 Win. Thank thee Lillian. Excuse me now from speech. 
 And I will rest. None need on me attend. 
 Save you, my sister, come in ere you sleep. 
 Lillian. Then good-night. Manley. Restful be thy sleep. 
 AViN. Good-night, dear Lillian, and thy dreams be sweet. 
 Good-night, Louise, or dost thou still remain? 
 [Exit Lillian, R.] 
 Win. There, now, my plan is this. Wait; before we go far- 
 ther, ring and have Hark sent up. [Louise Rimjs.] I will 
 remain as I am, until we are together. [Enter servant, R.] 
 
 Louise. Tell Hark, that Captain Winthrop would see him 
 immediately. [Exit servant, R.] 
 Louise. I do not think you ought to go. 
 Win. But Louise. Have I not sworn to uphold the flag ? 
 I .should be a traitor were I to remain here longer. Be the 
 
24 
 
 same brave girl you were at the North. I will try to get you 
 throiigh the lines in a few days. Meantime you need fear 
 nothing. [K)wckhi[/.] Come in.] [Enter Hark, R.] 
 
 Hark. Are you sick, Mas'r Winthroi>? 
 
 Win. Shut the door, and come ht^e. I am going into the 
 Union camp to-night. 
 
 Hark. What is all o' dis year smell o' sick folks mean? 
 
 Win. You are no Yankee, or you could guess. 
 
 Hark. Its' easy "nuf to see through de mile-stone, now 
 you've made de hole. You'se deceivin, the Gregorys. Hi I hi I 
 dat is good 'nut. 
 
 W^iN. Well, now, at eleven o'clock, do you be here with my 
 army suit in a bundle, and a few rations to use in case of need. 
 It lacks only half an hovir now. iSo you'll have to step pretty 
 lively. 
 
 Hark. All right, Mas'r Cap'n, I'se on hand. Good-bye 
 Miss Louise ! 
 
 Louise. Good-bye, Hark, take good care of Manley. 
 
 Hark. That I will. The Lord keep you. ]Exit Uark. L. 
 
 LouisK. If it wasn't for Hark, the faithful fellow, I could 
 not consent to have you go, but I have great confidence in 
 him. [Knocking.] 
 
 Win. Who can that be? i must to bed again. [Louise' 
 opens the door, Enter Lillian and Marion, li.] 
 
 Lillian. Pardon me, but I am anxious to know how fares 
 my patient. 
 
 LocisE. Hush ! Do not wake him, he is very quiet. 
 
 Marion. Why did he send for Hark? How could he if he 
 was asleep ? 
 
 Louise. Why, Marion ! How inquisitive ! He was not 
 sleeping then. He wanted some trifle which only Hark could 
 find. He moves uneasily. I think we should retire and leave 
 him quiet. [Ejceunt Lillian, Marion and Louise, It.] 
 
 Win. Now they are gone. [Jumps up and locks the door. [ 
 Now I'll hasten to my chamber and prepare. [E.ril Win. L.\ 
 
 Scene II. Virginia. A path in the woods. Time, lught. 
 Festus Gregory sitting on a log. 
 
 Greg. This is a weary way on foot and lone. 
 How oft I've wandered by this woody path 
 In youthful days, safe mounted on the back 
 Of my most trusty horse, which now is dead. 
 Oh! those were peaceful days, when war's alarm 
 Was still unheard through all the land about. 
 No friends were forced by honor's law to fight, 
 And strike each other down like enemies, 
 As we must daily do in battle now. 
 This is a cursed war to North and South, 
 
25 
 
 And seems no nearer now unto the end 
 
 Than two long, bloody, wretched years ago. 
 
 My college friend, if I do not mistake 
 
 The mettle of his soul, will soon escape 
 
 My sisters' guardian care, unless a watch 
 
 Be placed upon his movements. And for this 
 
 I now return. I must away. [l?ise«,] What, ho! 
 
 Halt ! who comes there ? Halt ! or I tire. 
 
 Win. a friend. 
 Greg. Throw down your arms and then you may advance. 
 Win. We are not armed. 
 
 GrKECi. One of you may advance. 
 [Enter Winthrop and Hark, L.] 
 Ah ! Winthrop, how is this ? 
 
 Win. Ah ! Festus, chum. 
 [They embrace. Meanwhile Hark advances and disarms Gre<j- 
 ory, who disenyayes himself from Winthrojj^s embrace, and at- 
 temps to reclaim his arms.] 
 
 Greg. What means this, Winthrop ? Is it to repay 
 What I have done for you in days now past, 
 That I am by your servant. Hark, disarmed ? 
 
 Win. Not so, old friend ; you do not judge me thus, 
 You have more faith in my true love for you. 
 Now is't not so? Tell me you trust me yet. 
 
 Greg. I did most surely trust you until now. 
 But what can mortal think when thus disarmed ? 
 Hark. What the use o' talking dis yere way, Mas'r Greg- 
 ory? You knows he thinks a heap on yer, and he didn't know 
 nothin' 'bout my taking dese yere things away. He don't 
 want to be tooked back to your house again, 'case theyd watch 
 him, and he's goin' for de Union lines. 
 
 Win. Well, Hark has given you the story, Festus. That's 
 the "whole truth and nothing but the truth." You know 
 very well that there is nothing that I would not do or suffer 
 for you that I consider honorable, but I cannot prove untrue 
 to the old flag. 
 
 Greg. Oh ! cursed war ! How many times I mourned 
 The blighting hour that led the South to fight. 
 Beneath the starlit heavens, let us again 
 Renew our vows of friendship unto death. 
 Win. I pledge my word and heaven shall witness it. 
 [Clasj) hands.] 
 Hark. That don't look like war, nohow. Come Mas'r 
 Gregory, come along wid us to the Union lines. We'll give 
 you de best de camps affords. 
 
 Greg. That's impossible, Hark. Manley shall he return 
 my pistols ? 
 
 Win. Yes, Festus. Hark, return all that you have taken 
 from him. 
 
26 
 
 Hark. Yaas sir, Mas'r Winthrop, but 'pears ter me you'd 
 better settle it first which is goin' with tother. 
 
 Greg. You are the strongest party at present, and I am at 
 your mercy, so that I promise to leave you unmolested, if you 
 return my arms. 
 
 WijSf. It shall be done. 
 
 Hark. Here dey are, Mas'r Gregory. [Returnii the pistols.] 
 Beg pardon for de unceremoniousness. 
 
 Greg. All right, Hark, I think more of you for your devo- 
 tion to my friend. You say you have no weapons, Manley. 
 
 Win. I have none whatever. 
 
 Greg. Then you will please accept this from me. 
 
 Win. Thanks, Festus, Heaven will reward you. We must 
 go, goodnight. 
 
 Greg. I wish you a safe journey. 
 
 Win. Take good care of Louise, or rather bid your people 
 do it, since your furlough is doubtless of short duration. 
 
 Greg. I return tomorrow to my regiment. Good night. 
 
 Win. Good night. 
 
 Hark. I never seed folks like dem afore. [They are depart- 
 ing when Louise rushes upon the stage and runs to her brother. 
 Gregory and Winthroji instindively assume an attitude of defence 
 before they realise what is the interruption. Hark lifts his hands.] 
 
 Hark. Oh ! 
 
 Win. Louise ! 
 
 Greg. Can it be Miss Winthrop ? 
 
 Hark. Dat's Miss Louise, shore. I thought it was de 
 angel dat comes upon us anywheres. 
 
 Louise. Unawares you mean. Hark ; but you see I am far 
 from being an angel. [Gregory seems to think her one.] 
 
 Win. Why are you here ? 
 
 Louise. I was obliged to come. 
 
 Greg. You do not mean to say that you were driven from 
 my father's door? 
 
 Louise. Not by words, indeed, but your younger sister 
 Marion, suspected that something was to be done, and so 
 watched the door of Mauley's room. She saw Hark enter but 
 did not see him come out again, which still farther aroused 
 her suspicions, and she knocked at the door. Eeceiving no 
 answer, she imparted the fact to Lillian, who also came and 
 knocked. 
 
 Win. At what hour was this ? 
 
 Louise. Half past eleven, or thereabouts. 
 
 Hark. Dat was a hairbreadth escape, Mas'r Manley. Dat 
 little rebel is a peart one. 
 
 Greg. Were you not called ? 
 
 Louise. They then came for me, and I suspect I showed 
 unmistakable evidence of ray knowledge of the affair, for the 
 little Marion said, "aIi! you know where he is! Has he gone 
 
27 
 
 away?" To this I made no answer, but could not help be- 
 traying the fact by my blushes and tears. The whole house 
 was then aroused, and I ran off during the disturbance, and 
 as Providence would have it, I liave found my brother and 
 Hark without trouble. 
 
 Hark. 'Pears to me, Mas'r Manley, we'se better be goin' 
 for de Union lines. They hain't got iio dogs on de plantation, 
 but dey'd find us if we stay around yere. 
 
 Greg. Torments of another world I when will this cursed 
 war be done? Here, Manley, I'll help you and Louise out of 
 this, if I am shot for it before tomorrow's sun goes down. I 
 have the countersign, and treason or no treason, death or life, 
 I will see you safe outside the confederate lines. Come on, 
 Louise shall have a horse at the next house. I will not see 
 you defenceless or by any possible misfortune subject to the 
 taunts of the soldiery, though I be cursed till death for my 
 disloyalty to Virginia. 
 
 Hakk. De gemman shows itself in Mas'r Gregory, if he be 
 a secesh. Dey am de most friendly enemies dat dis chile ever 
 looked upon with dese visual orbs. [Shoics the whites of his 
 eyes. Exeunt all, R. ] 
 
 TABLEAU. 
 
 Scene III. Neio England. Room in Dr. Winthrop^s man- 
 don. Assemhhj in aid of Sanitary Commission. Mrs. Winthrop, 
 Mrs. Holman and six others sitting by a table scraping lint. 
 
 Mrs. Win. It is now nearly three years since our brave 
 men went forth to battle with the enemy, and we may hope 
 that some of them will soon return, but many will doubtless 
 go back to fight until the war is over. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. There are some who can never come back, Mrs. 
 Winthrop ; they have died upon the battlefield. 
 
 Mrs. Win. This is indeed sadly true, and at the same time, 
 that we rejoice in the return of our nearest and dearest friends 
 we shall not forget to sympathize with those who are bereft. 
 You should be thankful that Mr. Holman is with you, although 
 it was in consequence of sickness from wounds that he was 
 discharged. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. I hope I am thankful for Abijah's comin' back; 
 but Charles was the hope of our old age ; he never can come 
 back. 
 
 Mrs. Win. Can you not feel consolation in the thought 
 that you have given him to the cause of liberty, and that his 
 name is enrolled among those who died in its defence ? 
 
 Mrs. Hol. It's very well for you to talk who hasn't lost 
 any child by the war. You can't be expected to know any- 
 thing about it. Why, Charles was my idol ; I verily believe 1 
 sot more by him than I did by Abijah ; but he was taken and 
 Abijah was left. [Enter Holman, L., on crutches.] 
 
28 
 
 HoLMAN. So here you are at it. We boys down south used 
 to wonder how you carried on up here, now I shall have a 
 chance to see. 
 
 Mrs. Win. Take the easy chair, Mr. Holman. 
 
 H01.MAN. Thank you ma'am. I am much obleeged to you. 
 This war lias done one thing. 
 
 Mes. Wm. What is that, Mr. Holman? 
 
 Holm AN. It's put us all on a level. Time was when I 
 shouldn't a dared to sit down in an easy chaii' in Dr. Win- 
 throp's mansion; h^d now, though I thmk more of the doctor 
 and his family than ever before, I feel at home. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Why, Abijah, how you talk. 
 
 Holman. Truth, Lucia, and I tell you why, and this I've 
 learned in the army, too. When you git to the hearts of peo- 
 ple, it don't make no difference whether they are rich or 
 poor, high or low, they are jest the same. Some folks cover 
 up the hearts and you'd think they hadn't any, but let some- 
 thin' tear away the cov'rin' and you see 'em beatin' like a trij) 
 hammer. So you see I aint' af eared to come here now, 'cause 
 the war uncovered your hearts and I know what you air. 
 
 Mrs. Win. I am glad to hear you speak in that way, Mr. 
 Holman, we shall always be proud to welcome you, and doubt- 
 less all here will express the same sentiments. 
 
 One. We shall all be glad to see you at anytime. 
 
 Another. Our house is always open to you. 
 
 Holman. Thank you ladies, and I s'pose Mrs. Holman is 
 invited too. 
 
 Mrs. Win. Certainly. You are both one, are you not ? 
 
 Holman. Wal, yes, I don't know. How is that Lucia? 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Abijah! I should think you'd better go home, 
 if you can't talk any better' n that. 
 
 Holman. Why, what have I said ? 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Said! you talk like a young boy that's just 
 married. 
 
 Holman. Wal, it makes me feel young, to see all these fine 
 young ladies, and to hear them chatting away to themselves. 
 But there is one thing I'd like to have you do if you ain't too 
 busy. 
 
 Mrs. Win. Wal, now, Abijah, what's got into you? 
 
 Holman. Oh ! nothin particular, only I like to hear some 
 of these young ladies sing a song. [Enter Louise, L., bowing, 
 shakes hands with Jlolman.] 
 
 Louise. I am glad to see you Mr. Holman. 
 
 Holman. Thank you ma'am. I am glad to see you. Ladies, 
 many's the time Ave soldiers at the South have lifted our caps, 
 and give three cheers for the daughter of the regiment. She 
 seemed like an angel to some of us. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Now, Abijah, what air you sayin'. Givin' 
 
29 
 
 three cheers for an angel! Wal, that beats all. [General 
 Laughter.] 
 
 HoLMAN. Lucia alius was a laughin' to me about my gram- 
 mar; and I 'spect if I was dyin' and I should say "set round 
 me all my friends," she would say "sif Abijali, not "set" : 
 "hens set." Wouldn't you Lucia? 
 
 Mrs. Hol. Perhaps I should, if I thought you would re- 
 mem'^er it. 
 
 Louise. Mr. Holman does not tell you of the Good Samar- 
 itan part which he acted. He has saved the life of more than 
 one man, by his careful nursing, and comfoited many a boy 
 wlien he has been discouraged from long sickness in the camp. 
 It was fortunate that he went into the army, if his strength 
 did not allow him to keep up with his company in some of 
 the forced marches. 
 
 HoLMAJj. Miss Louise don't say too much about them af- 
 fairs, for J can see that Mrs. Holman is gettin' a little riled, 
 and besides I didn't do no more'n I ought to do; but as I was 
 sayin' when you come in, can't some of the young ladies sing 
 a song? Sometliing cheerful like, so that we may forget the 
 war for a time. [Exprefisiuns of pain come over the faces of 
 many present.] 
 
 Louise. Will Miss Peters sing? 
 
 Miss Peteks. I really could not. 1 have a very bad cold, 
 ahem ! 
 
 Mks. Wix. Perhaps Miss Henry will favor us. 
 
 Miss Henkv. I sliould be pleased to do so, but I have lui 
 notes with me. and I cannot sing witliout them. 
 
 Louise. There is Mrs. Dolly, mother, she will undoubtedly 
 sing. 
 
 MiivS. Wix. Mrs. Dolly, will you favoi Mr. Holman and 
 ourselves with a song ? 
 
 Mrs. Dolly. I thank you, Mrs. Winthrop. Indeed I 
 thank you very much, but I never sing in ]>ul)lic. 
 
 HoLM.\x. Come, Miss Louise, you sing us something that 
 you used to sing in Virginia. Give us that one about the 
 Robin. 
 
 Louise. Ah! I know. "The robin sings his sweetest 
 song." 
 
 Holman. Yes, that's it. 
 
 Louise. And after I have sung that, perhaps Mrs. Royson 
 will sing one of her inimitable songs. 
 
 Mrs. Royson. I shall be most happy to sing for the old 
 hei'O. [Louise sinys.] 
 
 Holman. That brings the old times back to me. Some of 
 them were happy days, after all. 
 
 Mrs. Hol. I believe he is mournin' for his old associates. 
 If it wasn't for his wounds I believe he'd enlist again. 
 
 Holman. That I would, you may depend on't. [Ladies 
 
30 
 
 clap their hanch. Holmaa bows and is very much pleased with 
 the compliment.] 
 
 Louise. Mrs. Royson ? [Mrs, B. bows, (joes to the piano and 
 plays and sings. While Mrs. R. sings Capt. Winthro}^ appears 
 at the door. Louise utters a cry of gladness and goes toward 
 him. Enter Winthrop, L. Mrs. R. stops playing, all greet the 
 new comer.] 
 
 Mrs. Win. Mauley! [Kisses him and leans her head upon 
 his shoulder.] 
 
 Wix. Mother, dear! [Kisses her.] How do you do Louise ? 
 I Kisses Louise. ] 
 
 Louise. I am glad to see you. 
 
 Win. How do you do ladies, I am happy to see you. How 
 are you Holmau ? 
 
 HoLMAN. Right smart, I thank ye. Captain. You are 
 lookin' pooty well. 
 
 Win. [At the same time shaking hands with all.] And so I 
 am. 
 
 HoLMAN. But what are you at home for now ? Your time 
 ain't out. 
 
 Win. To recruit a new command, but we will talk that 
 over some other time. You've been well mother? 
 
 Mrs. Win. Very well, my son. Have you seen your father? 
 
 Win. Yes, mother, I met him below. He will be in soon. 
 Excuse me, and I will make myself a little more presentable. 
 [Exit Capt yViiithrop, L.j 
 
 Holm AN. Well, Lucia, perhaps we'd better be goin', so the 
 family can talk over matters together. 
 
 Mrs. Win. You are not unwelcome at this time. Do not 
 take yourself hurriedly away. 
 
 Holm AN. Thank ye, ma'am, we will call again. 
 
 Mrs. Win. We hope you will do so. [Exeunt Mr. and Mrs, 
 H. and others, R.] 
 
 Louise. Miss Henry says she would like to see Manley and 
 ask him about her friend Ray. 
 
 Mrs. Win. She can remain hei-e or step to the library. 
 
 Louise. Why ! where is Hark ? 
 
 Mrs. Win. Sure enough! where is he? [Enter Hark.] 
 
 Hark. Here lis am. Missus Winthrop. 
 
 Mrs. Win. How do you do. Hark ? I am glad to see you 
 .safe at home. 
 
 Hark. I'se glad nuf to get yere. I is so. [Exeunt all, R.] 
 
 Scene IV, Before Petersburg. Officer's Tent with Flag Sta£ 
 before it. Col. Deerson at the door. Enter Orderly, L, saluting. 
 
 Ord. Colonel! They've got a spy down there. 
 Col. D. How do you know ? 
 
31 
 # 
 
 Ord. I've seen him. Regular secesh all through. He's got 
 important papers with him. 
 
 Col. D. Who's got him? 
 
 Ord. Capt. Snob. His Lieut, brought him in from picket. 
 
 CoL. D. Why didn't he bring him directly to headquarters I 
 
 Okd. You ask me too much Colonel. 
 
 Col. D. Well, just you go down there and tell Capt. Snob 
 to have his lieutenant trot him up here at double quick. 
 Orderly fialutei^. Exit Orderly L. 
 
 CoL. D. That's a pretty piece of business; taking a spy to 
 company headquarters instead of the regimental ! He shall be 
 reprimanded for it. Enter Adjutant, i?, ftcdiiting. 
 
 Ad.jt. The general commanding has died from the effect 
 of wounds received. 
 
 CoL. And who assumes command ? 
 
 Adjt. Are you not the ranking officer ? 
 
 Col. D. I must be. Do you sit down immediately and 
 write an order to that effect. [Adjutant f/oen into the tent and 
 uirites. ] 
 
 CoL. D. Say that in consequence of the death of the general 
 commanding, Col. Deerson being the ranking officer assumes 
 command of the brigade, and is to be recognized as general 
 and to be obeyed and respected accordingly. Write it "Per 
 order. Col. Deerson commanding Brigade" and sign it, and have 
 it dispatched as soon as the orderly returns. [Enter Lieutenant 
 Haines, L, with spy (juarded by four soldierf! all salute the Col- 
 onel except the spy, and ininiediately after them enters Orderly L. 
 who salutes the Aajufant as he isKue!< front the tent, rereix-es the 
 orders and departs, B. A<ljutunt rentaines to trifnes.s tJie pm- 
 ceedin<is. 
 
 Col. D. Whom have you here Lieutenant ? 
 
 Lieut. H. A spy tliat we took on the outer picket. 
 
 CoL. D. [Turnimi to spy,} What say you sir, are you a spy".' 
 
 Greg. If I should deny it you would not believe me, and if 
 I should say I am you would not sliow me clemency. 
 
 CoL. D. A very exalted opinion you have of us Yankees, 
 now havn't you? 
 
 Greg. In time of war. Reason and Moderation bid farewell 
 to men. 
 
 Col. D. Who ai'e you? or Lieut, where are the papers? 
 
 Lieut. I have found only one upon him of any importance 
 as evidence against him, and that is of no use to our general — 
 Here it is. 
 
 CoL. D. [Glancinr/ at it,] Out of date, but it will go against 
 him. [Turning to Gregory] have you other papers? 
 
 Greg. You are at liberty to search me. 
 
 CoL. D. What do you expect to gain by this obstinacy? 
 
 Greg, as you will not take the word of a spy, I wish you 
 to be satisfied by seeing with your own eyes. 
 
32 
 
 Col. D. Lieutenant, search the rascal. [Lieutenant H. be- 
 gins the search. Greyonj is unresistimj until Lieut. H. says 
 ''open (jour 6o.so»i." then he instinctively starts.] 
 
 Col. D. There's the treasure now. Tear his shirt, any- 
 thing. [They scuffle. They leave his neck bare.] 
 
 Gkeg. [chokinr/.] Unliand me and I will give them to you. 
 [Tliey release him and he takes out the papersbut before hayidiny 
 them, suddenly tears tliem in peices — all try to prevent it but do 
 not succeed.] 
 
 Greg. There they are. [Throws them to Col. D.] 
 
 Col. D. [Enraged.] Rascal! Villianl You shall die for 
 this. [Greg, looks defiantly.] 
 
 Col. D I'll take out your Virginia blood, you'll see if you 
 can insult us with impunity, you upstart of a rebel! Lieuten- 
 ant, bind him to that staff. 
 Lieut. H. Boys, fasten him. 
 
 CoL. D. There's a rojie in my tent. [On« yets the rope and 
 they tie him fast to tite staff.] 
 
 CoL. D. Now Lieut, to your duty as executioner. 
 
 Greg. Hold there ! I have one request to make. 
 
 Col. D, Xame it, 
 
 Greg. Take my fathers address. [Col. D. takes his pencil 
 to write on card or paper.] '"Sylvanus Gregory, Spottsylvania, 
 [Col. writes.] Say his son died true to his name and to Virgin- 
 ia. Tell him to tell Winthrop that to our vows, I have never 
 for one moment proven false. [Greg, hesitates.] 
 
 Col. D. Come, is that all?— 
 
 Greg, Yes. (hesitatingly.) But — 
 
 CoL. D. Come, out with it, if there is any thing. "We don't 
 want to be cruel with you. 
 
 Greg. Tell them to tell Louise (blu.^hing.) that I have done 
 what I thought was right. [Is much affected.) 
 
 CoL. D. All right. Its done. (Folds the paper and puts it 
 in his pocket.) And now you shall soon know whether you've 
 done right or not. Are your guns loaded, Lieut. ? 
 
 Lieut, H, Are you loaded, boys! (They nod and say '^'^yes 
 sir.") 
 
 Lieut. Yes sir they are all loaded. 
 
 CoL. D. Proceed. (Greg, is very nervous, excited, eyes start 
 out,) 
 
 Lieut, Eeady — Aim — (Enter Col. Winthrop hastily.) 
 
 CoL Wix, Hold! Stop, (The Lieut, does not proceed, and 
 the men come to a shoulder. ) What does this mean I An execu- 
 tion at headquarters Col. Deerson. and by your command? 
 
 Col, D. By what right do you interfere ? 
 
 CoL. W. Through seniority of rank. 
 
 CoL. D. I deny your right. 
 
 Col. W. Show the date of your Commission. Here is 
 mine, ( They exwnine papers. ) 
 
33 
 
 Col. D. I acknowledge that you are right, though only by 
 two days. 
 
 Greg. I am saved. ( While Col. D. is- talking. Col. W. cuts 
 the ropes which bind Gregory, who falls fainting but is caught by 
 Col. W. TABLEAU. Curtain falls.) 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Scene I. Verandah of Col. Gregory^s house. Col. Gregory 
 and his daughter Marion. 
 
 Marion. Oh ! father, father can it then be true, 
 That we are whipped and that the Yankee troops 
 Are marching now victorious o'er the land ? 
 
 Col. G. It is but true, my daughter dear ; the North 
 Have beaten us upon our native soil. 
 And we are henchforth vassals of their will. 
 
 Marion. What mean you, vassals, serfs unto the North ? 
 I'd sooner live on plainest fare, or starve 
 Than for an hour submit to their vile sway. 
 Out upon them ! I spurn the mudsills now, 
 As when four years ago we here were met. 
 
 [Stamps her feet excitedly. Enter Lillian, R.] 
 Where, think you, is your Yankee lover now ? 
 
 Col. G. Hush, my daughter! speak not thus to Lillian, 
 Young Winthrop did but act the part he thought 
 Was right ; he is an honest whole-souled man. 
 Have you not heard that by his friendly aid 
 Our Festus' life was saved when hope was gone ? 
 
 Marion. Ah ! father, can you e'er forget the night 
 He fled from us, deceiving ere he went ? 
 Col. G. Ah! Marion, you are a rebel still. 
 Marion. Indeed I am, and while I live, I trust 
 My heart will ever feel the same as now. 
 
 Lillian. What boots it Marion, that we persist 
 In hating those who are our honest friends. 
 Has not friend Winthrop ever shown a heart 
 Of kindness toward our household, young and old ? 
 Marion. I don't care; I'm a rebel and I always will be 
 one. [Enter Festus Gregory, L.] 
 Marion. There's Festus! 
 Lillian. My dear brother ! 
 Greg. Ah! sisters, father, I'm home for good. 
 Col. G. Welcome home, Festus. Glad we are to see you. 
 Marion. Did you come near being shot for a spy ? 
 Greg. Yes, I did sis, and but for my friend Winthrop 1 
 should now be a dead man. 
 
34 
 
 Marion. It's no more than he ought to do. You saved 
 his life once, and he saved yours. Tit for tat. You are not 
 indebted to him. 
 
 Lillian. Tell us about it, Festus. 
 
 Greg. Well, our commanding officer wanted to find out 
 something in regard to the enemy's defence, and I volunteered 
 to undertake the task. 
 
 Marion. Brave Festus ! 
 
 CoL. G. A true Gregory ! 
 
 Grkg. I was captured, and brought before a colonel, who 
 upon the sudden death of his general, had assumed command 
 of the brigade. I was condemned by him to be shot immedi- 
 ately, and the Lieutenant was preparing to execute the sen- 
 tence ; indeed the soldiers were aiming there guns at me, when 
 Winthrop rushed up and put a stop to the proceedings. 
 
 Lillian. That was a narrow escape ; but why was Win- 
 throp obeyed ? 
 
 Greg. Because he was the ranking officer, as was proved 
 by examining their commissions. When I heard that Win- 
 throp was to take command I exclaimed "I am saved!" I 
 knew that my old friend would manage to get me safe out of 
 it, although I could not see how it could be done and he prove 
 true to his principles as I knew he would. 
 
 CoL. G. Thank Heaven, my son, for such a friend ! They 
 are few, and they are as precious as they are rare. 
 
 Greg. I am glad that you think this of Manley. I parti- 
 ally swooned upon being restored to hopes of life, and was 
 taken in that condition to Col. Winthrop' s headquarters where 
 I soon returned to full consciousness of my situation. I was 
 very grateful to my deliverer from immediate death, and for 
 his promise of interposition in my behalf, if my execution 
 should be demanded. But you know how Lee surrendered, 
 and the troops were allowed to go to their homes. I was ac- 
 cordingly liberated and am now with you. 
 
 Lillian. Thank Heaven that the war at length is ended. 
 
 Greg More of this another time. [Exeunt all, R. and L.] 
 
 Scene II. Poorly furnished room. Old Mrs. Holman knit- 
 ting. 
 
 Mrs. H. -Gratitude ! love ! sympathy ! Pretty words 
 Are these, but they have lost all meaning now. 
 They were merely catch words for the time. 
 Debts of honor! (ha! ha!) are never paid. 
 If there be an "I owe you" which the law 
 Has jurisdiction over, all is well ; 
 But words of honor are but slender bonds 
 Which oft are broken when the danger's past. 
 Ay ! we may live on poorest fare, or starve. 
 And yet no one of all who promised much 
 
35 
 
 Will aid us, but in common chanty. 
 Oh ! must a soldier, or his wife ask alms 
 Of those for whom he gave his strength in war '? 
 They throw his scanty pension in our teeth 
 As if eight paltry dollars would suffice 
 To purchase all our wants if sick or well ! 
 Ah ! Christianity, thou art malinged 
 When such penurious, flinty men profess 
 Their deeds are governed by thy righteous laws I 
 [Enter Holman, L., on crutches.] 
 Mr. H. Wife, wife, what is that you say ? Are you crazed ? 
 Of late I often find you muttering. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oft-times I think I'm like a sorceress; 
 They say that oft from lack of proper food. 
 The tongue of prophecy itself is loosed ; 
 That visions come which others cannot see. 
 
 Holman. Lucia ! Lucia ! wife, stop. Oh I speak not so. 
 Is there not e'en a morsel in the house ? 
 
 Mrs. H. Not e'en one morsel, all we had is gone. 
 But do not mind, Abijah, for my days 
 Are numbered and in brighter lands I soon 
 Shall be where plenty reigns and ills come not. 
 Mr. H. You shall not starve to death. You've kept 
 from me 
 Your pressing need while I have found my bread 
 Away ; else I'd have begged for your relief. 
 Good Colonel Winthrop has been e'er our friend, 
 I'll haste to him and tell our need of food. 
 [Starts to leave the house. Enter Col, Winthroy and Louise, X.J 
 Win. Good morning, Holman ! 
 
 Mr. H. Thank Heaven ! When e'er "we talk of angels, 
 then 
 We hear the gentle rustling of there wings." 
 [Lotti.se meanichile goes to Mrs. Uolman with jellies, cakes and 
 bread.] 
 
 Louise. Here is something which mother has sent you 
 Mrs. Holman. She thought perhaps your appetite would 
 crave this jelly. You are looking really ill ; I will tell father 
 to call and see you tomorrow morning. [Mrs. H. tastes of the 
 jelly and eats of the bread. [ 
 
 Mrs. H. Bless your gracious heart. You are a Chrisiian. 
 You have saved me from starvation. 
 Louise. Starvation! Mrs. Holman. 
 
 Col. W. Starvation ! Holman how is this ? I thought you 
 had more confidence in us than this. 
 
 Mr. H. She didn't want me to beg, and so kept her real 
 need from me. 
 
 Col. W. Beg ! Holman, beg ! what are you talking about ? 
 You are not an object of charity. A man lose his strength, 
 
36 
 
 his power of procuring a living, by service at war, and then 
 be obliged to beg and feel ashamed to do so, why Holman this 
 is simply ridiculous. You shall never want while any of the 
 Winthrops are alive. Just you rest easy on that score. 
 
 Mb. H. I knew it. I knew you would say so. 
 
 Mks. H. Heaven will reward you ! 
 
 Col. W. For paying my debts ? Ha ! ha ! Good morning. 
 I'll send Hark here tomorrow. 
 
 Louise. Good morning. I"ll call and see you again soon. 
 (Exeunt Col. W. and Louise, B.) 
 
 Mk. H. Now, Lucia, I guess you'll consent to live a little 
 while longer. 
 
 Mks. H. Wal, I think I will, Abijah, seein' there's angels 
 of mercy on the earth aS well as over yonder. I expect the 
 Good Father dont' leave us alone, though sometimes it seems 
 as if he had forgotten us. If we try to do right, we shant 
 starve, or suffer more than we can bear. I believe that, don't 
 you, Abijah ? 
 
 Mk. H. That I do, Lucia, though sometimes a feller will 
 forgit it when his last cent is gone, and his wife is sick, and 
 he don't know where the next cent is comin' from. 
 
 Mks. H. Let's bow our heads a minute and thank the Fa- 
 ther for His care, and ask a blessin, on our friends. ( They 
 bow their heads. TABLE A U. They rise. ) 
 
 Mks. H. Come, Abijah, help me put these things in the 
 pantry. 
 
 Mk. H. That I'll do. {Theij take baskets and Exeunt, L.) 
 
 Scene. III. {Parlor at Col. Gregory's residence. Enter 
 Louise Winthrop, X, and looks from the window.) 
 
 Louise. Oh ! sweet the balmy air which wafts the scent 
 Of myriad blossoms from the orchard grove, 
 Who would not love tbe South, and linger here 
 Her youthful years, where all is beautiful? 
 Though there were nothing else to bind my heart 
 But these delightful scenes in field and wood. 
 E'en then methinks, I could with pleasure call 
 This happy place my home ; but when fond eyes 
 Have looked their earnest love into mine own" 
 And whispered words have spoke of loving long, 
 Methinks I could no other country find 
 Where life would seem so dear antl truly blest. 
 {Lightly sinys ''The Bobin shujs his sweetest song'' or some 
 other pretty song. Enter Greg. L.) 
 
 Greg. HoI ho! »m 6e//e thy pretty voice this morn 
 Is blithe and merry as the wildest bird. 
 Art thou so very, very happy, sweet, 
 As thy glad, ringing voice bids me believe? 
 
 Louise. Ah ! Festus who is there would not be glad 
 
37 
 
 Amid these scenes on this delightful morn ? 
 Gees. Then 'tis the scene and nothing else which thrills 
 
 Thy gentle heart with such unwonted joy! 
 Louise. Not this alone, nor chiefly, but thy words 
 
 Of yesternight afford this joy to me. 
 (He attempts to kiss her and she apparently yields, but ere he 
 con succeed she starts away singing. Exit Lonise, R. 
 Gke(t. How tantalizing is my bird today I 
 
 When woman knows her sovereign power o'er man, 
 
 Tis her delight that i^ower to exercise. 
 
 Humph ! well, we wait while they the fetters bind, 
 
 And tis a pleasing sway I well confess. 
 
 Is it that the morn is now more beautiful 
 
 Than other mornings, that we are so blest ? 
 
 The birds, the trees, the flowers — all Nature seems 
 
 Thrice filled with joy upon this vernal day. 
 
 These festive scenes remind me of the days, * 
 
 The hostile days upon the Southern soil. 
 
 Friend "VVinthrop then was my sworn enemy 
 
 According to the usages of war; 
 
 Yet often did he prove that friendship true 
 
 Will rise above all party strife or hate 
 
 And its delightful offices perform, 
 
 Though, seemingly, disgrace be its reward. 
 
 And now, today, sweet peace reigns o'er this land. 
 
 The South, submissive to the fate imposed 
 
 By war's result upon their conquered heads. 
 
 Are living with the hope of better days ; 
 
 Nor bear the North ill-will, as some suppose; 
 
 'Tis true, I cannot speak for all the South, 
 
 But all I know submit with willing grace 
 
 And own the justice of the ruling power. 
 
 This is a glad and most eventful day ; 
 
 It sees my sister and my truest friend 
 
 Together joined in matrimonial bonds. {Enter gttests. L.) 
 
 The guests are coming and I must away. 
 
 (Erit Greg., B. Enter Marion Gregory, B.) 
 Marion. Good morning, friends, I am glad to see you 
 here. 
 
 Be seated till the bride and groom arrive. 
 Enter other guests who are received by Marion. Enter Pianist, 
 li., who seats himself at the piano, remoces his gloves and after a 
 little delay begins to perform the "Wedding March.''' Enter Col. 
 G^-egory, L. Enter clergyman who is to officiate. The as.'iembled 
 guests act e.vpectant and eager. Enter Festus Gregory loith 
 Louise Winthrop, and Col. Winthrop loith Lillian Gregory. 
 They assume their proper positions and the marriage ceremony 
 if, about to begin when the curtain falls. 
 
 TABLEAU. 
 
OCT 6 1931 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 018 597 303 7